Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Listen in as we discuss executive functioning and unpack its critical role in managing daily life and long-term success. There are the three core executive functions - inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility – and they form the foundation for skills like organization, planning, and emotional regulation. Hear compelling research that highlights the lifelong impact of executive...

Today, we're exploring a crucial yet often overlooked topic: the impact of dyslexia on mental health. Dyslexia affects nearly 20% of people in the United States, yet its influence goes far beyond reading challenges. Many don't realize the deep connection between dyslexia and mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and self-esteem struggles. Misunderstandings and stigma can lead to feelings...

Today, we're exploring the transformative power of music therapy with our guest, Samantha Foote, a board-certified Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow and Positive Discipline Parent Educator. Samantha brings her expertise to support neurodivergent individuals and their families by blending creativity with therapeutic intervention. With her approach, she uses music not just as a tool for expression but...

Welcome back! In this episode, we're diving into the world of managing challenging behaviors—a topic every parent can relate to. We often think of behavior as just an action, but today's guest, Dr. Andrew Kahn, highlights that behavior is a form of communication. By reframing how we understand what our children are trying to express through their actions, we can open up new possibilities for posit...

Welcome to today's episode, where we'll be diving into the Science of Reading with our guest, Dr. Benjamin Powers. If you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about how students learn to read, this episode is packed with insights on evidence-based reading instruction and how it can transform classrooms. Dr. Benjamin Powers is an educator, researcher, and thought leader who believes that cerebr...

It's not only ADHD Awareness Month, it is also Dyslexia Awareness Month! So today, let's revisit a conversation with Dr. Sally Shaywitz about overcoming dyslexia and addressing the reading crisis, which is still relevant and a huge concern. We are in the midst of a reading crisis in the United States. This problem has existed for a long time, but it was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has...

It is ADHD Awareness Month, and we are revisiting an excellent conversation with Dr. Stephen Hinshaw about ADHD in girls. We've discussed ADHD on the podcast before and it continues to be an important topic. Dr. Stephen Hinshaw has conducted years of research including a longitudinal study on girls with ADHD and his findings are not only fascinating but important to consider especially if you are...

It is ADHD Awareness Month, and we are committed to providing resources and information that increase understanding about ADHD. Today, let's revisit an episode with Dr. Joel Nigg about lifestyle activities that can improve ADHD symptoms. Dr. Joel Nigg, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at Oregon Health and Science University, is the author of the book Getting Ahead of ADHD . In t...

In today's episode, I'm focusing on a topic that impacts millions of children, teens, and adults: ADHD assessments. ADHD is a chronic condition that often persists throughout life, so understanding the assessment process is crucial for setting families up for long-term success. I'll be diving into various aspects of this process, exploring the multiple steps involved to ensure that the diagnosis i...

In today's episode, we're diving into a subject we haven't yet explored on this podcast: eating disorders. This is an issue that affects millions of people worldwide, including many children and adolescents. For some, it's a deeply personal battle that often goes unnoticed by those around them. Research even suggests that certain groups, like girls with ADHD, might be at greater risk of developing...

Welcome to this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning, where we dive into a topic that is of growing interest to parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with ADHD: integrative treatments for ADHD symptoms. Today's guest, Sara Langley, is an expert in Nutritional Psychiatry and will share valuable insights on how diet and integrative approaches can complement traditional ADHD tr...

Parenting is filled with moments of stress and overwhelm, especially when raising children with different neurological wiring. Many of us have faced times when our child's behavior feels too much to handle, leaving us unsure of what to do next. That's where today's guest, Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, comes in. Dr. Roseann is a trailblazer in mental health, media figure, and the founder of Neurotasti...

Welcome to this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning, where we are diving into a topic that's becoming increasingly urgent: loneliness in children and adolescents. We've all experienced loneliness at some point in our lives. However, for many young people, especially those with learning and thinking differences, loneliness can become a persistent and deeply troubling issue. It's more tha...

Welcome to the 200th episode of the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast! I am so excited to celebrate this milestone with you. This episode is a celebration and a look back on some of the most memorable and impactful episodes along this 200 episode journey.  We've got some really great updates and surprises coming soon! Be sure to check out past episodes that highlight the expertise and su...

Welcome to today's episode, where we're exploring the timely topic of inclusive education. As the new school year begins, many parents and educators are thinking about how to create learning environments that truly support all children, regardless of their abilities. Whether you've already made decisions for your child's education or are still weighing your options, this episode will provide valua...

Can you believe that it is almost time to go back to school? This time of year can be stressful for students and parents, especially when there's a history of challenges with learning and transitions. Today's guests, Gabrielle Hennings and Zoe Hemenway, bring their combined experience in education, specializing in supporting neurodiverse learners, to the conversation about preparing our students f...

Welcome back, listeners, to Diverse Thinking Different Learning! In this episode, we're having a conversation with Dr. Sarah Powell , a distinguished professor at the University of Texas at Austin and Associate Director of the Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk. Dr. Powell's expertise in math education sheds light on effective strategies to support students who face challenges with mat...

When describing their kids, some parents might mention traits like a strong desire for accuracy, perfectionism, being highly attuned to their environment, experiencing very intense emotions, and having a strong sense of fairness and justice. Some may wonder, is my child autistic, gifted, or both? This episode is about exploring that question and providing insights into both giftedness and autism....

Today, we are diving into an important and deeply personal topic: navigating autism and the parent-child relationship when a child is on the spectrum. To help us explore this, we have the incredible father-son duo, Barry and Jake Freeman, joining us. Barry and Jake are here to share their unique perspective on living and thriving with autism as a family. Their journey is not only inspiring but als...

Awareness and understanding of neurodiversity have been expanding in our society along with the need and opportunity for neurodiversity-affirming care.  I'm thrilled to have Kody Harms joining me this week. Kody is a neuro-affirming therapist, educator, and advocate with over 15 years of experience working with neurodiverse children, teens, and adults. As a board-certified behavior analyst and co-...

Summer is here, and many graduates are looking into the college application process. If you're not sure where to start, a college consultant can help make this stressful period much easier for students and parents alike. Today, we dive into everything about independent college consultants. What exactly are they? What is their role, and how do they help our students? We'll explore who might benefit...

Today, we have a truly inspiring guest joining us from the heart of the jungle in Costa Rica. She's the director of the Renaissance Institute (iREN), a trailblazing educational program that is redefining how we approach learning for all students, especially those with learning differences. We're excited to dive deep into her insights and experiences on how she combines neuroscience, psychology, an...

Today, we're diving into a topic that affects many kids, teens, and adults: social anxiety. Social anxiety is more than just the usual nervousness or shyness; it can significantly impact daily life, making even the simplest social interactions panic-inducing. We're going to break down what social anxiety is, how it differs from normal social worries, and most importantly, how to spot it in childre...

In this episode, we're exploring something that is often misunderstood and rarely talked about: gap years. Many parents and students don't really know exactly what a gap year is or how taking one could be the right choice for them. So today, we are exploring the benefits and considerations of gap years for teens and young adults with learning differences. I'm thrilled to introduce our guest, Julia...

Welcome to today's episode, where we are navigating the complex landscape of public and private school options for children with learning differences. While many families have had great experiences in both settings, others face challenges that necessitate exploring alternative educational environments. Today, we're diving into the independent school option for those with learning differences, with...