Diverse Thinking Different Learning

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.

Returning to the podcast today are Vickie Brett and Amanda Selogie in a unique collaboration episode that will also air on the Inclusive Education Project (IEP) Podcast. Through my experience as a clinical neuropsychologist specializing in pediatric assessments, parents ask a lot of great questions. In this episode, together with Educational attorneys, Vickie and Amanda, we are addressing some of the most common IEP-related questions in an effort to inform and educate parents.   Show Notes: [1:26] - Does my child need a diagnosis to get accommodations at school? [4:49] - What should parents do when they approach the teacher with concerns, but the teacher discourages an assessment? [6:53] - What are SST meetings and their purpose within the school? [10:01] - Does a child need an assessment if there is a diagnosis of just ADHD? [11:23] - If I, as a parent, do not agree with the school’s assessment results and believe that something else is going on, what are my options? [13:12] - What will an IEP provide that a 504 Plan will not? [16:10] - What are the pros and cons of requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)? [18:04] - If a parent chooses to have a private assessment done and the results show the need for accommodations, modifications, or treatment, what is the next step with their school district? [20:41] - What are parents entitled to if they have a private evaluation done? [24:01] - Why are services not provided at private schools and can private school students still access public school services? [26:57] - How does Child Find work in school districts to ensure they find students in private schools that need services? [28:29] - If the school is recommending support that is not evidence-based, can I push back to ensure that my child gets an evidence-based intervention, and what should that look like? [34:01] - No matter the situation, follow your gut feeling.   About Our Guests: Vickie BrettVickie Brett was born and raised in Southern California and through the Inclusive Education Project she focuses on advocating and educating families about their legal rights. Vickie is committed to strengthening her clients who come to her disheartened and beaten down by the current education system. Because Vickie is bilingual, she represents and empowers many monolingual Spanish-speaking families. She is a dedicated pro bono attorney for the Superior Court of Los Angeles’s Juvenile and Dependency 317(e) Panel and, in the past, was a supervising attorney for the UCI Law School's Special Education Law Project.   Amanda Selogie Amanda Selogie received a bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development, specializing in Education from California State University, Northridge and a Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where she served as a Fellow in the prestigious Center for Children's Rights Fellowship Program and served in the school's pro-bono Special Education Legal Clinic. Amanda immersed herself in the world of civil rights and educational advocacy through her work in education, empowerment, and advocacy with the Inclusive Education project, supporting inclusion in early education through her appointment to the Orange County Child Care and Development Planning Council and their Inclusion Collaborative Committee, previous work serving as a supervising attorney for UCI Law School’s Education Rights Pro-bono project and coaching of AYSO’s VIP (Very Important Player) program coaching players living with disabilities and creating an inclusive soccer program.   Connect with Vickie and Amanda: Inclusive Education Project Website   Links and Related Resources: Episode 32: Advocating for Children with Special Needs with Heather Zakson Episode 1: Demystifying the Assessment Process What is a Comprehensive Evaluation and How Can It Help Support My Child’s Learning? How to Initiate a Special Education Assessment   Need a more individualized learning and support experience? Join one of our learning groups! 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.

Experts Sari Goodman and Shelley Lawrence offer top 5 crucial steps to take after your child receives a diagnosis. They emphasize the importance of understanding the diagnosis report, advocating for your child, and collaborating with schools. Parents are encouraged to focus on their child's strengths and prioritize actions that truly benefit their child's needs.

Do you have a child in your life that just doesn’t seem to care about anything? In a post-pandemic world, we’re seeing children and adults alike struggling to regain the motivation they once had. This is particularly challenging for the students who have learning differences and have been trying to catch up. Today, we welcome back Dr. Ellen Braaten, author of the bestseller Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up and an upcoming release Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less, which is the topic of today’s discussion. Oftentimes, kids are very bright but they just don’t seem to care. Dr. Braaten discusses how to meet kids where they are, set goals, and maintain motivation.   Show Notes: [2:08] - Welcome back, Dr. Braaten! A previous episode featuring Dr. Braaten is one of the podcast’s most popular conversations. [3:34] - Motivation has become a struggle for kids and adults alike since the pandemic. [4:56] - Motivation is the reason behind the things we do. It varies for everyone. [6:01] - There are three parts of motivation: initiation, persistence, and intensity. [7:17] - There is some overlap with executive functioning skills and ADHD. [8:59] - The focus on catching up at school has negatively impacted motivation. Kids need to do the things that bring them joy. [10:30] - “Understanding is the foundation of hopefulness.” [11:03] - Dr. Braaten lists some of the things to consider in your own child. [12:36] - Kids can be good at something but might not enjoy doing it. Parental and societal expectations play a huge role in motivation. [14:35] - Make sure life includes the things that they love. [16:17] - Observe behavior and character in different environments. [18:10] - Practicing is more about being deliberate rather than rote drills. [19:27] - As adults, we need to realize the things that individuals need to do to be motivated. Overscheduling impedes joy. [21:30] - Overscheduling is a huge problem. Kids need rest that isn’t just sleeping. [22:23] - Sometimes the goal needs to be to take a step back. [23:50] - Meet your child where they are. [25:33] - Involve your child in these conversations. [27:41] - Imagining the future is a powerful motivational tool. [29:19] - Connect the things that they’re doing and focusing on to their future. [32:41] - It is challenging to go from one thing to another, especially at a young age. [33:38] - What are the red flags to look for and what should you do about them? [35:40] - Depression can attribute to lack of motivation. [36:33] - You can pre-order Dr. Braaten’s new book, Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less.   About Our Guest: Dr. Ellen Braaten is the founder and executive director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program (LEAP) at Massachusetts General Hospital, the Kessler Family Endowed Chair in Pediatric Neuropsychological Assessment, and associate professor at Harvard Medical School. She is widely recognized as an expert in the field of pediatric neuropsychological assessment, particularly in the areas of learning disabilities and attentional disorders. She has published numerous papers, chapters, and reviews on topics related to ADHD, learning disorders, child psychopathology, processing speed, and intelligence, and written and edited numerous books for parents and professionals, including the bestseller Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up and her newest book, Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less. Dr. Braaten has a strong interest in educating the public on topics related to child mental health. She maintains an active speaking schedule and contributes regularly to local and national news outlets such as NBC and the New York Times. She received her PhD in Psychology at Colorado State University and completed her psychology internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.   Connect with Dr. Ellen Braaten: Website   Links and Related Resources: Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less by Dr. Ellen Braaten Episode 53: Understanding Depression in Children and Teens with Dr. Dorie Weiss Episode 67: Your Child’s Anxiety - When to Worry with Dr. John Piacentini Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents Episode 61: Slow Processing Speed with Dr. Ellen Braaten Find a Provider/School Need Some Guidance? Book a 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.

Did you know that between 25 and 33 percent of children with ADHD have a coexisting anxiety disorder? In fact, childhood anxiety is the second most common condition co-occurring with ADHD. So how can we help children who struggle with both? We’ve had several conversations about ADHD and anxiety separately, but now let’s dive into the topic of comorbidity with today’s guest Dr. Norrine Russell. Dr. Russell comes to us with over 20 years of experience creating positive youth development and parenting education programs. She has extensive knowledge of child development, learning profiles, special needs, and positive parenting philosophies. She blends this knowledge to provide students and parents with comprehensive support and the tools they need to grow and thrive. I am thrilled to have her join this conversation today. In this episode, Dr. Russell describes what it might look like for a child or an adolescent to struggle with both ADHD and anxiety and what that means for parents and caregivers.   Show Notes: [2:26] - The “honeymoon period” after starting the new school year is over. [4:11] - Comorbidity is when you have two or more disorders. [5:16] - Since the pandemic, there are more children experiencing anxiety, children experiencing higher anxiety, and more parents with anxiety. [6:37] - Support for anxiety often includes family support. [7:44] - There has been a cultural shift in parenting that has created increased anxiety. [9:10] - Sometimes the trigger for an anxious parent is another parent’s experience. [10:43] - Anxiety hijacks the brain. [12:02] - The process of calming down and being inside the thinking part of their brain can take a long time for a student with anxiety. [13:51] - It’s common for adolescents with anxiety to stuff their anxiety down, but there will be a trigger that allows it to come back up. [15:02] - It’s important to consider the question of comorbidity. This impacts the approach to helping students with either ADHD, anxiety or both. [16:28] - Very few have just ADHD. [18:15] - Multimodal therapy is the most impactful. [19:56] - Medication isn’t a magic potion but alongside coaching can be helpful. A combined approach is what’s best. [21:30] - When medication is needed and there’s a delay in accessing it, there can be a contribution to anxiety. [23:54] - A common concern about medication is addiction. [25:18] - There is a lot of misinformation out there for parents when making decisions about treatment for their children. [26:36] - Collaboration between therapists and other adults working with students is very valuable. [28:31] - For younger children, it is harder for them to understand their feelings. Older children will be able to identify when they feel anxious. [30:01] - Sometimes teacher comments are taken as mandates to take action when in reality it is just information. [31:18] - It is not your fault. You do not need to feel ashamed. But, you are responsible for finding out what to do. [32:30] - People in a child’s support team all have a different role. [33:40] - Be clear on what support schools can provide.   About Our Guest: Dr. Norrine Russell is the founder of Russell Coaching for Students, which uses an innovative method of coaching for complex students, including those who are 2E; have ADHD, Autism, or Anxiety; and those with learning differences. This innovative method, Connected Coaching, has proven successful for hundreds of students since 2009. She is the author of the recently published guide for parents, “Asking the Right Questions Before, During, and After Your Child’s ADHD Diagnosis.”   Connect with Dr. Russell: Russell Coaching Website LinkedIn Facebook Email: drrussell@russellcoaching.com   Links and Related Resources: Episode 67: Your Child’s Anxiety - When to Worry with Dr. John Piacentini Anxiety and the Family Episode 99: Straight Talk About ADHD in Girls with Dr. Stephen Henshaw FOMO and How it Might Affect Children with Attention Issues   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.

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, you might be considering your treatment options. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that for children between the ages of 4 and 6, the first line of treatment should include parent training in behavior management and behavioral classroom interventions. Medication should be used if those interventions do not result in significant improvement or if the child continues to have serious problems. For children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 18, recommended treatment is FDA approved medications along with parent training in behavior management and classroom interventions. Medication works alongside behavior management. We get questions frequently about medication and they need to be answered by a pediatric expert. That’s why I have asked Dr. Syed Naqvi to join the podcast for this conversation on medication as a treatment for ADHD. In this episode, you’ll learn how medication can benefit a child with ADHD, but also the steps to take before it is ever considered.     Show Notes: [2:46] - Over the years, Dr. Wilson has received numerous questions about medication. [3:33] - Medication consultations are necessary to determine if it’s appropriate. [4:26] - Not every case of ADHD needs medication as treatment. [5:50] - For medication to be used, ADHD must interfere with daily life. [7:01] - Be mindful that ADHD might not be the sole factor in disruptive behavior. [8:55] - Dr. Naqvi is adamant about using standard scales. [10:10] - Sometimes, Dr. Naqvi can be doing an ADHD assessment and notice other learning disabilities. [11:33] - Interventions will vary depending on the age of the child and there are a lot of factors that impact them. [13:14] - Interventions need to be revisited every 6-12 months. [15:29] - The root cause is the most important piece to find and that’s challenging in a child as they are growing and changing. [17:23] - All medications have side effects and they need to be considered. If the risks outweigh the benefits, that is not the route to take. [18:49] - The benefits of medication will be different per child. [20:50] - Setting boundaries and rules to help manage behavior is necessary in addition to medication. [23:07] - Dr. Naqvi and Dr. Wilson discuss work by Russell Barkley. [24:01] - Interventions need to take place before medication is introduced. [25:19] - Some parents are disappointed when medication isn’t immediately prescribed, but Dr. Naqvi shares that it is not a magic potion. [27:05] - Dr. Naqvi shares the differences between some common medications prescribed for ADHD. [30:16] - FDA guidelines must be considered. [31:36] - Dr. Naqvi educates parents on other types of supplements that could benefit children with ADHD before resorting to medication. [33:12] - Let children have their joy but be aware of things like treats and how they impact their behavior. [35:26] - Be aware of myths that surround ADHD and ADHD medication. [36:43] - Genetics also plays a role in side effects. [37:53] - ADHD is a genetic disorder, which may impact the parent in remembering to give the child medication appropriately. [40:39] - If you have questions for Dr. Naqvi, email is the best way to reach him.   About Our Guest: Syed Naqvi MD is Board certified and recertified, in both adult and child & Adolescent psychiatry. He provides state-of-the-art psychopharmacological treatment to children with autism, intellectual disabilities with psychiatric issues, Autism Spectrum Disorder, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Tourette's disorder. He has been the recipient of numerous awards. Dr. Naqvi is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry in UCLA. He also devotes his professional time as Director of Psychiatric services at Wayfinder family services in Los Angeles and in his private practice in Beverly Hills and Calabasas.     Connect with Dr. Naqvi: Email: naqvihealer@gmail.com   Links and Related Resources: Episode 34: Key Principles for Raising a Child with ADHD with Dr. Russell A. Barkley What Causes ADHD? The Intersection of Executive Function, ADHD, and Other Learning Differences Executive Functioning and Self Regulation in ADHD Mindfulness in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity 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.

As we record this episode in October, keep in mind that now is a good time to review your child's classroom accommodations. If they have a learning disability, learning challenges that affect them in the classroom, or mental health difficulties that also impact their ability to access the curriculum, they may benefit from classroom accommodations.  With accommodations, expectations are the same. What a child is expected to know, learn, or do does not change. Accommodations offer support to account for challenges that students face and really help level the playing field. But when it comes to ADHD specifically, what accommodations are helpful? Dr. Carrie Jackson is today’s guest and she has a wealth of knowledge about accommodations, how to properly use and track them, and which ones are helpful for children and adolescents with ADHD. In our conversation today, Dr. Jackson explains what accommodations are, how ADHD impacts a student’s ability to learn in a classroom environment, and how parents and educators can support their needs with accommodations.   Show Notes: [2:19] - There is so much to discuss when it comes to ADHD. It can be overwhelming. [3:29] - Dr. Jackson has a parent guide on her website that is extremely helpful. [5:07] - Girls with ADHD are more likely to be overlooked and misdiagnosed. [6:30] - Inattention is a very internal struggle which is hard to see, but accommodations are very helpful. [8:38] - Classroom accommodations are changes to the classroom environment in a way that will support your child with their learning style. [9:48] - There is a misconception about accommodations being unfair. [10:50] - Classroom accommodations also help with self-confidence. [11:50] - When it comes to ADHD, the accommodation of having a distraction free environment is often recommended. [13:40] - Peers can often make a difference in seating as well. [15:40] - Wobble seats and fidget toys can be helpful but for others they are more distracting. [17:12] - Daily report cards are a great motivational tool and accommodation. [18:39] - ADHD changes as the child gets older. [20:00] - An organization accommodation is particularly helpful for older students with ADHD. [21:28] - Sometimes after an assessment, the child doesn’t want the accommodation. [23:17] - Some accommodations will not be noticeable by peers. [24:37] - It’s about paying attention to what is helpful to each student in accessing the curriculum. Track these over time. [26:19] - Schools will not give these accommodations automatically. [27:12] - Start the conversation with your child’s teacher about their diagnoses.   About Our Guest: Carrie Jackson, PhD is a licensed child psychologist, speaker, and author working in San Diego, California. She has published over 20 articles and book chapters related to parenting, ADHD, and defiance. Dr. Carrie Jackson maintains a private practice and shares evidence-based mental health information on social media. In addition to her private practice, Dr. Carrie Jackson is also an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego, where she teaches child therapy to Marriage and Family Therapy graduate students.   Connect with Carrie Jackson: Website Parenting ADHD Instagram Phone: 619-719-1940    Links and Related Resources: Episode 99: Straight Talk About ADHD in Girls with Dr. Stephen Henshaw Episode 91: Key Principles for Raising a Child with ADHD with Dr. Russell A. Barkley Book a Consultation Find a Provider/School Search for Articles/Blogs   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.

Today we are continuing the conversation about language skills and development, but this time we’re discussing how speech-language therapy helps students with dyslexia. In previous episodes we’ve talked about speech and language development and we’ve talked about dyslexia, but now we combine the two because they are certainly linked. My guest today is Nancy Rose Steinbock, an absolute expert in the field of language and literacy disorders. In our conversation today, Nancy talks in length about the connection between language development and literacy and the unfortunate truth that some teachers and educators are not equipped or prepared to effectively support students who are struggling. Nancy gives fantastic tips on what to look for in the early years before school begins for a child, even when pediatricians and caregivers are saying “wait and see”.  All this and more in this conversation today with Nancy Steinbock.   Show Notes: [3:01] - We often talk about language development and literacy separately, but they are closely linked. [4:36] - The key to mitigating language disorders is early identification and intervention. [5:49] - Nancy describes research that demonstrates what to look for in early stages of language development. [7:50] - While being told to “wait and see”, there are things we can look for before professional intervention. [9:02] - Non-verbal communication is a form of language. [11:30] - We need to be careful about discerning the difference between a child who has a language development disability and one who is progressing differently. [13:06] - A parent’s concern should always be considered as they know their child better than anyone. Don’t always buy into the “wait and see” approach. [14:13] - There are times that language development plateaus and makes it appear that some are catching up when there is still an issue. [17:11] - Many children miss out on early intervention due to the lack of understanding of the link between language and literacy. [19:35] - One of the mistakes we’ve made in teacher education is that we’re not training teachers in the last decade in language. [21:18] - Nancy shares the problems she ran into when working with students and teachers virtually. [24:03] - Nancy demonstrates speech to print vs. print to speech. [26:30] - Language encompasses reading, writing, and speaking and these are developing simultaneously. [28:46] - Because language has been a struggle, children who have not had support become less attuned to listening and experience learned helplessness. [31:08] - Nancy describes some of the other behaviors that develop when a student has not received the help they need. [32:51] - This is not a quick process. This could take years. [34:28] - Asking indirect questions when a student is engaged is much more effective. [36:01] - It is important for students to engage with a story. [37:40] - Connect with Nancy to learn more.   About Our Guest: As a speech language pathologist, Nancy Rose Steinbock, M.A., CCC-SLP is an expert in the field of language and literacy disorders. Over 40 years’ experience in the field and engagement with experts in the fields of language development and disorders have developed her expertise in diagnosing and treating spoken and written language skills.   She was fortunate to complete four years of doctoral study at City University of New York, CUNY, when children identified as ‘learning disabled’ were seen to be ‘language disabled.’ Connections between early childhood speech-language development and academic under-achievement were studied across disciplines in the program.   Knowing that prevention is key to mitigating language disorders, Nancy has created numerous programs and strategies to work with teachers and students who are at risk for developing these disorders. Focusing on bilingual language acquisition and interventionist methods, she founded Inglese Dinamico, an innovative bilingual education project in Venice, Italy, where she provided extensive teacher-training in speech and language development disorders for nearly 15 years. Her ’intervention methodology’ for EL teaching has been carried over into her EL teaching for adults in her practice located on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts.   Connect with Nancy Steinbock: ChildNEXUS Provider Profile MV Language Website   Links and Related Resources: Episode 102: Everyday Activities That Help Build Language Skills with Stefanie Trenholme, MS, CCC-SLP Dyslexia Article 6 Quick Questions for Parents Concerned About Dyslexia Episode 21: What You Know and Don’t Know About Dyslexia with Dr. Lauren McClenney Rosenstein Get Reading Support 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.