Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Did you know that most children with ADHD are given medication, offered some counseling, and nothing else? Today's episode is a game-changer, especially for parents navigating the challenges of ADHD because today’s guest wants to change this. Dr. Hokehe Eko joins us to discuss her unique approach, one that focuses on empowering children with ADHD without solely relying on medication. Dr. Eko believes it's time to shift our focus from merely treating symptoms to understanding the whole child. In our conversation, Dr. Eko shares her insights into how trauma and lifestyle factors impact a child's behavior and cognitive development. Instead of rushing to medication, Dr. Eko advocates for lifestyle and environmental changes that support a child's overall well-being. From nutrition to hydration, she discusses practical steps parents can take to empower their children and create a supportive environment for their growth. You may be surprised by the impact of small lifestyle changes and how they can positively influence a child's behavior and family dynamics. While there’s no “quick fix,” these small incremental changes not only benefit ADHD symptoms but the well-being of the whole family.   Show Notes: [2:21] - Dr. Eko is a pediatrician and a big advocate for empowering our brains. She has a different approach to looking at the whole child. [3:55] - During some training, Dr. Eko had the realization of how things could change. She shares the story of what inspired her approach. [5:55] - Trauma makes changes in the way our brains work and our behavior. [8:30] - You can never just assess symptoms.  [10:50] - Before jumping to medication, Dr. Eko looks at simple lifestyle and environmental changes. [13:03] - If we feed the brain what it needs and what it craves, we are healthier overall. [14:34] - Behaviors are difficult and there isn’t necessarily a “quick fix.” However, lifestyle changes could benefit the overall health of the child more than medication. [17:18] - Dr. Eko discusses the impact of nutrition on behavior. [20:29] - If your child is healthier, the whole family is better overall. [22:10] - Change one thing at a time. All the small changes build up. [23:26] - Dr. Eko shares some suggestions on how to increase the amount of water you and your family drink that also gets the child on board. [26:24] - It is a process. Take it one day at a time and do things as a family. [28:36] - Dr. Eko emphasizes the importance of executive functioning skills and what parents can do to support their children. [31:00] - Have a conversation with your child and explain what is going on. They need to understand as they form their identity. [32:36] - Dr. Eko offers a support group and community and the information can be found on her website. She also shares the details of her recent book.   About Our Guest: Dr. Hokehe Eko is a Mom, Board Certified Pediatrician, TedX Speaker, and CEO of Glow Pediatrics PLLC. She partners with parents of children with ADHD/Autism to address the root causes of their children's behaviors so they GLOW with health from the inside out. She is also CEO of Kits of Hope, a 501 (3) organization, sharing love, hope, and dignity with children in foster care.   Connect with Dr. Hokehe Eko: Brain Power with Dr. Eko Podcast LinkedIn Children’s Love Letters: A Pediatrician’s Guide to How Your Child Spells Love by Hokehe Eko MD, MPH   Links and Related Resources: Episode 149: Supporting Children and Teens’ Mental Health Via Nutrition Episode 169: The Science of Exercise and the Brain with Dr. John Ratey Episode 148: How Sleep Affects Academic Performance and Mood 8 Ways Teenagers Suffer When They Don’t Get Enough Sleep   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.

Renowned child and teen development specialist, Dr. Robyn Silverman, discusses reframing failure as growth opportunities for kids. Emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for children to take risks and celebrate progress. She guides parents on instilling a growth mindset and resilience in their children by valuing effort over outcomes.

Would you describe your child as passive, quiet around others, uncomfortable in social situations, a child that avoids eye contact, and maybe hesitates to try new things? Does your child excessively rehearse what they want to say or how they want to behave? Some parents may wonder if this is shyness or something more. Is it social anxiety? Today, we’re digging into the topic of both. Is it shyness or social anxiety and how do you know? And what can we do to help? Dr. Fran Walfish is an absolute expert in this field and in our conversation today, she not only offers some clarification on the differences between shyness and social anxiety, but also shares things we can do to support these children better and when to seek professional help and guidance. She is a wealth of knowledge and I am thrilled for you to hear our conversation.   Show Notes: [3:21] - First, shyness is an innate trait. It’s something human beings are born with. A child comes into the world already predisposed with a particular temperament. [4:42] - Shyness can sometimes look like anxiety. There are so many ingredients that shape a person’s personality and behavior. [6:36] - The child should be the one to dictate the comfort level, rather than it being driven by the parent's fear of embarrassment or shame due to the child's shyness. [8:31] - Certain things can lead to social anxiety.  [10:20] - Not all shy people have social anxiety. [12:11] - Well-meaning parents may feel embarrassed or exceedingly worried about a child’s shyness. [14:37] - Selective mutism is a confusing presentation of social anxiety. [16:58] - It is crucial for parents not to pressure kids. It could lead to them withholding even more. [19:12] - The parent who is trying to discern the difference between social anxiety and shyness needs to be non-judgmental. [21:35] - Create some reasonable separation and assure your child that you are there. [23:01] - Just like adults, children want to be seen, acknowledged, validated and accepted - flaws and all. [24:40] - What can parents and teachers do to help children with social anxiety? Dr. Walfish shares some tips. [26:25] - Expect some successes and failures. [31:21] - If parents see their child crying and sobbing in most social situations, it is time to search for a referral.   About Our Guest: Dr. Fran Walfish is a leading child, couples, family, relationship, and sex psychotherapist and author in Beverly Hills, CA who treats celebrity couples, Hollywood’s elite, and LA’s poshest residents. In addition to her thriving private practice, Dr. Walfish was on clinical staff in the Department of Child Psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for 15 years. She was a Beverly Hills school psychologist and served a 4 year-term as Chair of the Board of The Early Childhood Parenting Center founded at Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles. Dr. Fran was the host and co-star on WE tv series, Sex Box. Dr. Walfish also appeared as an on-camera expert psychotherapist in 15 episodes on The Robert Irvine Show, CW/Tribune Networks. Dr. Walfish is a featured expert in Parents magazine “Ask The Experts'', and formerly in her weekly Q & A in The Beverly Hills Courier. She is an expert contributor to several news outlets and publications.   Dr. Fran’s book, The Self-Aware Parent: Resolving Conflict and Building A Better Bond with Your Child, is represented by William Morris Endeavor Entertainment and published by Palgrave Macmillan/St. Martin’s Press. Simon & Schuster published her original chapter Why Empathy Matters in their all-star psychologists anthology book Tough Love in 2018.  Dr. Walfish has been quoted in NY Bestselling books authored by Arianna Huffington, Randi Zuckerberg, and Josh Shipp.   Connect with Dr. Fran Walfish: DrFranWalfish.com   Links and Related Resources: How Social Anxiety Differs From Shyness and How to Help Your Child Episode 170: Understanding Selective Mutism with Dr. Danielle Cornacchio   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.

If your child is afraid to speak around certain people, like adults or strangers, or in certain situations, like at school, they may be struggling with selective mutism. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder characterized by an inability to speak in certain settings and to certain people. It is commonly misunderstood as shyness or a child could even be misdiagnosed as having Autism Spectrum Disorder or Oppositional Defiance Disorder. But what exactly is selective mutism and how can we tell the difference?  Today’s guest helps demystify selective mutism and offers a lot of insight into ways we can help children thrive. Dr. Danielle Cornacchio is the newest member of ChildNEXUS! She is a clinical child psychologist specializing in evidence-based treatments for childhood anxiety, OCD, and disruptive behavior disorders. Dr. Cornacchio has particular expertise in behavioral treatment for childhood selective mutism. In this episode, Dr. Cornacchio explains what selective mutism is, but perhaps more importantly, she explains what it is not. She takes the time to describe what treatment for selective mutism might look like and emphasizes the importance of parent education and participation. Listen to learn more about this often misunderstood condition.   Show Notes: [2:27] - Selective mutism is classified as an anxiety disorder. It is a consistent failure to speak in certain situations despite speaking fine in others. [4:03] - Selective mutism is not Autism Spectrum Disorder or Oppositional Defiance Disorder. It is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. [7:13] - Kids with selective mutism will typically speak around their parents and siblings at home but won’t speak at school. [11:24] - Information and research on treatment for selective mutism is very new but Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most beneficial. [14:04] - Dr. Cornacchio shares some of the ways selective mutism shows up including learning situations where talking is not necessary and something called contamination. [17:58] - Therapy sessions once a week are not enough if parents and family members are not also working with a child at home. [21:14] - It’s human nature to want to protect your children and reduce their stress, but to overcome challenges, children need to step out of their comfort zones. [24:13] - Dr. Cornacchio demonstrates the steps in early therapy sessions with children with selective mutism including behavior descriptions and labeled praise. [26:34] - The type of question that we ask a child who is ready to speak really matters. [28:11] - Giving children ample time to answer a question can be uncomfortable for parents. [29:29] - After 5 seconds of wait time, if the child does not answer, Dr. Cornacchio demonstrates how to rephrase the question and try something different. [31:47] - But what happens if the child still does not answer a question after different strategies? [33:29] - Teachers do not have the luxury of trying questions multiple times and waiting for answers. But there is a Plan B for teachers to not ever give up on a question. [37:37] - It is important to connect with a provider, but it is challenging to find one that treats selective mutism.   About Our Guest: Dr. Cornacchio completed her PhD in Clinical Science in Child and Adolescent Psychology at Florida International University and her predoctoral internship training at the UCLA Semel Institute. She currently serves as a clinical instructor at the UCLA Psychology Department. Dr. Cornacchio founded and currently directs The WaveMind Clinic in Los Angeles, a clinic dedicated to providing specialized care to children and families with a variety of mental health needs, including selective mutism, OCD, and disruptive behavior disorders. She directs a training program for psychology students and postdoctoral trainees learning Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and treatment for childhood selective mutism. Dr. Cornacchio leads training for educators and professionals interested in learning more about how to treat selective mutism. Dr. Cornacchio’s research interests focus on innovative treatment formats for difficult-to-treat child anxiety. She conducted the first randomized controlled trial of an intensive group treatment program for children with selective mutism and is currently co-authoring a manual that’s in press on the delivery of intensive treatment for children with selective mutism.    Connect with Dr. Danielle Cornacchio: WaveMind Clinic Website ChildNEXUS Provider Profile Email: dcornacchio@wavemindclinic.com    Links and Related Resources: Selective Mutism Association website with many resources and a provider database Dr. Steve Kurtz’s Selective Mutism Learning University self-guided course   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.

Dr. John Ratey discusses the science of exercise and the brain, highlighting its impact on ADHD, behavior, and cognitive function. He explains how exercise can improve attention and executive functioning skills, emphasizing its accessibility and benefits for mental health. Dr. Ratey shares his experiences in schools, showing the positive effects of exercise on student behavior and learning.

Explore the natural variation of neurodiversity in the human brain and learn 5 valuable tips for supporting neurodivergent youth. From cultivating strength-based approaches to challenging stereotypes, this episode aims to promote inclusive practices and celebrate the unique qualities of neurodiverse individuals.

Many parents, particularly moms, feel like taking care of your health and well-being only comes after your family’s needs are met. That essentially means that there’s no time left for any form of self-care. But today’s guest discusses how we can take better care of ourselves and in doing so, take better care of the ones we love. Leslie Forde is the CEO and Founder of Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs®. Her business provides evidence-based tools for moms to reclaim time from the never-done list for well-being. And she helps employers retain caregivers. Over 3,500 parents have participated since March of 2020 in the Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs research study - the longest running study of its kind about the pandemic’s ongoing impact on the work/life, care, and wellness needs of parents.   Show Notes: [2:45] - Leslie returned to work after a second maternity leave and didn’t learn the importance of a mom’s hierarchy of needs until she completely burned out. [4:19] - When she went back to work, she felt like the answer was to just work “harder.” [5:26] - In hindsight, there were a lot of signs that she was not okay. Everyone was flourishing except for her. [7:46] - Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs has self-care at the top. But the reason we don’t spend time on this is because the other things are never done. [10:28] - If you think that you will start something for yourself when something else is done, you will never start. [11:58] - Health problems for moms often don’t show up until later in life and can be attributed to ignoring self-care practices. [14:10] - Leslie shares a story about making cookies and how a hobby can turn into something stressful. [15:51] - Your health and well-being is of equal importance to your children’s health and well-being. [16:55] - Consequences of ignoring health are gradual and it could feel easier to put it off compared to more immediate consequences of focusing on your family. [18:38] - Perfection is not critical. Be flexible and find a set of practices that work for you. [19:59] - Mom-guilt is real and it is a heavy weight. [21:57] - Navigating the health and unique needs of a neurodiverse child is huge and a significant amount of work. [23:08] - Awareness and education is improving and is better than it's ever been. But the systems in place are still not designed to help those who learn and think differently. [25:12] - Give yourself achievable goals that will make you feel the success of accomplishing work that needs to be done, but in more manageable ways. [26:12] - Guilt can be paralyzing, depressing, and decelerating. [27:36] - Self-care doesn’t mean a spa day. It could mean a good night’s sleep or a healthy meal. [29:03] - Find the resources that will help you. Your commitment is not to solve the problem. You don’t have to do it alone. [30:32] - Pick something from the top of Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs and make it a habit. [33:37] - If you can create a routine out of something, it will relieve a lot of the mental load of maintaining it. [36:46] - Defer, eliminate, outsource, or spouse source things that are too much to manage at once.   About Our Guest: Leslie has used research to inform growth and innovation strategy for over 20 years. Most recently, she held leadership positions at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Care.com and CSpace, an Omnicom market research agency. And for the past decade, she’s focused on media and technology for the childcare, eldercare, mental health, and education sectors. She’s a frequent speaker and consultant to organizations on how to retain and support parents, caregivers, and people of color, including HubSpot, Merck, Scholastic and the Barr Foundation. Her writing about well-being, equity and the future of work has appeared in The Washington Post, Slate, Parents Magazine, TLNT, Directorship and her website, Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs among other publications. She’s been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, CNN, National Geographic, Fast Company, US News & World Report, SHRM, and many other outlets.   Connect with Leslie: Email: Leslie@momshierarchyofneeds.com Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs Website Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs on Instagram   Links and Related Resources: TimeCheck App Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs Website   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.

Dr. Bibi Pirayesh, an Educational Therapist, discusses the importance of educational therapy in helping students succeed. She highlights the role of educational therapists in identifying and addressing students' needs. Dr. Pirayesh also emphasizes the connection between learning differences and social justice. Topics include measuring progress, the impact of COVID-19 on education, and the challenges of distance learning.

It’s time to spend some time with family for the holidays and now is a great time to look back at some of the earliest episodes of Diverse Thinking Different Learning. Today, we’re revisiting our conversation with Dr. Daniel Franklin. What is a Language-Based Learning Disability and when should we as parents be concerned? Well, let’s ask an expert! Today my guest is Dr. Daniel Franklin, the founder and clinical director of the Los Angeles based Franklin Educational Services and the author of the book Helping Your Child with Learning-Based Learning Difficulties. In today’s episode my guest and I discuss how the parent-child relationship is an important component of any intervention. We also recognize the fine line between being a helicopter parent and a helpful parent and Dr. Franklin gives great advice on walking that fine line. This conversation will leave you feeling empowered and inspired.   Show Notes: [3:37] - Research shows that many children who have a reading difficulty or diagnosed specific learning disability frequently have a behavioral difference as well, like ADHD. [4:29] - Because of this overlap in learning difficulties, they are grouped under a broader umbrella of Language-Based Learning Disabilities. [6:20] - We want to remember that the human brain, especially a child’s brain, is a social organ that functions best in a context of healthy, positive relationships. [7:32] - Only when a child is in a calm, regulated state can they experience meaningful learning. [9:41] - The difference between a helicopter parent and a helpful parent is that a helicopter parent provides help that is not needed. [11:04] - When we need to provide more help, that is fine, but when help is no longer needed in an area, as parents, we need to step back. [13:39] - Dr. Franklin gives some suggestions on how to help students with writing without being counterproductive. [17:05] - Dr. Franklin emphasizes the importance of identifying underlying difficulties to provide students the correct instruction and intervention. [18:04] - The hierarchy of reading support is discussed in Dr. Franklin’s book and he breaks it down briefly with Dr. Wilson. [19:40] - Dr. Franklin was featured in a documentary called Unteachable by Anthony Sherin which focuses on the importance of student-teacher relationships. [22:05] - Having a strong relationship with students is important in helping them develop self-confidence and reinforce a love of learning. [24:58] - No two kids are the same. No two kids learn the same things in the same way at the same time. [28:11] - Sharing your observations with teachers is important. [30:47] - If you want to know what is going on in a child’s mind, observe their body. If they are slumped over, their brain is slumped, too.   About Our Guest: Dr. Daniel Franklin is the author of Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities, and a co-editor of The Los Angeles Psychologist. He holds a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a PhD from UCLA in Education. Dr. Franklin has over 30 years of experience in education as a teacher, administrator, and educational consultant.   Connect with Dr. Daniel Franklin: Franklin Educational Services ChildNEXUS Provider Profile - Dr. Daniel Franklin Dr. Franklin on Facebook Dr. Franklin on Twitter Call Dr. Franklin (310) 571-1176   Links and Resources: Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities by Dr. Daniel Franklin Supporting Parents of Children with Language-Based Disabilities Documentary featuring Dr. Daniel Franklin: Unteachable   Connect with Us: Get on our Email List Book a Consultation Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider Check out some amazing schools for incredible students 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.

The IEP process is notoriously daunting, overwhelming, and can be confusing to parents. However, parents have the right to be active participants in all aspects of an IEP. There’s more that parents can do to be a part of their child’s education and successfully advocate for the support they need in the classroom. Today’s guest is April Rehrig, the founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting. April has a unique approach to special education reform that promotes team collaboration and communication to ensure every child feels valued. Through Rise Educational Advocacy, she guides families through the IEP process and helps bridge the gap between schools and parents. This episode is all about the 5 keys to productive IEPs and how to build a relationship with the team of people supporting a child.   Show Notes: [2:09] - April has been working with neurodiverse students since she was a teenager. She shares her background and what drives her passion. [4:45] - An experience in her early years of teaching opened her eyes to presumed competency. [5:32] - After 20 years as a school psychologist, April now bridges the gap between schools and parents. [6:54] - Parents just want their kids to get the support they need, but it is daunting to get started. Most parents don’t know what to expect. [8:41] - Just like building a house, you must have a solid foundation.  [11:02] - If schools and psychologists communicate with parents from the very beginning, it saves time and makes things easier for families. [12:32] - Parents have the opportunity to write a parent report to share during the IEP meeting. [14:41] - Psychologists and teachers are trained to look for what the deficits are. But reports are a snapshot. Really good evaluations are based on multiple measures. [16:44] - What is a child’s inferential learning? Standardized test scores do not provide this information. [19:23] - Comprehensive evaluations drive the IEP. [21:00] - Parents have the right to participate in all aspects of the IEP process. [25:24] - There’s a misnomer called predetermination. April has a different opinion on giving reports before a meeting. [28:09] - Each state and district has a different approach to the IEP process. But something that is universal, the parent input section is often only three lines long. [30:27] - When we take sides, we lose the importance of talking about the child as a team. [32:57] - Parents can get stuck on advocating for a particular service, but should look at weaknesses and the outcomes they want.   About Our Guest: April Rehrig is the founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, LLC. She has over 20 years of experience as a school psychologist, teacher, and parent in the public school setting. With her Build a Better IEP™️curriculum, April teaches parents and teachers nationwide how to successfully navigate special education from a strength-based perspective. Her unique approach to special education reform promotes team collaboration and communication. April holds a master’s degree in education and is a Board Certified Education Advocate (BCEA) Fellow. She completed the prestigious Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) SEAT™ 2.0 & 3.0 program, is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP), Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS), Master IEP Coach©, and credentialed teacher.   Connect with April: ChildNEXUS Provider Profile April Rehrig Special Education Advocate on LinkedIn Rise Ed Advocacy on Instagram Rise Ed Advocacy on Facebook Rise Ed Advocacy Website   Links and Related Resources: Episode 146: How Parents and Educators Can Collaborate to Help Students Thrive with Shelley Lawrence Episode 157: What Dyslexia Screening in Schools Means For Your Child with Vickie Brett and Amanda Selogie Episode 145: Advocating for Children With Special Needs with Heather Zakson   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.