Dr. Casey Ehrlich delves into Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) as a nervous system disability, offering insights on its root causes and misunderstood nature. She shares practical strategies for parents to navigate PDA behaviors and connect with their child, emphasizing the need for tailored support and understanding of neuroception-driven demand avoidance.

Welcome to today's episode, where we turn the spotlight to dyslexia awareness and advocacy, featuring the remarkable journey of Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey. Rosalin's story is nothing short of inspiring as she navigates her own experience with dyslexia to become an advocate for change for dyslexic individuals across Africa and beyond. From struggling in academics to finding her passion in culinary school, Rosalin's personal journey highlights the importance of understanding and embracing neurodiversity.  Through her organization, the Africa Dyslexia Organization (ADO), Rosalin is making an impact on dyslexia awareness, advocacy, and support. However, there are many barriers, including societal beliefs in African countries and lack of teacher resources. In this episode, Rosalin shares her own struggles and triumphs with dyslexia, including the pivotal moments that brought dyslexia to her own awareness and understanding. Rosalin's dedication to raising awareness and providing essential tools for educators and parents is truly inspiring and much needed in a world where dyslexia continues to be misunderstood. Show Notes: [2:35] - Rosalin always struggled in academics and knew from a young age that she was different. She explains why she has dedicated her life to dyslexia advocacy. [5:27] - Due to her struggles, Rosalin was not permitted to take exams to move forward into high school in Ghana. [7:10] - Rosalin chose to go to culinary school and this was a turning point for her. It was the first time she was in an environment where she loved to learn. [9:12] - She describes the first time a school administrator told her something positive. This turned her life around. [11:58] - As an adult, Rosalin had an assessment done and discovered her dyslexia. [13:05] - In her travels across Africa, Rosalin has found that there is little to no understanding about dyslexia. [15:07] - Rosalin has dedicated her life to spreading awareness of dyslexia in African countries. [18:16] - Rosalin’s organization is taking steps to prevent the wasting of valuable talents among dyslexic individuals. [21:12] - Inclusivity is crucial. Students with dyslexia need the same opportunities and support to thrive. [23:01] - Teacher training and resources for educators is a huge focus for the Africa Dyslexia Organization. [24:50] - Reaching out to the Ministries of Education in different locations in Africa is very difficult. Rosalin describes some of the barriers the organization faces. [26:39] - This is a global problem. There are people who are neurodivergent everywhere that need to understand the way they learn. [29:24] - Even with resources and awareness in the United States, students still fall behind and continue to face barriers to quality education and support. About Our Guest: Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey Rosalin is an unwavering advocate for dyslexic individuals and the Founder and Executive Director of Africa Dyslexia Organization (ADO), non-profit organization is dedicated to raising awareness, advocacy, providing essential educational tools to teachers and parents, and offering support for individuals grappling with dyslexia and related learning disabilities. Rosalin holds an MSc in International Hospitality Management from Swiss Hotel Management School in Switzerland. She is Walt Disney Hospitality Leadership Fellow and currently a Lead Consultant at iQ Mundo and Country Rep for Swiss Education Group in Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Her multifaceted expertise and her commitment to inclusive education position her as a beacon of hope, igniting positive change for dyslexic individuals across Africa. Connect with Rosalin: Email: Rosalin@africandyslexia.org Africa Dyslexia Website Links and Related Resources: Register for Our Self-Paced Dyslexia Mini Course Dyslexia Episode 37: Literacy - A Social Justice Issue with Resha Conroy Episode 36: Empowering Professionals and Caregivers to Improve the Lives of Children Around the World with Sandy Dorsey Episode 111: Overcoming Dyslexia and Addressing the Reading Crisis with Sally Shaywitz Connect with Us: Get on our Email List Book a Consultation Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider 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.

Certified parent coach Samantha Moe shares insights on supporting emotionally intense children. Topics include understanding triggers, managing stress responses, brain-based parenting strategies, and creating harmonious home environments. Practical tools and advice for parents navigating the complexities of raising emotionally intense children.

Dr. Elizabeth Karp, a licensed clinical child psychologist, delves into childhood anxiety, its impact on families, and practical strategies for parents. She emphasizes recognizing signs of anxiety, parental involvement, and the SPACE program for empowering families. The episode offers valuable guidance for supporting anxious children and promoting self-paced courses.

Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, a triple board-certified sleep medicine physician and pediatric pulmonologist, shares practical strategies for better sleep habits, focusing on the CREATE acronym: Consistency, Routines, Environment, Assigned bed for sleep, Technology management, and Elimination of disruptions. She discusses the recommended amount of sleep by age group and the impact of sleep quality on overall well-being, especially for neurodivergent children. Real-life success stories of families implementing these strategies are shared, emphasizing the importance of optimizing sleep for improved health.

Join the conversation with Jason B. Allen, an advocate for inclusive education, as he discusses empowering black neurodivergent learners. Topics include combating stigma, fostering community partnerships, and empowering families for student success in creating inclusive learning environments.

Phyllis L. Fagell, expert in guiding children through middle school, shares insights on helping kids thrive. Topics include key skills for success, social dynamics, homework struggles, and empowering children for future success.

Exploring the unique characteristics of adolescent brains, including pruning and differences in stress response. Discussing strategies to support neurodivergent youth during the vulnerable teenage years. Emphasizing the importance of inclusive approaches and tailored support for positive outcomes.

Many families struggle knowing what to do when their child or teen suddenly starts failing school and academics or lacks motivation to learn. These challenges can be difficult to navigate as a parent, especially for a parent of a neurodivergent child. Today’s guest has an incredible resource that turns this challenge into an opportunity for parents and families. Dr. Jacqueline Olivier is the founder of Blue Marble Learning Center and she has created an Academic Success Playbook. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all guide. These are personalized and customized guides based on the learning needs of the student and what type of support the parents and families need. Not only that, but these playbooks are interactive and include referrals and even more resources to give parents the information and support they need to help their children thrive. In today’s episode, Jacqueline explains how the playbook works, what she takes into account when customizing them for students, and how impactful they have been for neurodivergent children and their families.   Show Notes: [2:34] - Jacqueline explains what she does in her role at Blue Marble Learning Center. [3:57] - We see the best outcomes when a team of people works together to help the student. [5:06] - The most impactful part of Jacqueline’s work is helping students understand how they learn. [7:15] - Parents don’t have a guide for parenting and helping their children. And for neurodivergent children, they have to help them navigate a world that was not built for them. [8:49] - Many times, parents see the results of an evaluation and they think the diagnosis is the golden ticket. Jacqueline explains this gap. [11:20] - What does a success playbook look like? Jacqueline designs these for parents after a diagnosis. It is an individualized and interactive document. [13:55] - Jacqueline describes a scenario with a student who benefited by having a playbook. [17:50] - Every parent’s situation is different. Some will be able to dive into understanding their diagnosis and some will not be able to. The playbook is customized per family. [22:35] - The playbook also gives parents and families an awareness and understanding of what to expect in the school environment and personalized strategies. [26:06] - Jacqueline creates a personalized playbook and provides more resources and referrals for parents and families. [31:02] - When Jacqueline began offering academic playbooks, she learned just how needed this resource is. About Our Guest: Dr. Jacqueline Olivier is the founder of Blue Marble Learning Center. She has an extensive background in educational therapy, working with neurodivergent students, curriculum design, teaching, consulting, instructional leadership, and senior administration in independent and start-up schools. Jacqueline’s areas of expertise include working with children and teens who have been diagnosed with dyslexia, ADHD, Asperger’s, language-based learning disabilities, test-taking anxiety, academic anxiety, dyscalculia, processing disorders, and executive functioning challenges. She provides academic support in mathematics, writing, entrance exams (ISEE, SAT), college essays, and other subjects.   Connect with Jacqueline Olivier: ChildNEXUS Provider Profile Blue Marble Learning and Consulting Email bluemarblelc@gmail.com   Connect with Us: Get on our Email List Book a Consultation Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider Register for Our Self-Paced Mini Courses with LIVE AMA Sessions   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.

Learn how to support students struggling with writing as Shanna Trombetta, an Educational Therapist, shares insights and practical strategies. She discusses challenges students face, the importance of structure, and ways to empower parents and educators in guiding children through the writing process.