Diverse Thinking Different Learning

I have been asked this question from parents and from colleagues: Is it autism? And this question is more often asked when we are talking about girls. So the conversation today with guest Dr. Megan Beardmore is about autistic girls and about understanding the less obvious presentations of autism.  Many autistic youth feel misunderstood and research shows that being autistic leads to increased risk for a host of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and others. For many, an accurate diagnosis can be life changing. But it’s not enough to uncover a diagnosis. In fact, it’s not the goal. The goal is to understand struggles, identify strengths, and provide the individual and their family with appropriate tools, strategies, and support moving forward.  Dr. Megan Beardmore and I have this important conversation about this overlooked population of autistic girls.   Show Notes: [3:06] - Over the past few years, the prevalence of autism has increased. What has contributed to that? [4:40] - The neurodivergent community has also become more vocal about themselves on social media. [5:54] - Girls are often diagnosed later than boys even when they present with the same behaviors. Dr. Beardmore shares some of the things they look for that are less obvious in girls. [7:40] - Generally speaking, females tend to have a little more social savviness that makes them better at masking. [9:12] - Social camouflaging works until it doesn’t and internalizing symptoms can be harmful to mental health. [11:04] - Dr. Beardmore describes the common conversations she has when identifying autistic girls and the questions she asks. [13:15] - There is a distinction between self-awareness and understanding the self within a relationship. [14:19] - Oftentimes, autistic individuals, especially girls, are hyper aware of other people’s body language and facial expressions. [15:43] - There is a misconception about empathy when it comes to autistic individuals. They aren’t without empathy, but rather that they don’t know what to do with it. [18:57] - Rigidity is often a struggle for autistic individuals but in general, girls internalize this stress while boys tend to outwardly show their emotions. [21:11] - Regardless of gender, those with high intellectual functioning are more likely to fly under the radar and be overlooked. [23:01] - Internalizing symptoms are common in girls and create a delay in seeking help and a diagnosis. [25:49] - The purpose of an assessment isn’t to find a diagnosis. It’s to help know what to do after a diagnosis. [27:57] - Understanding why an autistic person behaves the way they do is important for the individual and their family. It validates their experience. [29:14] - Once they have a diagnosis, some people choose to share and some don’t. [30:18] - As a parent, develop a sense of safety for your child to talk to you. [31:18] - Look out for rigidity, stress, signs of depression, or other mental health issues.   About Our Guest: Dr. Megan Beardmore is a licensed school psychologist with expertise in assessment and treatment of children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental disorders. Originally from Iowa, she received her graduate training at the University of Arizona where she practiced in schools and community mental health settings providing therapeutic services as well as diagnostic evaluations. During her predoctoral internship, she served as the evaluation coordinator at a K-8 school, a role that involves conducting assessments to determine special education eligibility. Dr. Beardmore then received specialized postdoctoral training in the assessment and treatment of children with ASD at The Help Group and UCLA. She later worked in a nonpublic, multidisciplinary school where she developed and implemented a social skills program for students with social-communication and behavioral challenges. Currently, Dr. Beardmore works at Spectrum Psych Los Angeles splitting her time between conducting psychological evaluations and providing outpatient therapy. Her focus in assessment tends to target psychoeducational, social-emotional, and autism-specific referrals. In therapy, she draws upon a flexible, integrative blend of evidence-based (e.g., CBT) and holistic (e.g., mindfulness, somatic) interventions.    Connect with Megan Beardmore: Spectrum Psych Website   Links and Related Resources: Episode 44: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder with Lisa Hancock Episode 63: Supporting Youth with Autism and ADHD with Holly Blanc Moses Episode 25: Raising Differently Wired Kids with Joy and Confidence with Debbie Reber 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.

Many topics of the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast come from parents and individuals who provide services to children. Today’s topic has come up more than once and our guest is able to shed some light on the intersection between autism and LGBTQIA+. Dr. Laurie Stephens joins today to share the research on this overlap and what she sees herself as the Senior Director of Autism and Clinical Programs for The Help Group. Through her work with The Help Group, she has also developed an affirming community called Kaleidoscope which is offered in person and online. And she explains how we can better understand and support multi-minority status individuals with their own self-acceptance, their education, and their mental health.   Show Notes: [1:55] - There’s no universal agreement on terms used, but it is important that the majority of the autistic community prefer identity-first language. [4:03] - Many psychologists are seeing a trend in autistic adolescents. [5:10] - There is recent research that shows the overlap of autism and identifying as gender diverse. [6:39] - Something important to note is that because of the stigma surrounding LGBTQIA+, that the number of individuals is likely under-reported. [8:21] - Dr. Stephens explains the differences between gender fluid, non-binary, and transgender. [9:26] - Autistic individuals are less likely to be concerned with social norms and societal pressure. [10:58] - Autistic people are advocating for society to accept their autism and neurodiversity which also leads to advocating for their gender diversity. [12:01] - This population is oftentimes multi-minority status. [13:29] - There are common mental health concerns that overlap in minority groups that are compounded when individuals are a part of more than one.  [14:40] - Dr. Stephens describes some of the common misconceptions about autism. [16:22] - Society needs to expand its view rather than autistic people masking to fit in. [18:07] - Many adults are seeking an autism diagnosis later in life and many of those individuals identify as gender diverse.  [19:21] - Females tend to be under diagnosed and most people ignore the autistic presentation in them.  [21:05] - It’s important for mental health providers to be educated and trained to help autistic people. It’s not about treating their autism. [22:51] - Dr. Stephens describes how she helps parents who come to her with the concern that they don’t know how to support their child. [24:28] - Dr. Stephens began a program called Kaleidoscope. [26:50] - Just one affirming person in your life can reduce suicidality by 60%. [28:02] - The Help Group’s Kaleidoscope program is local to California, but all the social services and advocacy programs are offered online.   About Our Guest: Dr. Laurie Stephens is a developmental psychologist who currently serves as the Senior Director of Autism and Clinical Programs for The Help Group. Dr. Stephens has been passionate about finding innovative and effective ways to work with autistic children, teens, young adults, and their families and communities since 1990. Among her accomplishments are having created Young Learners Preschool for Autism, founding the first post-doctoral fellowship in autism at The Help Group, starting the early diagnosis state-run autism clinic in New York, and creating a social skills curriculum for camps, schools, and clinics. She is a highly regarded public speaker and has spoken throughout the US, Canada, Japan, the UK, and Finland to name a few places.  Prior to her current role with The Help Group, Dr. Stephens worked as the Director of Clinical Services at Education Spectrum, where she provided individual and group therapy, social skills classes, and psycho-educational and diagnostic testing. During this time, Dr. Stephens developed an interest in the overlap between gender diversity and ASD. She noted that many of her autistic clients were coming out as transgender, gender fluid, and non-binary. Dr. Stephens became passionate about finding the most effective ways to help these multi-minority status individuals find and accept their authentic selves while finding an affirming community.  After 12 years of direct clinical service, Dr. Stephens returned to The Help Group to help them develop Kaleidoscope, the first of its kind LGBTQ+ program for children, teens, and adults who are also neurodivergent. She and her colleagues have established a specialty diagnostic clinic for transgender and non-binary folk who suspect they may also have ASD, the first of its kind on the west coast.   Connect with Dr. Stephens: ChildNEXUS Provider Profile Kaleidoscope Website   About The Help Group’s Kaleidoscope Program: Kaleidoscope supports LGBTQIA+/Questioning youth, young adults, and their families in building healthy relationships, strong social connections, and critically needed life skills. Through high quality, innovative programming, using the latest research and evidence-based programs, our mission is to help each person realize their unique potential and thrive! To learn more about Kaleidoscope please visit www.kaleidoscopelgbtq.org or email kaleidoscope@thehelpgroup.org   Links and Related Resources: The Help Group Webcast - The Intersection Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and LGBTQIA+ Episode 18: How Non-Public Schools Meet the Needs of Diverse Learners with Dr. Jason Bolton Episode 25: Raising Differently Wired Kids with Joy and Confidence with Debbie Reber   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.

As we continue our conversation about different treatment and therapy options, you may discover unique options that are a right fit for your child. Today’s topic is certainly unique! We’re diving into surf therapy. Surf therapy is one mode of therapy among many that helps neurodiverse kids with many different skills. You may not have heard about this therapeutic tool that uses the elements of the ocean, a surfboard, and sand, but it targets sensory processing, physical and emotional regulation, motor planning, coordination, and mental health. To help us learn more about surf therapy is guest Naomi Matanick who has become passionate about helping neurodiverse children and adolescents through the properties of the ocean. She explains what surf therapy is, how different skills are targeted and impacted, and the types of kids that would benefit from it.   Show Notes: [2:50] - Surf therapy is one therapeutic tool among many. There are many properties in the ocean that impact our bodies. [4:13] - This mode of therapy is particularly beneficial for children with sensory processing difficulties. [4:50] - The movement of the ocean brings on a sense of body awareness and activates different body systems. [6:27] - Surf therapy helps with emotional regulation, but going into the water can initially be scary. [8:03] - Naomi lists some of the skills integrated into surf therapy, including balance, visual development, and core strength. [9:54] - Surf therapy also affects executive functioning skills as well as higher level cognitive functions like safety and planning. [11:24] - Surf therapy can help so many kids, but particularly those who struggle with self-regulation and sensory integration. [13:43] - The end goal is not to become a surfer. It’s to have the child engage in something that is fun and playful. [14:40] - Age 6 and up into early adolescence is a great time to start this kind of therapy but it is really based upon each individual child’s needs. [16:45] - There is an increasing rate of mental health issues among adolescents but research shows the benefit of physical activity on mental health, including surfing. [19:31] - Naomi shares her experience in how neurodiverse children overcome specific challenges with surf therapy. [21:48] - Currently, Naomi works with children one-on-one, but would like to expand to group therapy. [23:16] - Surfing is a very individualized sport rather than a competitive one. [24:23] - Naomi’s hope is that through this mode of therapy children gain self-confidence and self-trust.   About Our Guest: Naomi Matanick is a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration therapy, surf therapy, and childhood and infant development. Kids are amazing and dynamic individuals. Yet, they have a lot to conquer. In her years of experience, she has served infants to early adolescents in a variety of areas including: sensory processing, physical and emotional regulation, organization of behavior and attention, acquisition of vital motor milestones, motor coordination development, and oral-motor therapy for feeding. Naomi’s mission is for each caregiver and child to feel understood and empowered as they are equipped with life-long tools. Her passion is to see children feel joy as they playfully develop a strong identity and sense of self through the skills and knowledge they have obtained.   Connect with Naomi: ChildNEXUS Provider Profile Hang-Ten Therapeutics Website Phone: (419) 420-4995 Email: naomi.matanick@gmail.com    Links and Related Resources: Episode 9: How Occupational Therapy Helps Kids with Leah Hiller Episode 30: How Physical Activity Can Enhance Mental Wellness with Drs. Shannon McHugh and Jesi Sasaki Dizziness and Balance Problems Common in the U.S. Episode 39: Why Fine Motor Skills Matter with Jennifer Morgan   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.

Parents have recently reached out with questions and topics they’d like to hear more about. One commonality these topics have is the child or teen who is struggling with emotional regulation. That may be anger, defiance, or communication problems. So in today’s episode, we’re starting to explore different treatment options in the hopes of providing information to families. Today’s focus is on Dialectical Behavior Therapy or DBT. Our guest on this topic is an expert in the field. Patricia (Patty) Gieselman, MFT is the founder and Executive Director of Choices Counseling & Skills Center, which specializes in this type of behavior therapy. She has tons of experience working with adults, adolescents, children, and their families using this approach. In our conversion, she explains why it is important to provide youth with skills and strategies that improve their ability to manage their emotions and give them the tools needed to accept those parts of their life that cannot be changed. This model is unique in many ways and in Patty’s experience, extremely impactful and successful.   Show Notes: [3:43] - Patty is an expert in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and explains how and why it was developed. [4:41] - DBT is Cognitive Behavior Therapy and zen practice combined. [6:02] - The goal is to bring together acceptance, validation, and change. DBT treats problem behaviors that are caused by emotional dysregulation. [7:18] - The DBT model includes multiple components, broken up into skills groups and individualized therapy. [9:03] - There is an adaptation of DBT for children. Children are sensitive and easily reactive to the world. [10:23] - A part of DBT is a family component that gives parents the skills to create an environment that is validating to the child. [11:15] - DBT for Children has a child component, a parent component, and a parent/child component. [13:35] - Parents are also given the skills to manage their own emotional dysregulation.  [14:41] - Patty lists some of the behaviors that are treated by DBT. But the goals for DBT for Children are different from those for adults. [16:31] - A specific diagnosis is not the focus of DBT, but rather the behaviors that impact daily life. [18:28] - In the beginning of DBT for Children, there’s an assessment period to help parents triage the problem that impacts their relationship. [20:26] - Through the multi-family skills groups, parents have the same assignments and activities as their children. [22:29] - Patty describes DBT as mindfulness that has been behavioralized. [24:06] - Through the process, Crisis Survival Skills are also taught to help children. [25:46] - We all have to accept things we don’t like and know the difference between those things and the things we can change. [27:23] - Other therapies use the term “trigger”, but DBT views triggers differently. [29:51] - Patty explains what “Check the Facts” means and the ways clients are taught to manage the situation without exhibiting problem behaviors. [32:38] - Patty describes what they look at in individual therapy sessions and how parents sometimes inadvertently reinforce behaviors.  [35:03] - DBT gives children, adolescents, and families the skills and tools to handle difficult situations and accept the things that can’t be changed. [36:50] - Parents also have access to skills leaders for coaching as needed. [37:32] - Validation is not the same thing as praise. [38:31] - We are all guilty of skipping the step of validating emotions and jumping to solving problems. We can’t solve the problem with high emotions.   About Our Guest: Patricia (Patty) Gieselman, MFT is a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™. She is the founder and Executive Director of Choices Counseling & Skills Center, which specializes in comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for adults, adolescents, children and their families. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience working with adults, adolescents, and families in both community-based and residential settings. During her career, she has worked in the public and private sector as a clinician, consultant, trainer, program director, and Vice President of Clinical Services. In addition to offering counseling services, Ms. Gieselman trains mental health professionals as a provider of continuing education courses for the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT), Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and the California Psychological Association (CPA) and has been an adjunct instructor for local universities. She has been an invited trainer both nationally and internationally. Patty is well-known for her practical yet often whimsical approach to teaching and problem solving.   Connect with Patty: Choices Counseling & Skills Center 626-470-9834 ext. 328 Email patty@choices.care   Links and Related Resources: Find a Psychologist Find a Marriage and Family Therapist Find a Therapist (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) Beyond Credentials: Three Extras to Look For in Your Child’s Therapist Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents   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.

When one person in a family is struggling, it impacts the entire family. This is true for everything, but it is particularly true for the families of a child with learning difficulties. Today, we have the first guest of a brand new year, Dr. Lauren who has graciously been on the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast before. Since the previous discussion we had about dyslexia (episode 21), Dr. Lauren has continued her mission in supporting families by launching The Dyslexia Mom Boss Podcast. She is also a member of the ChildNEXUS community and she takes a family approach when working with students. Ultimately, it’s not just about the child with dyslexia, but about the entire family and how to support each other.   Show Notes: [1:44] - Dr. Lauren was a previous guest on the podcast and has since launched her own podcast called Dyslexia Mom Boss. [3:29] - Learning disabilities are not exclusive to the United States. They are a world issue. [5:12] - Dr. Lauren shares her own experiences with ADHD.  Although she does not have dyslexia herself, her experiences with learning impacted her mission as an educator. [7:05] - Her first teaching job was working in a school for students with dyslexia. This was the start of her passion in helping this population of learners. [9:27] - There is a disconnect between what parents and educators know about dyslexia and the struggling child in the classroom. [10:22] - A huge problem is the access to reliable information. [12:02] - What is D3 and why does Dr. Lauren group these three learning disabilities together? [14:14] - More often than not, there is a comorbidity in children with dyslexia. [15:32] - Through the public school system, it could take a lot of time to discover learning disabilities, and delays in identification cause parents and children to become overwhelmed. [17:03] - Parent training and learning is also incredibly important in supporting dyslexic children at home. [18:05] - Dr. Lauren puts us in the shoes of a child with dyslexia. [19:15] - When one person in the family is struggling, it impacts the entire family. [21:54] - When your child is upset or struggling, your initial reaction is to make it better. [23:17] - Through her experience, Dr. Lauren has found that intervention sessions turn into listening to the concerns of the parents. [24:18] - Parents need to also pour into themselves and not solely focus on the unique needs of their child. [26:06] - The stressors of raising a child with struggles can have a negative impact on the marriage and relationship between parents. [27:20] - Our brains go to the negatives first. We have to actively change our mindset. [29:53] - Our thoughts have so much power in how we feel and how we behave. [31:40] - When there is so much focus on the struggle, it is easy to forget that these students have strengths too. [33:20] - There is no one curriculum for the dyslexic learner because everyone is completely different. [35:02] - In order to advocate for your child’s needs, it is crucial to learn about dyslexia and how to support your child.   About Our Guest: Dr. Lauren’s passion for educating, advocating, and bringing awareness to dyslexia at the domestic and international levels began in the elementary classrooms of private schools serving students with language-based learning disabilities. She has been a certified Special Educator for over a decade, and she earned her Doctor of Education in Teaching, Learning, Leadership, & Curriculum in 2019 from Northeastern University and holds a dual masters in Special Education and Elementary Education from Syracuse University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Syracuse University. Dr. Lauren is the CEO and founder of Think Dyslexia LLC and delivers training and professional development for teachers and administrators at the district level focusing on dyslexia awareness and dyslexia screening. Dr. Lauren has worked with over 15 school districts at the national and international level leading educators and leaders to success. Dr. Lauren believes in a holistic approach to the dyslexia journey and coaches families every step of the way in the process.    Connect with Dr. Lauren: Free Resources from Dr. Lauren ChildNEXUS Provider Profile Email: drlauren@thinkdyslexia.org Dr. Lauren on Instagram The Dyslexia Mom Boss Podcast The Dyslexia Mom Boss Podcast on Instagram Holistic Strategy Session Consultation Call   Links and Related Resources: Episode 111: Overcoming Dyslexia and Addressing the Reading Crisis with Sally Shaywitz, M.D. Episode 21: What You Know and Don’t Know About Dyslexia with Dr. Lauren McClenney Rosenstein Episode 27: Why We Need to Support Parents Whose Kids Struggle with Learning with Maria Fagan Hassani Episode 76: Using Content and Connections to Help Kids Thrive   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. Vindia Fernandez, an expert in neuropsychological evaluations, discusses the differences between neuropsychological and psychoeducational evaluations, challenges of evaluating non-English speakers, and the importance of culturally and linguistically appropriate evaluations for children with neurodevelopmental issues. She emphasizes the need for tailored recommendations and early interventions to support struggling bilingual children.

I feel very strongly that if we put in place certain practices, more children with undetected learning disabilities would be identified early and receive appropriate treatment. There’s a lot of education that needs to be done about the different learning challenges that students face. And that’s why I started this podcast. In this re-aired episode of the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast, I discuss the first step in uncovering why a child is struggling - assessment. Why does a child need an assessment? What does an assessment involve? What does an evaluation tell parents and educators? Let’s dive into what an assessment looks like and why it is more than just testing.   Show Notes: [1:29] - The reasons you seek an assessment will vary per child, but you see their difficulties are hindering their success. [2:38] - It is never too late to evaluate a child when you see that they are struggling and need some support. An assessment helps you get to the root of the difficulties. [3:35] - Some struggles can be overcome by implementing appropriate intervention. [4:12] - The assessment is so much more than testing. [6:13] - A child’s early developmental milestones will also be discussed to find if the challenges the child is having now may have been observed early on as well. [7:23] - Dr. Wilson also explains that the assessment involves gathering information from other sources, especially from teachers. [8:38] - Observations will begin when they first enter the office. [10:04] - An assessment should also involve the child’s perspective. It's not only about getting information from parents and teachers. [12:01] - There are several domains that are being assessed during the testing session. Domains may vary depending on the test, but Dr. Wilson breaks down the domains you will find in a comprehensive evaluation designed for determining the root of the problem. [12:27] - One such domain is Intellectual Functioning. This typically asks the child to complete tasks that they have never been asked to complete before. [14:09] - Another domain that is typically assessed is Academic Achievement in the areas of Reading, Writing, and Math. [15:35] - When assessing academics, Dr. Wilson explains that some tasks will be timed and others will be untimed which helps determine an appropriate intervention or accommodation. [16:21] - Another domain that’s assessed is Attention and Concentration which can greatly interfere with learning processes. [17:15] - Can the child pull information from memory? Does the child have a stronger visual memory than verbal memory? [18:39] - Another process that is looked at is Executive Functioning which is an umbrella term that includes organization, planning, and an individual’s ability to work towards a goal. [19:19] - Language Functioning includes expressive language and receptive language. How do they express themselves? How do they understand others? [20:14] - The evaluation also looks at Visual Spatial and Visual Motor Functioning which helps us understand how the child perceives information that he or she sees.  [21:23] - Something important to keep in mind is that children and adolescents are social beings. They will often have an emotional response to their struggles. [23:15] - In parent and teacher questionnaires, there will be questions about stomachaches and headaches to determine if there is a pattern. [23:50] - Behaviors such as defiance or breaking rules are also looked at as these could co-exist with the learning difficulty or a way for the child to cover up the struggle. [24:45] - Media use will be asked about which could be affecting sleep, attention, and has a connection with depression. [26:46] - Exercise is also looked at as it can enhance mental health and brain growth. Is there a connection between the child’s amount of exercise and their challenges? [27:18] - Once all of this information is gathered, Dr. Wilson can use it to determine if there is a disorder, what the disorder is, and can then develop an appropriate intervention. [28:51] - The information from this assessment also helps a parent or educator be more patient and gives them guidance on how to help them. [30:23] - An assessment is only the first step. It determines the reason for the struggle and once we have that information and gives us a roadmap to help the child to overcome their struggles so that they can thrive.   Links and Resources: ChildNEXUS Home Page More About Dr. Karen Wilson What is a Comprehensive Evaluation and How Can it Help Support My Child’s Learning? Pediatric Neuropsychological Assessment Signs Your Child May Have a Learning Disorder   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.

The end of the calendar year marks the middle of a school year and for many this is a time to explore school options. Many parents are making decisions for after the holiday break or even for the next academic year. Today, we are exploring the homeschooling option and you may be surprised to find that it might be the right fit for you and your family. Today’s guest is Mel Nichols, an educator who is passionate about one-on-one instruction and has chosen the homeschool option for her own child. In the conversation today, Mel breaks down what homeschooling actually is and why there are so many misconceptions about it. She also lists some of the many advantages it has to offer with the main ones being flexibility and time.  Don’t let the word homeschool scare you. Mel shares the resources available that support families and how this non-traditional option might be exactly what your child needs.   Show Notes: [2:20] - The end of December means that some parents are taking a look at their child’s progress and making decisions for the rest of the year or for next school year. [3:57] - Homeschooling can take many different forms and works differently for every family. [5:35] - There are many advantages to homeschooling, but it isn’t the right fit for everyone. [7:08] - Mel says that the main advantage is time. [8:42] - Homeschooled students do not have to adhere to a school calendar. [10:37] - Social emotional skill development is a concern some families have when making the decision to homeschool. [12:01] - Every state has a homeschool association and some cities have homeschool groups. If there isn’t one, you can create one. [13:37] - When a child is at home, parents can build a sense of what they need. [15:09] - Some families also choose to travel as part of their curriculum, but you can also explore the community around you. [16:26] - There are many opportunities that you can choose for your child to do. [17:56] - We need to rethink and redefine what homeschooling actually is. [19:37] - As you homeschool, you can adapt and make changes to each day. [20:54] - Homeschooling also allows students to make their own choices and learn what works for themselves. [22:17] - Mel describes the things that Pacific Preparatory offers to homeschool families. [24:28] - Homeschool could be the answer to a child’s struggle in school. Mel has some tips on taking a moment before structuring your homeschool routine. [25:53] - Talk to other homeschool families and find people for support. [27:01] - You can reach out to Pacific Preparatory and Tutor Corps to ask questions and gain some guidance on making the decision to homeschool.   About Our Guest: Mel Nichols has worked in the 1:1 education space through Pacific Preparatory and Tutor Corps since 2015, overseeing the work of the leadership team and managing the organization as Chief Operating Officer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary English Education from Western Michigan University, a Single Subject Teaching Credential in English Language Arts, and a minor in political science. Prior to joining the Tutor Corps & Pacific Prep team, Mel taught middle school in Sacramento through the Teach For America program and with the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) in San Francisco. She has also served as an Instructional Coach through Breakthrough Collaborative’s summer programming at San Francisco University High School where she supported aspiring teachers. As an absolute 1:1 education enthusiast, Mel is currently beginning a journey into home education with her oldest daughter, who is five-years-old. Outside of her professional work, Mel enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and dabbling in real estate investing.   Connect with Mel: Pacific Preparatory Website Tutor Corps Website Email Mel   Links and Related Resources: Episode 85: How a Personalized, Differentiated Curriculum Helps Students with Erika Sneath Episode 17: How Micro Schools Use an Innovative and Personalized Approach to Help Students Thrive with Dr. Maureen O’Shaughnessy   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 are in the midst of a reading crisis in the United States. This problem has existed for a long time, but it has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been said that the pandemic has caused the loss of 2 decades worth of progress made in reading. We have the knowledge, research, and science to address this issue, but we are lacking action. Today’s guest is Dr. Sally Shaywitz, one of the world’s preeminent experts on reading and dyslexia and author of Overcoming Dyslexia. Dyslexia is the most common learning disorder on the planet, affecting about one in five individuals, regardless of age or gender. In today’s episode, Dr. Shaywitz shares what is known about dyslexia, the 40 years of data to show what works in overcoming dyslexia, and the sad reality that there is little action being taken to improve screening students and providing the appropriate interventions. There is so much we can do and it all starts with understanding.    Show Notes: [2:31] - Regardless of decades of research, there are still a lot of misconceptions. [3:44] - Dyslexia is a very specific learning disability, but the term “learning disability” is very vague. [5:21] - Through brain imaging, Dr. Shaywitz was able to determine the neuro signature of dyslexia. [7:21] - Educators, parents, and the individual with dyslexia need to know that they are intelligent and have the intelligence to read, but dyslexia makes it a struggle. [8:58] - Dyslexia is common in all areas of the world. The consequences are similar in all cultures. [10:06] - Those with dyslexia can be good readers while still reading slowly. [11:02] - The most important step is for the student to be identified as dyslexic. [12:34] - Through her studies, Dr. Shaywitz has nearly 40 years worth of data for both typical readers and dyslexic readers from childhood to adulthood. [13:50] - Indicators of dyslexia can be seen as early as first grade. Identifying those at risk for developing dyslexia and intervening early can accelerate reading growth. [15:06] - Screening can take place later, but by then, the window of time for the most reading growth has passed. [17:03] - Currently, we are scoring worse in previous years in identifying dyslexia in young students. [18:09] - Dr. Shaywitz describes the screener used to determine the risk of dyslexia. [20:08] - A universal screener is a solution to this reading crisis. [21:13] - Given that we know a great deal about dyslexia, it is disgraceful that more isn’t being done to support students. [22:14] - ADHD and anxiety often co-occur with dyslexia. [23:36] - We often hyperfocus on the struggles, but what are the common strengths for those with dyslexia? [24:42] - School policies and teacher training surrounding dyslexia need to be changed. [25:46] - There is also research on individuals incarcerated who are also dyslexic. [27:06] - Dr. Shaywitz offers a course on Coursera that can be found here. [29:36] - We need screening, intervention, and education for parents, teachers, and students.   About Our Guest: Sally E. Shaywitz, M.D. is the Audrey G. Ratner Professor in Learning Development at Yale University and Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity. She is a world renowned scientist and dedicated, compassionate physician who is devoted to bringing ground-breaking scientific advances to benefit dyslexic children and adults.   Connect with Dr. Shaywitz: Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, MD Overcoming Dyslexia Online Course with Sally Shaywitz, MD   Links and Related Resources: 6 Quick Questions for Parents Concerned About Dyslexia Dyslexia Episode 22: How Students with Dyslexia Can Develop the Skills Needed for Reading with Forough Azimi Dyslexia Parent Learning Group   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.

Imagine books where the characters have ADHD, Autism, and think differently. Now imagine a book where these characters are the heroes.  Representation is so vitally important, but those who are neurodiverse often see themselves in books as the person who gets bullied. So when deciding to write a Science Fiction novel, author Carol Kauffman knew her 40 years of experience as a speech and language pathologist would play a big role in developing these characters. This is a different type of episode today as Carol shares just enough about Crystal Child: The Diamond Star Saga to get excited about reading it. It is her hope that not only children and teens read this story, but that the adults in their lives do as well. What they may discover is that those who experience struggles will see that their ability to overcome their disabilities or thrive despite their challenges may actually be their greatest superpowers.   Show Notes: [2:23] - We learn a great deal from books, but we also see ourselves in the characters in books. [3:18] - We like to have heroes that are like us. When starting her book, Carol noticed the trends in current literature. [4:58] - In Carol’s book series, Crystal Child: The Diamond Star Saga, the hero in the story deals with real challenges as a girl with ADHD. Carol describes the characters. [7:01] - Carol sums up the story and the real challenges that Crystal faces. [11:40] - This book has readers guessing till the end. [12:33] - Through her experience with helping neurodiverse students, kids she has known over the years have creeped into the story. [14:25] - Carol’s hope is that readers will realize that there is hope for them and they are valuable regardless of their challenges. [16:27] - The book was written from a place of empathy and knowledge. [17:34] - Students who experience struggles can see that aspects of their disabilities may actually be their greatest superpowers. [20:29] - Grit is what children with ADHD attribute to success. [22:25] - With brilliance must come compassion. [24:33] - The book is a middle grade or young adult novel with a main character who is 13 years old. [26:21] - Carol hopes the adults in a child’s life will read this book together with them. [27:51] - There are many talking tools that Crystal uses in the book that are actual techniques used to teach social skills to children who think differently. [29:17] - There are also grounding techniques to help those with anxiety disorders. [31:13] - There will be a sequel to this story and Carol already has plans for answering some unanswered questions.   About Our Guest: Carol Kauffman, MA, provided services as a speech-language pathologist for over forty years to children with challenges such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, communication disorders, and trauma as both a professional and parent. In addition to direct services, she has also written articles, e-courses, and presented online and live seminars to other professionals, stressing the critical need for better collaboration to help treat the whole child. Her other interest is healing the environment. Both passions are featured in her first full-length middle grade novel about a girl, Kristal, and her twin, Tad, who has autism. Kristal has ADHD, anxiety, and PTSD - and is astonished to find out she’s been named in a mysterious prophecy as the only one who can save humanity from a coming catastrophe. At first, she is terrified, but eventually realizes her so-called disabilities may actually be her greatest superpowers. Ms. Kauffman hopes that through this story, she can help decrease the stigma and celebrate the gifts of those with neurodiverse learning styles.     Connect with Carol: ChildNEXUS Provider Profile Email: ckauffm1@columbus.rr.com Crystal Child: The Diamond Star Saga by Carol Kauffman   Links and Related Resources: ALPS Children - A Steep Climb But Well Worth It Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder Episode 63: Supporting Youth with Autism and ADHD with Holly Blanc Moses Episode 106: Childhood Anxiety and ADHD with Dr. Norrine Russell   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.