Living With an Invisible Learning Challenge

In this episode of Living With an Invisible Learning Challenge, we will explore how learning differences can be recognized differently in girls and boys, and how stereotypes, expectations, and coping strategies can cause challenges to go unnoticed. Through examples of NVLD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and processing differences, she explains how someone can be intelligent, successful,...

This episode explores how habits are shaped by the brain, environment, stress, and our need for comfort or stimulation. Using The Power of Habit , I look at habits through the lens of neurodivergence, ADHD, weight, chronic migraine, and trauma—moving beyond willpower and self-blame to ask what purpose a behavior may be serving. The goal isn't perfection, but creating flexible, compassionate habits...

This is part 2 of this interview with Jodie Herbert, which discusses neurodiversity, autism, disability advocacy, and the gap between understanding someone’s needs and actually providing the support they need in everyday life . She calls this the “implementation gap” and shares insights from her personal and professional experiences, including workplace accommodations, sensory needs, communication...

What does resilience look like when the challenges we face aren’t always visible? This episode explores neurodivergence, invisible learning challenges, chronic migraine, sensory sensitivity, and trauma through the metaphor of the Everchanging Butterfly . Discover how adapting, resting, asking for help, and rebuilding our wings can all be part of growth and resilience. Articles cited PubMed — Resil...

Today let's explore how we can better understand people whose challenges aren’t immediately visible. Inspired by What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry, the episode shifts the question from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” and “What do you need now?” It connects invisible learning differences, neurodivergence, trauma, sexual abuse, and chronic migraine wh...

Jodie Herbert discusses neurodiversity, autism, disability advocacy, and the gap between understanding someone’s needs and actually providing the support they need in everyday life . She calls this the “implementation gap” and shares insights from her personal and professional experiences, including workplace accommodations, sensory needs, communication differences, and practical changes that can...

This episode explains the differences between developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, and processing differences, including autism, dyslexia, NLD, and auditory and visual processing challenges. It emphasizes that these differences are not a reflection of intelligence or effort and encourages greater understanding, support, and compassion. Use this link to find my other podcasts, Etsy Sh...

Neurodivergence isn't just about challenges—it's also about strengths. In this episode of Living With an Invisible Learning Challenge , Jennifer explores the unique talents that often accompany neurodivergent minds, including creativity, pattern recognition, resilience, memory, and problem-solving. Drawing from her own experiences with tech tutoring, audio memory, memorizing song lyrics, a...

In Part Three, Jennifer continues her conversation with Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes, exploring how workplaces and healthcare systems often fall short for those with neurodivergence and chronic conditions. They discuss the gap between performative inclusion and real accessibility, the toll of masking, and outdated productivity standards. The episode also highlights the added barriers faced by Black women...

If you or someone you love is navigating NVLD,  you already know how exhausting it can be to keep trying the same things and getting the same results. The stuck feeling is real. The conflict cycles are real. The gap between knowing what needs to change and actually changing it is real. That is exactly what this workshop is designed to address. Reset: Getting Unstuck as a Family (Without More Press...

In this episode, The Inner Light: NLD, Neurodivergence & Resilience , the host explores how living with Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD) and other neurodivergent traits can bring both challenges and hidden strengths. Drawing from personal experience and research, the episode discusses how differences in social interpretation, sensory processing, and daily adaptation can shape resilience, crea...

Not all advice fits every brain. In this episode, we explore how neurodivergent individuals can use critical thinking, self-awareness, and lived experience to evaluate advice instead of accepting it automatically. From neurodivergence and comorbidity to resilience and the “Inner Light” philosophy, this conversation is about finding what truly works for you. Use this link to find my other podcasts,...

In Part Two, Jennifer continues her conversation with Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes, exploring how workplaces and healthcare systems often fall short for those with neurodivergence and chronic conditions. They discuss the gap between performative inclusion and real accessibility, the toll of masking, and outdated productivity standards. The episode also highlights the added barriers faced by Black women a...

This episode explores how people with invisible learning challenges use “masking” and perfectionism to hide struggles rooted in shame—a concept defined by Brené Brown as feeling unworthy of belonging. It explains how repeated experiences of misunderstanding turn mistakes into identity, leading to exhaustion and disconnection. The podcast encourages embracing vulnerability, normalizing needs, and m...

The Narrator Inside My Neurodivergent Mind explores what it’s like to live and work with multiple learning differences and chronic migraines, using the narrator in your head as a metaphor for constant mental juggling. It highlights the balance between productivity and health, the tools and strategies that help, and the shift from self-criticism to self-support—reframing challenges as strengths. Us...

This episode features a conversation with Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes exploring lived experiences of neurodivergence and chronic conditions, and how systems—especially workplaces and healthcare—often fall short in supporting individual needs. Together, they examine the gap between performative inclusion and true accessibility, highlighting how rigid, one-size-fits-all policies, complex accommodation pro...

This episode explores awareness vs. acceptance through the lens of neurodivergence and chronic pain. It reflects on living with invisible challenges, the impact of being misunderstood, and how a diagnosis can bring clarity. Ultimately, it highlights that acceptance—not just awareness—is what creates real support and self-understanding. https://linktr.ee/JenniferPTTS?utm_source=linktree_profile_sha...

This podcast script debunks common misconceptions surrounding Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD), emphasizing that co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and sensory sensitivities are the rule rather than the exception. Rather than viewing these traits as childhood-only deficits or a lack of intelligence, the script highlights that understanding the scientific facts empowers neurodivergent adu...

In this episode, the host and Jennifer discuss what it is like to live with invisible learning challenges and how progress can look different for people with neurodivergence. Jennifer explains that growth is not always linear—people may move forward, struggle, and then move forward again. They emphasize that setbacks do not mean failure but are often part of the learning process. The conversation...

This podcast episode explains the difference between PTSS and PTSD through the host’s personal experience as a neurodivergent person, showing how trauma can accumulate and keep the nervous system stuck in survival mode. Using the “Everchanging Butterfly” concept, the host reframes healing as an ongoing cycle of growth, encouraging listeners to remove their masks, honor their limits, and see transf...

This episode explores the complex social and political ties between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein through the unique lens of Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NLD), offering personal survivor insights and practical strategies for processing heavy news cycles. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/JenniferPTTS?utm_source=linktree_profile_share⁠⁠ Resources for Your Show Notes: Referenced Episode: Episode 20: Wha...

This episode is a continuation of a conversation between the host, Jennifer Purcell, and her guest Jennifer, exploring what it’s like to live with an invisible learning disability. Together they share personal experiences and reflections on neurodivergence, discussing the challenges of executive function, daily life, and how understanding and awareness can support individuals with multi-learning d...

The Rush Trap: Slowing Down to Move Forward explores why many neurodivergent people feel driven to start tasks before fully planning, a pattern rooted in executive function differences rather than laziness. The episode explains how ADHD-related impulsivity, dopamine needs, time blindness, and autism-related overwhelm or masking can fuel this urge to rush. It offers compassionate, research-informed...

This episode of Living with Invisible Learning Challenges explores how rising health insurance premiums and government policy decisions affect everyone, while hitting neurodivergent individuals especially hard. Because many neurodivergent people rely on ongoing, specialized care, even small increases in premiums, deductibles, or cost-sharing can limit access to therapy, diagnoses, and mental healt...

The episode features an interview conversation that explores personal experiences of living with an invisible learning challenge, focusing on neurodivergence, self-understanding, and advocacy, while highlighting the importance of sharing stories to build awareness and connection. ⁠ https://linktr.ee/JenniferPTTS?utm_source=linktree_profile_share⁠ Etsy shop: ⁠⁠ ⁠ ⁠ https://wovendifferently.etsy.com...