Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities

In this episode, Laurie chats with her stepdaughter, Sydney, about the challenges and strengths associated with ADHD, and emphasizes that once individuals with ADHD find their passion, they can excel. Sydney shares about her personal struggles with math due to inconsistent schooling and a learning gap, but also expresses pride in her ADHD, calling it her "superpower" and attributing her success in...

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey discuss alternative treatments for ADHD, particularly focusing on neurofeedback. They welcome guest Betsy Ezell, Director of Neurofeedback at Heritage Counseling and Consulting. Betsy shares her background as a licensed clinician with a passion for both therapy and science, and explains how neurofeedback therapy can be an effective alternative treatment to help wi...

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey chat with Pam Cusick and discuss the challenges and strategies surrounding neurodiversity in the workplace. Pam shares insights from a recent survey conducted by Rare Patient Voice, which gathers input from neurodivergent individuals regarding their workplace experiences. Resources: Rare Patient Voice Website: https://rarepatientvoice.com Let's Talk Learning Disab...

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey welcomed Nadaya Cross, Director of Disability Services at Texas Woman's University. Nadaya shared her journey, starting as an interpreter before moving to Disability Services, where she advanced to director. She expressed her excitement about the progress in supporting students with disabilities, making the campus more inclusive and accessible. Resources: ​Texas W...

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey introduce their special guest, Anna Popp, an educator advocate from Popp Educational Services and Advocacy. Anna shares her journey into advocacy, which was shaped by her experience as a parent of children with disabilities and her career in education and nonprofit work. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the rights of children with disabilities, a kno...

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey unpack some really great thoughts on getting ready for school in the new year. They talk about reviewing your accommodation plan, and being communicative with teachers ahead of time. Laurie & Abbey also discuss what it looks like for students to advocate for their own needs as they get older and even enter college. Resources: Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Websi...

In this episode, Abbey and Laurie celebrate the milestone of reaching their 100th episode of their podcast, "Let's Talk Learning Disabilities." The podcast has grown beyond their expectations, receiving positive feedback from listeners who have found it a valuable resource. They dedicate this special episode to sharing some of the impactful feedback they've received over the years, highlighting th...

In this episode, Abbey and Laurie chat with Cindy Palmer from STEM Tutoring, who specializes in dyscalculia. Cindy shares her background, explaining her career shift from a high school biology teacher to a one-on-one therapist for adolescents. Resources: STEM Tutoring: https://www.tutoringstem.com Book - A Mind for Numbers by Barbara Oakley: https://barbaraoakley.com/books/a-mind-for-numbers/ Let'...

In this episode, Abbey and Laurie chat with Candace from Lively Minds Institute, who has extensive experience in education and a passion for helping students who struggle with executive function skills. Candace shares how her journey began 25 years ago, working initially on academic content like math and reading, but quickly realizing many students needed help with skills like organization and tas...

In this episode, Abbey and Laurie welcome Polly Benson from LegiLiner. Polly, an occupational therapist, explains her journey of creating LegiLiner. She started by hand-drawing lines for students with handwriting difficulties and decided to create a rolling stamp for easier line-making. After struggling to find an existing solution, she invented her own stamp, receiving enthusiastic feedback from...

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey welcome Dr. Sandra Elliott from Touch Math to discuss her work with dyscalculia and the Touch Math program. Dr. Elliott explains her background as a special education teacher and elaborates on Touch Math's origins in 1975, when a teacher in the Colorado Springs Public School District developed it to help students with autism understand math by using concrete objec...

In the final episode of their parenting series, Laurie and Abbey chat with Sarah, who discusses her daughter Alyssa's struggles with math, which began in elementary school and persisted despite her excelling in other subjects. Sarah recounts how Alyssa was initially denied appropriate support and faced dismissive attitudes from teachers, which hindered her progress. These early challenges undersco...

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called "Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges." In this next episode, Laurie has a conversation with a guest named Heather Brown, whose daughter Cambri faced learning difficulties from a young age. Heather recounts Cambri's journey, starting with observations in pre-K where her unconventional pencil movemen...

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called "Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges." In this next episode, Laurie has a conversation with a guest named Rachel Rakunas, who shares her experience raising a child with learning differences. Rachel discusses her son's struggles, beginning with difficulty learning letter sounds in preschool, which l...

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called "Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges." In this next episode, Laurie has a conversation with a guest named Kelsey Talley. She shares her journey with her daughter Reagan, who recently received a diagnosis of ADHD. Drawing from her experience with her dyslexic son, Kelsey recognized similar patterns...

In a bonus episode, Laurie and Abbey discuss summer camps, chatting with both Karl Oppenheimer from Camp Dunnabeck and Ilana Stoch from Camp Kodiak. They hear how both camps are excellent summer options for students with learning disabilities. Resources: Camp Dunnabeck: https://www.kildonan.org/camp-dunnabeck/ Camp Kodiak: https://www.campkodiak.com Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https:...

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey they take a break from their parenting series to discuss summer programs, featuring a special guest, Melody O'Neil, from Landmark School in Massachusetts. The school offers comprehensive summer programs for students entering grades 2 through 12, focusing on literacy, math, study skills, and executive function. Resources: Landmark School Website: https://www.landma...

In this episode, Laurie hosts solo during the CEC (Council for Exceptional Children) Convention in San Antonio, engaging with guests like Jeanetta Bryant from Abilities Workshop, Michelle from Ta-Da! Languages, and Ilana from Camp Kodiak. Resources: Abilities Workshop: https://www.abilitiesworkshop.com Ta-Da! Languages: https://www.tadalanguages.com Camp Kodiak: https://www.campkodiak.com Let's Ta...

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called "Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges." In this next episode, Abbey has a conversation with a guest named Katie, who has three children with learning differences. Katie shares her experiences with her eldest son, who was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD at the age of seven. Resources: Let's Talk Lea...

In this lively discussion from the Learning Disability Association (LDA) Conference in Orlando, Laurie and Abbey interview three guests: Polly from Legi-Liner, Jennifer from Syllables Learning Center, and Tim and Lindsay from OrCam. They share great insights into innovative tools and approaches for individuals with learning disabilities. Resources: Polly Benson https://www.legiliner.com https://ww...

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called "Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges." In this next episode, Laurie has a conversation with a guest named Jennifer, a mother of four children with learning disabilities, who shares her family's journey through diagnoses and coping strategies. Resources: Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: htt...

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called "Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges." In this next episode, Abbey has a conversation with a guest named Michelle, who shares her experiences as a parent navigating learning challenges with her daughter. Michelle discusses the struggles she observed in her daughter, such as messiness, forgetfulness...

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called "Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges." In this next episode, Abbey has a conversation with a guest named Sarah Noble, who talks about her experience with her daughter Alexandra, who has dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Sarah shares how the family had a history of dyslexia, making them aware o...

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called "Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges." In this next episode, Abbey has a conversation with a guest named Tricia Allen. Tricia shares her experience with her middle child, Sydney, who displayed intense emotions from a young age. Sydney's struggles became apparent during her transition to school, esp...

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called "Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges." In this next episode, Abbey has a conversation with a guest named Jennifer Fulbright. Jennifer discusses her son's struggles before any diagnosis, both academically and behaviorally, especially with phonics, phonemic awareness, and writing. Resources: Let's Ta...