Diverse Thinking Different Learning

The end of a school year is a great time to reimagine learning environments for the next academic year. While that may seem like a topic only applicable to teachers and their classrooms, these redesign ideas are amazing additions to a child’s home as well. Today’s guest is Lindsay Astor Grant, a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Learning Redesigned. At Learning Redesigned, Lindsay helps teachers and parents reimagine the learning space with the mission of partnering with schools to help create and sustain the optimal learning potential of their students.  In our conversation today, Lindsay describes what changes we can make to a child’s environment to ensure that the brain is in the readiness stage for learning. And while we are preparing for the next academic year, this is the perfect time to start thinking about what we can do to help support the needs of our children and students.   Show Notes: [2:52] - The learning environment is often overlooked but it is so important and could contribute to dysregulation. [4:34] - Lindsay did a great amount of research and observation about the classroom environment impacting student behavior. [6:01] - Behavior is communication. [7:38] - When beginning the redesign process, Lindsay starts small in creating spaces that help children stay as even as possible internally. [9:12] - Rather than focusing on the behavior itself, we need to think about the sensory issue that contributes to the behavior. [11:01] - Everyone, including neurotypical adults, have a threshold on how much we can handle before we are in sensory overload. [12:41] - Understimulation can also cause behavioral reactions from children. [15:27] - In classroom and even home environment redesign, Lindsay creates a space that is not punitive that allows a child to come down from overstimulation. [17:24] - Providing a safe space also gives students validation for their feelings. [20:28] - It’s not white walls and white furniture, it’s more neutral colors that are calming and peaceful in the classroom. [22:16] - Let the background be neutral and the color come from the artwork. [23:48] - The majority of problems come from transitions. [24:50] - Visual schedules are not only helpful in the classroom but in the home as well. [28:01] - Creating a “zen zone” is something that Lindsay has done for students in as early as pre-k classrooms. [30:02] - Many teachers are worried that students will just spend their whole day in the zen zone, but Lindsay says that if it is done in conjunction with others, that won’t be a problem. [33:24] - When a kid is uncomfortable, they won’t be able to take in the information you need them to learn. [35:18] - Using the same or similar supports as the classroom at home creates consistency for the child. [38:29] - Sometimes, the entire school will adopt this approach and the impact is noticeable especially over time. [41:06] - Another effect of this is a classroom culture that fosters acceptance and understanding.   About Our Guest: Lindsay Astor Grant is a licensed pediatric occupational therapist and owner of Learning Redesigned. She earned her M.A. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California and has advanced training in Sensory Integration, Executive Function, Motor Skill Development, and Classroom Design. Lindsay has more than two decades of experience in the field. She began her career as an OT for the Los Angeles Unified School District and in 2007, she started Children First Therapy, providing private in-home and school-based occupational therapy services. In 2018, Lindsay founded Learning Redesigned, working as an independent consultant for schools. She leads staff professional development sessions, as well as parent education seminars on topics including Executive Function, Sensory Integration, Classroom Layout and Design, Movement-Based Learning, and Motor Development.    Connect with Lindsay Astor Grant: Email LindsayAstor@gmail.com Learning Redesigned Home Page Consult with one of our Occupational Therapists here   Links and Related Resources: Episode 133: How Occupational Therapy Can Help Address Picky Eating with Dr. Ellie Bendetson and Leah Hiller Episode 117: How Surf Therapy Helps Neurodivergent Kids with Naomi Matanick Episode 9: How Occupational Therapy Helps Kids with Leah Hiller   Trying to figure out next steps in supporting your child?  Book a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Karen Wilson - https://www.childnexus.com/consultation    Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com 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.

In today’s episode, we have the author of an incredible book called Canaries Among Us, Kayla Taylor. And in our conversation today, we are tackling three topics at once: bullying, learning differences, and anxiety.  Canaries Among Us is a raw and honest exploration of the everyday lives of children challenged by learning differences, anxiety, and bullying. Author Kayla Taylor blends science and poignant storytelling to create this necessary, timely, and stigma-tackling resource for anyone interested in child well-being. Kayla writes to address important issues plaguing families, and she uses a pseudonym to protect the identities of minors and other vulnerable individuals. She supports organizations that promote mental health, neurodiversity, and bullying prevention. This is a conversation that will resonate with many families, especially those of children with learning differences.   Show Notes: [2:26] - Kayla shares that she never saw herself as a writer, but had an experience that rocked her and her family’s world which drove her to write Canaries Among Us. [4:05] - After journaling, writing creates meaning for Kayla. [5:07] - She felt alone for a very long time, but she realized how many families were dealing with the same thing. She felt a moral obligation to pay it forward. [7:17] - We have a huge societal issue with how we treat children with learning differences. [8:05] - When something is seemingly wrong, we try to fix the kid. But we don’t look at how broken the system is. [9:10] - We strip the joy out of life when we put people into boxes. [10:29] - Kayla explains the title of her book Canaries Among Us. [12:18] - If we just see a child based on their weakness, we miss so much about them. [15:09] - As a society, we are not equipping teachers with the tools and strategies they need to support all students in their classes. [17:12] - This is also impacted by the healthcare system. [19:28] - There are so many points where we can improve the systems we have. [21:28] - Kayla shares a story about a child who very clearly needed support and was denied everything. [23:38] - Average doesn’t bring out the strengths in anyone. A child may appear average when it comes to testing, but is filled with anxiety and struggle. [25:55] - When we focus on average and not everyone’s individual strengths and weaknesses, not only does the individual suffer, but society as a whole does as well. [28:41] - Kayla explains why bullying is a major topic of her book in addition to learning differences and anxiety. [30:39] - Marginalized children are unfortunately the most targeted for bullying. [33:55] - Bullying is not a right of passage. [36:47] - Kayla describes an experience with an administrator that denied bullying exists in elementary school. [39:32] - There are different reactions to bullying and Kayla shares that the people who are the most helpful and empathetic are those who have had struggles themselves. [41:45] - We need to shine a spotlight on the children who are making the effort to show their differences and celebrate the differences of others. [43:52] - One way Kayla models acceptance to her own children is to strip her vocabulary of words like “strange” and “weird”.   About Our Guest: Kayla Taylor is a best-selling writer, researcher, advocate, and parent. She recently published Canaries Among Us, an exposé blending poignant storytelling and groundbreaking research to empower those caring for the millions of kids challenged by learning differences, bullying, and anxiety. This heartrending chronicle bravely tackles harmful stigmas and proposes new ways of thinking about how we raise and teach our children. Throughout her story, Taylor reveals both the exquisite joy and painful heartache inherent in raising children who don't fit society's definition of "normal."   Connect with Kayla Taylor: Instagram Kayla Taylor Home Page Canaries Among Us: A Mother’s Quest to Honor Her Child’s Individuality in a Culture Determined to Negate It by Kayla Taylor   Links and Related Resources: What Are the Consequences of Bully Victimization on Children and How Can You Help Them Cope? Bully Proofing Strategies for Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Social Challenges Episode 43: Building Social Competence and Enhancing Social Skills with Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson What is a Comprehensive Evaluation and How Can It Help Support My Child’s Learning? Episode 132: Social Justice: A Framework for Equity in Education with Charles A. Barrett   Trying to figure out next steps in supporting your child?  Book a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Karen Wilson - https://www.childnexus.com/consultation    Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com 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.

A common struggle for parents and families is how to help their children understand their developmental and learning differences. For some parents, they don’t want to have the conversation at all. But today’s guest not only explains why it is important for a child to understand their brain, but the language we can use to start shifting a negative narrative. Dr. Liz Angoff is an Educational Psychologist who provides assessment and consultation services to children and their families. She is also the author of the Brain Building Books, tools for engaging children in understanding their learning and developmental differences as part of the assessment process. In our conversation today, Dr. Angoff shares the language and strategies she uses with the children and adolescents she works with to help them understand their strengths and struggles with the perfect balance to normalize and validate it all.   Show Notes: [2:22] - Kids know that they are different in some way and it shouldn’t be kept a secret from them. [3:38] - When kids don’t have the understanding of the way their brains work, they create their own narrative, which is often negative. [4:52] - When we can be realistic and transparent with kids, they can shift this narrative. [6:17] - The vast majority of the kids that Dr. Angoff works with express relief when they learn about their differences. [7:10] - Striking the balance means acknowledging both strengths and areas of struggle. [8:19] - Dr. Angoff shares a metaphor that helps kids understand how their brains work. [10:43] - This language normalizes always having something to work on and the process of learning new things. [12:53] - Kids need to understand that all adults also have ongoing construction projects as we are all always learning. [14:16] - Assessment should be approached from a place of curiosity. [16:06] - Many parents choose not to share a diagnosis with their child. The concerns are understandable. [17:29] - When we name what’s going on, we are giving kids a container for all these feelings and experiences. It also gives you community. [19:31] - Dr. Angoff shares some language and verbiage to use that becomes empowering and validating. [21:21] - When we understand how kids think about their experience, we can work on shifting their narrative. [24:23] - Dr. Angoff shares an example of how to address a struggle and area of frustration with a child. [27:28] - When kids understand why they are receiving an intervention, they are more invested. [29:58] - Dr. Angoff shares the experience of a child who became curious about her own disability. [32:27] - These are ongoing conversations and not a one time thing. [34:12] - Every child is different, but Dr. Angoff offers resources on how to talk to your children about their differences.   About Our Guest: Liz Angoff, Ph.D., is a Licensed Educational Psychologist with a Diplomate in School Neuropsychology, providing assessment and consultation services to children and their families in the Bay Area, CA. She is the author of the Brain Building Books, tools for engaging children in understanding their learning and developmental differences as part of the assessment process.    Connect with Dr. Liz Angoff: Website for Parents Website for Practitioners Brain Building Books Instagram   Links and Related Resources: What is a Comprehensive Evaluation and How Can It Help Support My Child’s Learning? Episode 2: Demystifying the Assessment Process Episode 28: Why We Need to Celebrate and Continue to Build Our Kids’ Resilience   Trying to figure out next steps in supporting your child?  Book a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Karen Wilson - https://www.childnexus.com/consultation    Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com 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.

We have talked about many different topics on the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast, but today’s topic of conversation is a new one. Although a new topic, it is a concern for many parents. Today we are talking about tics and our guest is an expert in this area. I’m thrilled to invite Dr. Kim Edwards to the show to talk about tics and Tourette Syndrome. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr. Edwards, and her expertise in this area provides so many families with the education and empowerment they need to manage their tics in a healthy way. Tics are more common than you think. Dr. Edwards explains just how common they are in children, and she discusses ways we can help them manage the behavior. It’s an interesting and uplifting conversation that you won’t want to miss.   Show Notes: [2:32] - Tics are rapid and repetitive movements or sounds. Dr. Kim Edwards shares some of the common motor and vocal tics. [3:35] - Some tics are part of normal development in childhood. [4:55] - Dr. Edwards compares the relief of a tic to scratching a mosquito bite. People with tics who try to suppress it compare it to holding their breath. [6:34] - Tics are not something that kids and adults want to do. It is not a choice and they struggle suppressing the urge. [7:48] - Tics love attention but sometimes responding to a tic establishes a connection and can make it worse. [9:55] - A common question from parents is “Will my child have this tic forever?” Some will pass, but some may experience more chronic tics. [11:30] - We cannot underestimate the power of education and understanding for families and the child themselves. [13:06] - There are environmental factors that play a role in the waxing and waning of tics. [14:06] - The swearing tic is actually very rare contrary to popular belief. [15:05] - It is possible for tics to be a part of ADHD or OCD. [16:23] - Tics don’t hurt the brain and because they aren’t impairing, there is no need to intervene unless it is harmful or bothersome to the individual. [17:37] - Dr. Edwards describes Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). [19:34] - CBIT is a management strategy, not a cure. There is no real way to make a tic go away completely and some new tics might pop up. [21:25] - There are medications that are possibly needed for intervention, but they are less impactful on targeting tics and have some side effects. [23:07] - What are sudden onset explosive tics? [24:32] - Functional tics are a little different. It is thought that increased stress and screen time during COVID led to an increase. [25:56] - Dr. Edwards has found that CBIT does not help individuals with functional tics. [28:53] - People, especially kids, need to understand how their brain works. [30:54] - When kids understand their brains, they can advocate for themselves and be a part of the conversation. Don’t underestimate the power of involving your child. [32:27] - Going through hard things builds resilience and challenges cannot be avoided. [35:31] - Dr. Edwards shares an analogy that helps parents realize that the journey they are on with their child is wonderful.   About Our Guest: Dr. Kim Edwards is a registered clinical and health psychologist in the Province of Ontario and the State of New York. Dr. Edwards specializes in the assessment and treatment of repetitive behavior disorders. She is one of only three Canadian Psychologists who can certify other health care professionals in Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT) – the behavioral treatment for tic disorders. After receiving her PhD from the University of Western Ontario, Dr. Edwards completed a 1-year clinical residency and a 2-year fellowship specializing in pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. While at SickKids, she co-developed and ran the hospital’s first groups for youth with tics and Body Focused Repetitive Behavior disorders. After her fellowship, Dr. Edwards worked at McMaster Children’s Hospital where she was a founding member of the pediatric chronic pain program and an assistant clinical professor in the department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences.   Connect with Dr. Kim Edwards: Email: kim.edwards@mindfithealth.ca  Phone: 647-646-3348   Links and Related Resources: Specialized MindFit Programs Tics and Tourette Syndrome   Trying to figure out next steps in supporting your child?  Book a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Karen Wilson - https://www.childnexus.com/consultation    Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com 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.  

We know that anxiety is common and many of us have experienced some level of anxiety. But there are many myths and misunderstandings about anxiety that could be preventing a child from getting the care and treatment they need. One of the myths you might have heard is that “kids will grow out of it.” While stress and fear are normal components of childhood development, 80% of children who are experiencing problematic anxiety are not getting treatment. Dr. John Piacentini joins me today to help us understand what anxiety is, how it differs from stress, and how to help your child if they are struggling with anxiety. For children and adults alike, stress levels continue to be high as we are still dealing with the uncertainty of the pandemic. But there are things we can do to validate a child’s feelings and help them through mild anxiety. And for those who are experiencing severe anxiety, Dr. Piacentini explains different types of treatment and support that can positively impact the trajectory of a child’s development.   Show Notes: [2:25] - There have been and continue to be concerns about the impact of anxiety on childhood development. [3:26] - Stress is a physical reaction in response to something difficult or even exciting. [4:29] - When stress becomes chronic, it is cause for concern. [5:04] - Alternatively, anxiety is related to fear. Fear is a response to something that is threatening. [6:31] - Dr. Piacentini gives an example to show the difference and similarities between stress, anxiety, and fear. [7:58] - There are times in development when anxiety and fear are normal. [10:30] - The intensity of the anxiety and anxious behaviors is something that is looked at and is cause for concern. [12:04] - Avoiding the thing the child is fearful of can intensify the anxiety. [13:34] - Dr. Piacentini explains the difference between positive and negative reinforcement and how each kind impacts behavior. [15:43] - A parent’s nature is to want to protect their child from stress, but Dr. Piacentini reminds us that their independence needs to develop. [17:05] - Missing out on social situations has a negative impact on anxiety. [18:51] - There are higher levels of mental health issues associated with the pandemic. Children with anxiety are even more sensitive. [20:10] - When schools closed, many children with anxiety and OCD felt validated, but the return to school has caused more stress, fear, and anxiety. [21:30] - Avoid having young children watch the news and catastrophizing the pandemic and provide as much structure as you can. [23:26] - Don’t accommodate the anxiety. [25:15] - Dr. Piacentini describes Cognitive Behavior Therapy and discusses how effective it can be. [28:50] - About 10% of kids meet criteria for problematic anxiety. Only 2 out of 10 are getting the treatment they need. [30:01] - A common physical symptom of anxiety are frequent headaches and stomachaches. [31:48] - The mission of UCLA CARES is to increase awareness and to help identify early signs of anxiety.   About Our Guest: Dr. John Piacentini is a board-certified clinical child and adolescent psychologist and Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences in the David Geffen School of Medicine and Semel Institute for Neuroscience at UCLA.  He is also the Director of the UCLA Child OCD, Anxiety and Tic Disorders Program and the Center for Child Anxiety, Resilience, Education and Support. Dr. Piacentini’s research focuses on the development of science-based treatments for child anxiety, OCD, tic, and related disorders. Through UCLA CARES, he and his team have implemented a number of school and community-based education and prevention programs to reduce the burden of child anxiety. Dr. Piacentini has authored over 300 scientific publications, including seven books, and his research has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and other leading foundations and philanthropic organizations. Dr. Piacentini is a frequent lecturer, and with his team has trained hundreds of mental health clinicians around the world in cognitive-behavior therapy and other evidence-based treatments and provided care to over 1000 children, adolescents, and their families.   Connect with Dr. John Piacentini: UCLA CARES Center Website Dr. Piacentini on Twitter   Links and Related Resources: Anxiety and the Family Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents How Social Anxiety Differs From Shyness and How to Help Your Child Episode 8: Mindfulness with Dr. Kathleen Carroll Wray Episode 6: Managing Family Stress and Anxiety with Dr. Stephanie Mihalas   Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com 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.

Dr. Dorie Weiss, expert in children's depression, discusses the rise in depression among kids and teens, distinguishing between typical sadness and clinical depression. She highlights the impact of COVID-19 on children's mental health, the challenges of identifying depression, and effective strategies for monitoring mood and challenging negative thoughts.

We’ve talked about occupational therapy on the podcast before, but we’ve never dug into a struggle for some children and families that occupational therapy can help. The topic of picky eating comes up for many families, for both neurodiverse and neurotypical children. And parents of picky eaters know that it impacts so many aspects of their lives, not just mealtime.  While picky eating is a common behavior in early childhood, it’s not always something a child will simply “grow out of”. And today’s guests explain how unique everyone’s experience is with food. Dr. Ellie Bendetson is an expert in picky eating and in supporting families of picky eaters. She joins the conversation today with Leah Hiller, who returns as a guest from Episode 9, where we introduced what occupational therapy is. Many conversations about occupational therapy tend to be broad, so let’s dig into one area of impact it can have on picky eaters and their families.   Show Notes: [2:12] - Many conversations about occupational therapy are very broad and generalized. But picky eating is Dr. Bendetson’s area of expertise. [3:21] - Picky eating is very common and there is no universal definition of what it means. [4:36] - Food and mealtime are complicated. There are so many things that could cause picky eating and can shift day to day. [6:07] - There are a lot of cultural aspects to this as well. [7:30] - For some children there are really only a few foods they will eat. Ellie works with many families like this and starts where they are. Picky eating is isolating. [9:11] - Early experiences play a key role. What are some factors that impact picky eating? [10:27] - Body awareness plays a role as well and for children with sensory processing issues, this is even more of a challenge. [12:30] - During an assessment, feeding is broken down into every little step. [14:30] - It’s shown that supporting the parents and families around picky eaters is so crucial. [16:41] - There’s an emotional connection and cultural importance put on food. [17:38] - Dr. Ellie describes her program Making Mealtimes Matter. [19:20] - Parents being able to help each other is so empowering. [20:52] - The goal isn’t to be able to eat everything. It is to be healthy and have a healthy relationship with food. [22:20] - Starting out by playing with food is a great place to start. This allows a child to understand the food. [24:03] - What can parents model? [26:17] - Getting a child involved in cooking and preparing foods is a great way to get kids excited about food. [28:49] - Parent groups with Hiller Therapy are virtual. Other programs are in-person.   About Our Guests: Dr. Ellie Bendetson Dr. Ellie Bendetson, OTD, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist in Los Angeles. Ellie attended the University of Southern California, graduating with her bachelors in OT in 2019, her masters in 2020, and her doctorate in 2021. She completed her doctoral residency at Hiller Therapy | Outdoor OT, specializing in parent education and picky eating. She also holds certifications in sensory integration and the sequential-oral-sensory (SOS) approach to feeding. She is passionate about working with families to better their mealtime experience and working with children of all ages and abilities in supporting their growth at home, at school, and at play. When she's not working, Ellie enjoys hiking, baking, and playing with her dogs.   Leah Hiller Leah Hiller is a pediatric occupational therapist, an educational consultant, and a former Jewish day school teacher. Leah provides teachers and parents with the strategies, support, and evidence-based resources to help children thrive at home, school, and play. In addition to providing individualized OT services in her private practice, Leah offers workshops for parents and educators, and she teaches graduate courses in special education. Leah lives here in Los Angeles with her family, and her OT therapy studio is located in a natural setting - her backyard.   Connect with Our Guests: Hiller Therapy Website Email Dr. Ellie Bendetson: ellie@hillertherapy.com  Email Leah Hiller: leah@hillertherapy.com    Links and Related Resources: Episode 9: How Occupational Therapy Helps Kids with Leah Hiller Helping the Picky Eater Handle Back to School ALPS Children: A Steep Climb But Well Worth It   Trying to figure out next steps in supporting your child?  Book a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Karen Wilson - https://www.childnexus.com/consultation    Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com 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.

Social justice is a topic of discussion on several episodes of this podcast and today’s guest joins the conversation on this important part of education. Because, social justice is truly a framework for equity in education. Today’s guest is Dr. Charles Barrett, an experienced school psychologist, speaker, and author of Social Justice in Schools. Dr. Barrett knows that significant contextual factors, events happening around students, can affect their social, emotional, and behavioral functioning. He joins me today to discuss actionable steps that parents, educators, and practitioners can take to promote positive outcomes for all students and communities.   Show Notes: [1:58] - Dr. Barrett has an extensive background, and he shares how he got into this particular area. [3:46] - There are a lot of variables that can impact how well a child does in school. We need to be mindful of these realities. [4:42] - Not everyone has the access to the things they need to reach their potential. [6:12] - Where do we even begin in understanding social justice? When can we move from knowledge to action? [7:40] - There are systems in place that cause inequitable outcomes. One major one is education funding. [8:57] - It is a reality that children do not receive the same level of education based on their demographic. [9:37] - Racism is another factor in inequitable outcomes. [11:03] - Distance learning during COVID-19 placed a spotlight on the disparity in education. [12:40] - Are we misinterpreting student performance as a disability? [14:24] - When returning to school after the COVID-19 pandemic, students experienced difficulty in socializing. [16:10] - Be present. Be proactive. Be persistent. [18:58] - Dr. Barrett and Dr. Wilson discuss what it looks like to be persistent. [20:26] - Access to information is key to advocating. An informed parent is the best partner. [21:44] - The partnership between the parent, the school, and the teacher is so important. [23:11] - There are more things that can be provided that parents don’t always know about that are outside of the IEP. [24:12] - Dr. Barrett explains the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. [26:59] - Understanding and access to information is not just important for parents. Students need to understand how they learn as well. [29:33] - If you are an educator, Dr. Barrett recommends first being critical of your own work. [31:08] - For parents, a great place to start is asking questions.   About Our Guest: Charles A. Barrett, PhD, NCSP, a district-level administrator in Virginia, practiced as a school psychologist for 13 years at the elementary and secondary levels. He serves as an adjunct lecturer at several universities, where he is actively involved in the training and development of future school psychologists. Dr. Barrett was named School Psychologist of the Year by the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists and received the Rookie of the Year Award from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). His past leadership positions within NASP include co-chair of the Social Justice Task Force and African American Subcommittee, chair of the Multicultural Affairs and Social Justice Committees, and Virginia Delegate to the NASP Leadership Assembly. Dr. Barrett serves on the editorial boards of School Psychology Review and School Psychology. He is a frequent speaker and workshop presenter for educators, families, and community organizations.    Connect with Charles Barrett: Charles Barrett’s Website Twitter Instagram Email charles@charlesbarrett.org    Links and Related Resources: Social Justice in Schools by Charles Barrett Episode 75: How to Raise Justice-Minded Kids with Dr. Traci Baxley Episode 97: Building Communities of Support and Resistance with Dr. Bibi Pirayesh Episode 37: Literacy: A Social Justice Issue with Resha Conroy Episode 5: Educational Therapy, Distance Learning, and Social Justice with Dr. Bibi Pirayesh Fostering Social Justice in our Youth   Trying to figure out next steps in supporting your child?  Book a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Karen Wilson - https://www.childnexus.com/consultation    Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com 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.

Dr. Shadab Jannati discusses Cognitive Behavior Therapy for kids and teens, highlighting how CBT is goal-oriented, helps with anxiety and negative thinking, and empowers young individuals through psychoeducation. The podcast delves into the evolution of CBT, techniques for managing anxiety, and the importance of family involvement in treatment plans.

Do you experience struggles around morning routines, getting to school, transitions, homework, mealtime, getting off screens, and bedtime? You’re not alone. And if so, you don’t want to miss this conversation with Dr. Karrie Lager.  With Dr. Karrie, we’re taking another look at a treatment modality that could be right for you and your family. It’s called Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and it focuses on play-based coaching for parents to better interact with their child to strengthen relationships and improve behavior. Many parents have said that this was a life changing experience for them and Dr. Karrie can help us understand what PCIT is, what it entails, who it’s right for, and how it can impact the entire family.   Show Notes: [2:23] - Let’s continue the conversation about different treatment modalities with parent child interaction therapy. [3:21] - PCIT is evidence-based and is designed to strengthen the parent child relationship. [4:35] - Common moments of parent stress can become a problem. [5:20] - PCIT is unique in that therapists coach parents in real time. [6:05] - In the past, therapists would coach through a one way mirror. Now with technology and telehealth platforms, therapists can coach in the home. [8:28] - What are the benefits of coaching in the moment? [9:46] - Dr. Karrie shares some of the things PCIT helps guide parents through, specifically tantrums and aggression. [11:04] - How to notice the good in others and how to positively interact with others is one key feature of PCIT. [13:32] - PCIT can be adapted to work with children with ADHD, Autism, and learning differences. [14:40] - Screen time is a sticky situation for a lot of families. Dr. Karrie shares some good points about the age of the child and how they interact with screens. [16:30] - PCIT is very play-based. [19:12] - Typically PCIT lasts anywhere between 14 and 20 sessions and is based on the parents feeling confident in the skills. [20:48] - Many parents have given the feedback that PCIT is life changing. [22:13] - Parents need to also have patience and compassion for themselves as they learn how to best support their child.   About Our Guest: Karrie Lager, Psy.D. is a California licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience providing therapy to children and adults. She is the founder of the group practice and training center, Healthy Focus Psychological Center. Dr. Karrie’s specialties include parenting, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Dr. Karrie is a UC- DAVIS certified PCIT and PC-CARE therapist and provides in-the-moment parent-child coaching to increase more calm, cooperative, and joyful family interactions. In addition to providing direct coaching to families, Dr. Karrie is a training partner with UC Davis, and she provides online therapist training in PCIT and PC-CARE certificate programs. Also, Dr. Karrie is trained as a SPACE Treatment provider through the Yale Child Study Center. In this treatment, Dr. Karrie coaches parents on tools designed to help reduce their child’s anxiety, OCD, or other related challenges. As a strong advocate for life-long learning, Dr. Karrie also oversees Healthy Focus’s education programs, offering creative and innovative continuing education for psychologists and other helping professionals. For fun, Dr. Karrie enjoys long walks with her family and puppy, mindfulness, yoga, arts and crafts, and writing.   Connect with Dr. Karrie: ChildNEXUS Provider Profile A Healthy Focus Website Dr. Karrie’s Website   Links and Related Resources: The Exhausted Parent and the Endlessly Energetic Child Executive Functioning and Self-Regulation in ADHD Why Does My Child Act Up For No Reason Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents Episode 72: Prioritizing Co-Regulation and Self-Regulation in Communication with Danielle G. Kent Trying to figure out next steps in supporting your child?  Book a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Karen Wilson - https://www.childnexus.com/consultation    Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com 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.