Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities

In Episode 131 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie interviews Chris Wang, founder of Shimmer Coaching, about accessible ADHD coaching and support services. Chris shares her personal journey from an undiagnosed hyperactive child to an entrepreneur who struggled to find affordable coaching after her diagnosis at age 28, which inspired her to create Shimmer. The conversation explores what ADH...

In Episode 130 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie interviews Kelli Fetter, founder of Handwriting Solutions and a pediatric occupational therapist. Kelli shares her journey into the field of handwriting remediation, which began when her own child was diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia. Frustrated by the lack of understanding and resources for dysgraphia, Kelli immersed herself in rese...

In Episode 129 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie speaks with Jacqui Byrne, founder of Flex School, about the topic of twice-exceptional (2e) students. Byrne defines a 2e student as someone who is gifted in one or more areas but also has a complicating factor that interferes with their ability to demonstrate that intelligence. Resources: FlexSchool Website: https://www.flexschool.net Free...

In Episode 128 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie welcomes two new directors at Diagnostic Learning Services, Crystalyn and Melinda. Both come from strong educational backgrounds, having worked in general and special education, as well as serving as diagnosticians in public schools. They share how transitioning into their new roles has allowed them to expand their expertise and support cl...

In Episode 127 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie reconnects with DJ Tharrington to hear about his incredible journey from struggling with dyslexia to graduating law school. After facing workplace discrimination due to his learning disability, DJ decided to pursue his long-held dream of becoming a lawyer. Despite being discouraged by several education consultants and rejected by 18 out of...

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey interview DJ Tharrington, a previous client, who shares his journey of growing up with dyslexia, working around it, and pushing through college curriculum with and without accommodations. DJ also shares his experience in battling his own ADA discrimination case and how that pushed him to attend law school. Resources: Contact info for the podcast: letstalklearningd...

In Episode 125 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie speaks with Laura from Rudder Coaching, a college success coach who helps students not just survive but thrive during their college years. Laura specializes in working with students already enrolled in college, helping them build strong time management habits, plan future careers, and develop confidence in their academic and personal lives...

In Episode 124 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie interviews Jim Wismer, director at Ivy Experience and board member of the National Test Prep Association (NTPA). Jim explains how NTPA supports test prep professionals through collaboration, ethics, and professional development. He shares his journey from aspiring Latin teacher to seasoned test prep expert and now director overseeing tutor...

In Episode 123 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie reconnects with Melanie Florsheim to revisit the foundational concepts of dyslexia, emphasizing that it is a neurological disorder affecting the brain’s ability to process written language—not a result of brain damage or reversed letters. Melanie explains that dyslexia primarily impacts reading, spelling, and writing due to difficulties in...

In Episode 122 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie chats with Dr. Michele Evard, a seasoned homeschool consultant and co-author of a book on designing and documenting homeschool education. Michele shares her journey from academia to homeschooling her three children, emphasizing the importance of individualized learning. She explains that homeschooling allows children to learn naturally and...

In Episode 121 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie interviews Andrea Malkin Brenner, a college transition expert, sociologist, and co-author of How to College. Drawing on her 20 years of experience as a professor at American University, Andrea shares how she developed courses and resources, including her “Talking College” card decks, to help students and families navigate the transition fr...

In Episode 120 of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie invites her husband Tim to share their unique experience as a married couple who both have ADHD. They reflect on the challenges and strengths of navigating life, work, and parenting together while managing their symptoms. Resources: Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com Contact info for the podcast: lets...

In Episode 119 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, host Laurie Peterson attends the Independent Educational Consulting Association (IECA) conference in Detroit, where she interviews three professionals working to support students in their academic transitions. Resources: Andrea Malkin Brenner: TalkingCollege.com National Test Prep Association: https://nationaltestprep.org/ Jim Wismer: https://myi...

In this episode, Laurie reconnects with Cindy Palmer from Threshold Coaches to discuss essential parenting strategies for supporting neurodivergent students, particularly those with ADHD, as they transition from high school to college. Resources: Threshold Coaches Website: https://www.thresholdcoaches.com/ Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com Contact info for the podca...

This episode of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities focuses on the often-overlooked emotional impact of learning disabilities and ADHD on both children and adults. Laurie emphasizes the importance of validation, open communication, and self-advocacy for both children and adults navigating these challenges. Therapy, coaching, and workplace accommodations are suggested to help individuals build resilie...

In this episode of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie chats again with Cindy Palmer of Threshold Coaches, this time on the topic of the transition from high school to college for neurodiverse students. Cindy shares her top 10 tips for these students. Resources: Threshold Coaches Website: https://www.thresholdcoaches.com Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com Contac...

In this episode of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie chats with Dr. Casey Vaccaro to discuss autism, its symptoms, diagnosis, and its overlap with ADHD and learning disabilities. Dr. Vaccaro emphasizes the importance of early intervention, comprehensive evaluations, and support through educational accommodations and therapies like ABA. Addressing common myths, she reassures parents that wit...

In this episode of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie Peterson interviews inspiring guests at the Learning Disability Association annual conference. The episode highlights innovative programs and resources designed to support neurodiverse students, from college readiness initiatives to personalized learning environments. Resources: Beacon College Website: https://www.beaconcollege.edu/ Autho...

In this episode of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie continues her conversation with Jan Van Blarcum, focusing on the unique aspects of the Einstein School. Resources: Einstein School Website: https://theeinsteinschool.com Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com Contact info for the podcast: letstalklearningdisabilities@gmail.com E-Diagnostic Learning Website: http...

In this episode of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie welcomes Jan Van Blarcum as a special guest for a two-part interview. Laurie and Jan have known each other for many years, their connection stemming from Jan's tutoring company and Laurie's work in testing students. They formed a friendship and now Jan runs a school in Plano called The Einstein School. Resources: Einstein School Website:...

In this Episode, Laurie focuses on SAT and ACT accommodations for students with learning disabilities. She discusses how many people are unaware that accommodations are available for these standardized tests and explains that the process can be overwhelming. She highlights that requirements frequently change, influenced by events such as the college admissions scandal, which led to stricter regula...

In this Episode, Laurie kicks off a brand new season of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities. Resources: Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com Contact info for the podcast: letstalklearningdisabilities@gmail.com E-Diagnostic Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.com Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eDiaglearning/ X: @diaglearning LinkedIn: https://www.link...

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey conclude their interview Dr. Justin Chelette, an optometrist from Texas Vision Therapy, delving into the topic of visual processing and functional vision. Resources: Texas Vision Therapy Website: https://www.texasvisiontherapy.com College of Optometrists in Vision Development Website: https://www.covd.org Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodca...

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey interview Dr. Justin Chelette, an optometrist from Texas Vision Therapy, to delve into the topic of visual processing and functional vision. Resources: Texas Vision Therapy Website: https://www.texasvisiontherapy.com College of Optometrists in Vision Development Website: https://www.covd.org Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com Contact...

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey interview Lindsay Hollmuller from Dallas Integrated Counseling as a continuation of their Intervention series. Lindsay sheds light on the common challenge of test anxiety and explains how a program called Test Edge can help individuals overcome this obstacle whether it is a result of a learning disability, or a standalone concern. Resources: Let's Talk Learning Di...