Decoding Learning Differences with Kimberlynn Lavelle

In this week’s episode , I am giving some clear guidelines on the best methodologies for educating children with dyslexia, based on the most current research. Click here to watch, listen, and learn !  While you’re here, be sure to subscribe, rate, and write a review to help others discover all that you have found so helpful!

After that long IEP Tips series, I’m excited to offer you an interview today!  Today’s episode is an interview with Andrea Pollack of Autism Parent Solutions. Whether or not you have a child with autism, be sure to listen because you WILL gain insight! One of the biggest things that is explored in this episode is Unshakeable Parenting Confidence! Learn a bit about Unshakeable Parenting Confidence...

This week’s final episode stems from the position many families find themselves in of being offered a Section 504 plan when what they really wanted for their child was an IEP.  We go into the differences and similarities of these two educational supports to hopefully allow families to make the decision that is best for their child! Watch the video or download the audio for this week’s episode wher...

Last week we went through all the steps of GETTING an IEP for your kiddo, but another common question is around how to keep the school from taking that IEP away.   Every three years, the school district must determine if your child is still “eligible” for an IEP and while this brings updated information, it can also mean that the school may recommend “exiting” your child from special education/ an...

Many families assume that a school will recognize if their child is struggling and will assess them and put them on an IEP if that is needed, all without the parents saying anything.  And, honestly, that’s how it’s supposed to work.  For many children, that is exactly how it does work.   However, for many other kids, their needs get brushed aside and they are never assessed, and never put onto an...

Sometimes, we need a second opinion.     If you’re feeling that the school’s report didn’t find give you the answers you needed regarding why your child is struggling, you might need a second opinion. And the beauty of the system is that you can request an IEE that is free of charge to you. I don’t encourage the use of this option for most people, as it is a big expense to school districts and we’...

Are Accommodations the most important part of an IEP? Last week we dove into the importance of well-written IEP goals and this week we’re going to another section of the IEP. The Accommodations section of an IEP is, for many kids, the single most important section of their IEP! For kids who are able to understand and participate in grade level content, accommodations may be the thing keeping them...

When we’re looking at IEP goals, we don’t want just an emotional impression of what we think the IEP is supposed to guide.  We need it to be crystal clear so that there is no confusion as to whether or not a child met that IEP goal.   Those goals need to leave no room for interpretation.  If 2 different teachers both read that goal, will they use entirely different methods of measurement?  If so,...

When it comes to IEPs, knowing how to read them helps us know where to look to find the important stuff within them.     An IEP document 30 years ago was 2 pages long.  Now IEPs are often more than 30 pages long.  They can be so large and overwhelming that many parents need help looking them over, understanding them, and knowing if the IEP is providing what their child needs.   While I actually lo...

Communication is really important to ANY relationship.  Most conflict seems to stem from miscommunication, misunderstanding, or lack of communication.   And when there is conflict around your child’s IEP, your child is not benefiting.  Communicate regularly with the entire IEP team!   Listen for more details on how and when and where and why and what to communicate with who!   You can watch the vi...

knowing what to bring to a particular event/trip is critically important to the trip’s success (and some things are out of our control).   When it comes to attending an IEP meeting, don’t show up empty-handed and clueless!  There are specific items you can and should bring with you for an optimally successful IEP meeting.   Click here to watch or listen to this week’s podcast episode and get all t...

Ultimately, the answer to this question is personal and depends greatly on your particular situation.   Listen or Watch the video to find out what you should consider when trying to decide if it's time to hire an advocate or a lawyer, and what to look for if you do decide to hire one.   Learn more at www. DecodingLearningDifferences.com!

This week’s episode is the first interview of the season!  And to kick us off, we’re bringing back Dr. Victoria Waller!   Last week we discussed how to set your child up for optimal learning and one of the key pieces to that is to make learning pleasant or even fun, and this week Dr. Vicki will give us plenty of ideas to get us started engaging our kids’ love of learning and creative spirit. Click...

In this episode, we go “Back to Basics” to remind everyone of the principles of what sets kids up for learning success.  This episode lays the foundation for understanding how to set your kids up for true learning success!     Watch the video at: https://decodinglearningdifferences.com/home/basics/  

watch video version at: www. YourParentHelp.com/podcast_0218   Around this time of year, a lot of High School seniors are considering colleges, applying to colleges, and taking SATs or ACTs. Younger kids are beginning to think about their future careers and the colleges they may be interested in attending.   And even if your child is quite young, the path to college might be something you either h...

video version at: www. YourParentHelp.com/podcast_0246   In a recent episode, Dr. Vicki Waller discussed the importance of not waiting to get your kid help.  There is a myth that if we wait, kids will just catch up and outgrow their difficulties.     And while some kids DO need more time to mature or more access to direct instruction to then “catch up” to peers, when a parent feels certain that th...

Video version available at: www. YourParentHelp.com/podcast_0245     In this week’s podcast episode, we have a fascinating conversation with Linda Karanzalis.  Linda is an ADHD and NVLD expert.  And if you’ve never heard of NVLD, you are not alone!  NVLD stands for NonVerbal Learning Disorder, and can be mistaken for ADHD or autism, but is entirely different, and those with NVLD are definitely NOT...

Website for this episode: www. YourParentHelp.com/podcast_0244     If you have ever felt that worry, “Will my child ever….?” listen to today’s podcast with Dr. Victoria (Vicki) Waller.    From Dr. Vicki Waller’s materials: “Every child can succeed in school and life, but some children need more help than others. For over 40 years, internationally acclaimed reading specialist and student advocate D...

Video available at: www. YourParentHelp.com/podcast_0243   I can not count how many times I’ve heard parents worried about their child’s weekly spelling lists.   Parents want to know what they should do as far as accommodations, or if the list is reasonable, or if it’s just cruel to mark a kid wrong for letter reversals when they otherwise would have gotten 100% (finally).  Ouch!  Yeah, for the re...

Now WITH sound!   see video version:  https://www.yourparenthelp.com/podcast_0239     “Specific Learning Disability” versus “Dyslexia” I’ve heard so many parents question the school’s report of a “Specific Learning Disability” and ask how they can get their child diagnosed with dyslexia.  In some states, a school can actually give a diagnosis, but this is outside of the scope of schools in many st...

Episode video: https://www.yourparenthelp.com/podcast_0242   Motivating Dyslexic Kids is much like motivating any child!   Before watching or listening to this episode, be sure you have seen/heard the previous episodes:   Motivation Killers   Motivation: Focus on the Relationship   Motivational Autonomy   Motivational Reading   Motivational Writing   Motivational Outings: Zoo   Motivational Modeli...

See video at: https://www.yourparenthelp.com/podcast_0241   In a recent episode, Diagnosing Dyslexia, we discussed whose role it is to diagnose dyslexia and whose role it is to educate those with dyslexia.     This week, we’re talking about how to get the process of getting your kid help in public school started!   Request an evaluation Write out a request for an evaluation.  I recommend emailing...

Video version available at: www. YourParentHelp.com/podcast_0240   Effective Dyslexia Interventions   The “Gold Standard” in dyslexia interventions is Orton-Gillingham, often called “OG”.  There are many programs that are Orton-Gillingham-based.   The effectiveness of each OG-based program is highly dependent on the knowledge base of the person implementing the program.  If they are not actually t...

Happy October, also known as both Dyslexia Awareness Month and ADHD Awareness Month.   Personally, I love that these two share a month because there is a high rate of co-morbidity, meaning they often show up together!   And to kick off this amazing month, today’s podcast is an interview with Dr. Kathryn Garfoth of Garforth Education and the Right to Read Initiative Podcast.  From her website : “Dr...

 Parents often wonder whether it is worthwhile to write to their child's teacher.  The issue is complicated and nuanced, but overall, I almost always say: Yes!   Listen to the podcast and then be sure to read more of the details, ideas, and nuances at: www. YourParentHelp.com/podcast_0237