It’s time to spend some time with family for the holidays and now is a great time to look back at some of the earliest episodes of Diverse Thinking Different Learning. Today, we’re revisiting our conversation with Dr. Daniel Franklin.

What is a Language-Based Learning Disability and when should we as parents be concerned? Well, let’s ask an expert! Today my guest is Dr. Daniel Franklin, the founder and clinical director of the Los Angeles based Franklin Educational Services and the author of the book Helping Your Child with Learning-Based Learning Difficulties.

In today’s episode my guest and I discuss how the parent-child relationship is an important component of any intervention. We also recognize the fine line between being a helicopter parent and a helpful parent and Dr. Franklin gives great advice on walking that fine line. This conversation will leave you feeling empowered and inspired.

Show Notes:

[3:37] - Research shows that many children who have a reading difficulty or diagnosed specific learning disability frequently have a behavioral difference as well, like ADHD.

[4:29] - Because of this overlap in learning difficulties, they are grouped under a broader umbrella of Language-Based Learning Disabilities.

[6:20] - We want to remember that the human brain, especially a child’s brain, is a social organ that functions best in a context of healthy, positive relationships.

[7:32] - Only when a child is in a calm, regulated state can they experience meaningful learning.

[9:41] - The difference between a helicopter parent and a helpful parent is that a helicopter parent provides help that is not needed.

[11:04] - When we need to provide more help, that is fine, but when help is no longer needed in an area, as parents, we need to step back.

[13:39] - Dr. Franklin gives some suggestions on how to help students with writing without being counterproductive.

[17:05] - Dr. Franklin emphasizes the importance of identifying underlying difficulties to provide students the correct instruction and intervention.

[18:04] - The hierarchy of reading support is discussed in Dr. Franklin’s book and he breaks it down briefly with Dr. Wilson.

[19:40] - Dr. Franklin was featured in a documentary called Unteachable by Anthony Sherin which focuses on the importance of student-teacher relationships.

[22:05] - Having a strong relationship with students is important in helping them develop self-confidence and reinforce a love of learning.

[24:58] - No two kids are the same. No two kids learn the same things in the same way at the same time.

[28:11] - Sharing your observations with teachers is important.

[30:47] - If you want to know what is going on in a child’s mind, observe their body. If they are slumped over, their brain is slumped, too.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Daniel Franklin is the author of Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities, and a co-editor of The Los Angeles Psychologist. He holds a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a PhD from UCLA in Education. Dr. Franklin has over 30 years of experience in education as a teacher, administrator, and educational consultant.

Connect with Dr. Daniel Franklin:

Franklin Educational Services
ChildNEXUS Provider Profile - Dr. Daniel Franklin
Dr. Franklin on Facebook
Dr. Franklin on Twitter
Call Dr. Franklin (310) 571-1176

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The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.

S1.46 - And the Dream Continues