Hi, I’m Casey - mom to four amazing daughters, life coach to girl moms everywhere and proud member of the ’Put It On the List’ club. Over the last 23 years of being a girl mom, I’ve learned some mindset strategies, relationship skills and parenting tools that have quite literally changed our family. One might even say saved. And now I’m on a mission to help you do the same: parent with calm confidence, restore relationships and build a family future. If you’re ready to release the anxiety an ...
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Diverse Thinking · Different Learning, a ChildNEXUS podcast, is hosted by pediatric neuropsychologist, mom of two, and ChildNEXUS founder Dr. Karen Wilson. Each week, Dr. Wilson provides support and guidance for parents raising kids with learning differences. Diverse Thinking · Different Learning features informative and inspiring interviews with top experts in their fields, and gives parents and educators the tools and takeaways they need to better understand neurodivergence, learning disab ...
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The best way to connect with your daughter is to get curious. When you ask simple questions, you will understand her heart. Get curious is the second in a ten-part series of what I've learned over 23 years of being a girl mom. Being a mom is one of the absolute best AND hardest jobs on the planet. Before you get the job, there are all these ideas a…
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Ep. 228: Understanding Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) with Dr. Samantha Levy
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44:42We are excited to have Samantha Levy, PhD join the show again this week to discuss Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Dr. Samantha Levy is a clinical psychologist specializing in youth with chronic pain disorders. She uses a biopsychosocial approach to address both physical and emotional struggles, working with children, families, and parents …
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To truly get the to the heart of the child, you have to connect. Connection Before Correction is the first in a ten-part series of what I've learned over 23 years of being a girl mom. Being a mom is one of the absolute best AND hardest jobs on the planet. Before you get the job, there are all these ideas about what it's like, what you want to do. B…
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Ep. 227: Teen Depression Gone Viral with Dr. Meredith Gansner
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39:21We are joined this week by Dr. Meredith Gansner. Dr. Gansner is a child psychiatrist at Boston Children’s Hospital and an instructor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, specializing in high-risk digital media use in teens. She has received multiple research grants, including a K23 career development award from the National Institute on Drug Ab…
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Welcome to The Girl Mom Life! Here's a little bit about me, Casey Gray, and how this whole thing got started.By Casey Gray - Girl Mom
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Ep. 226: Is It Autism? Recognizing, Assessing & Supporting Children and Teens with Dr. Chandni Singh
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41:55This week on the podcast, we are happy to have Dr. Chandni Singh on the show. Dr. Singh is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than a decade of experience in diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions in children, adolescents, and young adults. She is committed to providing evidence-based assessments an…
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Ep. 225: Moving Beyond Accommodations and Modifications to Cognitive Change for Academic Gains with Shelley Woon
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37:09This week on the podcast, we welcome Shelley Woon to the conversation. Shelley is a dedicated educator and school leader with over three decades of experience supporting students, families, and staff in overcoming learning challenges. She holds a Master of Education in Leadership, has specialized qualifications in Special Education and Reading, and…
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Ep. 224: Should I Medicate My Child? – Part 2 with Lance Steinberg, M.D.
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33:05Following up on last week’s episode, we are joined once again by Lance Steinberg, M.D. to further discuss the complex issue of medicating children with conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression, and if you missed part 1 of the discussion, be sure to go back and listen to that before diving into part 2! In this continuation of our discussion, Dr…
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Ep. 223: Should I Medicate My Child? – Part 1 with Lance Steinberg, M.D.
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32:37We are joined this week by Lance Steinberg, M.D. Dr. Steinberg is an expert in psychopharmacology, specializing in conditions such as OCD, ADHD, and autism. He has taught internationally and at institutions like UCLA, earning multiple awards for his outstanding teaching. He completed his medical training at Dartmouth, UCLA, and Stanford, and he cur…
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Ep. 222: Wildfires and Mental Health: Understanding the Impact and Strategies for Recovery with Dr. Jyoti Mishra
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36:23We are joined for this episode by Dr. Jyoti Mishra to help us discuss an incredibly important and timely topic - the impact of wildfires on mental health. Dr. Mishra is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at UC San Diego, the founder of NEATLabs, and co-director of the UC-wide Climate Change and Mental Health Initiative. Dr. Mishra specializes in …
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Ep. 221: Would a Behavioral Aide/Shadow Help My Child?
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37:51This week, Lisa Topp, M.S., BCBA joins us to talk about the role of behavioral aides or "shadows" in schools, focusing on how they help children with unique behavioral challenges thrive in the classroom. Lisa is a board-certified behavior analyst with a master's in Applied Behavior Analysis and more than a decade of experience in private practice. …
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Ep. 220: How to Support Children and Teens with Chronic Pain with Dr. Samantha Levy
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41:44Dr. Samantha Levy joins us this week to discuss the challenges of supporting kids with chronic pain. Samantha is a clinical psychologist specializing in youth with chronic pain disorders, using a biopsychosocial approach to address both physical and emotional challenges. She also supports parents through individual sessions, group facilitation, and…
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Ep. 219: Understanding Dysgraphia: Signs, Strategies, and Support for Struggling Writers with Natasha Gray
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33:21This week, we discuss the complexities of dysgraphia, a neurodevelopmental disorder that can greatly affect written expression. We are joined by Natasha Gray, founder of Spark Learning in the Caribbean. We unpack dysgraphia and what it is and highlight its varied types and how it often overlaps with other challenges such as ADHD and dyslexia. Natas…
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Ep. 218: Understanding IEPs and 504 Plans: Which One Is Right for Your Child? - Marisol Chianello
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39:31In this episode, we had a wonderful conversation with Marisol Chianello, TIGER Director at Learning Rights Law Center where she empowers parents of children in special education through the "Know Your Rights" program. With a legal career that began in 2005, Marisol has worked with many nonprofits advocating for marginalized groups, and she also cur…
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Ep. 217: Assessing Learning Differences in Bilingual Students & Students in Dual Language Programs with Dr. Vindia Fernandez
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35:02Joining us for this episode of the podcast is Dr. Vindia Fernandez, who has been on the show before back in episode 3. Dr. Fernandez earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Houston and completed her APA-accredited internship and fellowship at UCLA, specializing in neurodevelopmental issues like autism, ADHD, and learning disa…
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Ep. 216: Teen Anxiety: Signs, Causes, and Effective Treatment Options with Dr. Ashley Smith
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36:02This week, we had an engaging and enlightening discussion with Dr. Ashley Smith about teen anxiety. Dr. Ashley Smith is an award-winning licensed psychologist and expert in anxiety, and we explore the critical differences between stress and anxiety, the various factors that are causing the surge in teen anxiety, and actionable strategies for parent…
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Ep. 215: How to Support Students Who Struggle with Reading Comprehension - with Dr. Emily Levy
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25:09This week we sit down with Dr. Emily Levy, founder and director of EBL Coaching, to explore the complexities of reading comprehension, a skill crucial for learners of all ages. While phonics and decoding often dominate discussions around reading challenges, Dr. Levy highlights the often-overlooked significance of comprehension, explaining that it’s…
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Ep. 214: Private Neuropsychological Evaluation vs. School Evaluation
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19:59Listen in to dive into a topic this week that often confuses parents, educators, and professionals alike: the differences between neuropsychological assessments, psychoeducational evaluations, and school-based assessments. Listen as Karen breaks down the purpose, scope, and key distinctions of these evaluations. We begin by exploring the reasons wh…
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Ep. 213: Top Interventions for Improving Executive Functioning Skills
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26:42Listen in as we discuss executive functioning and unpack its critical role in managing daily life and long-term success. There are the three core executive functions - inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility – and they form the foundation for skills like organization, planning, and emotional regulation. Hear compelling researc…
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Ep. 212: How Dyslexia Impacts Mental Health
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10:00Today, we’re exploring a crucial yet often overlooked topic: the impact of dyslexia on mental health. Dyslexia affects nearly 20% of people in the United States, yet its influence goes far beyond reading challenges. Many don’t realize the deep connection between dyslexia and mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and self-esteem struggles. …
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Ep. 211: The Positive Impact of Music Therapy with Samantha Foote
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28:41Today, we’re exploring the transformative power of music therapy with our guest, Samantha Foote, a board-certified Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow and Positive Discipline Parent Educator. Samantha brings her expertise to support neurodivergent individuals and their families by blending creativity with therapeutic intervention. With her approach, sh…
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Ep. 210: Challenging Behaviors or Communication? How Parents Can Respond with Dr. Andrew Kahn
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34:25Welcome back! In this episode, we’re diving into the world of managing challenging behaviors—a topic every parent can relate to. We often think of behavior as just an action, but today’s guest, Dr. Andrew Kahn, highlights that behavior is a form of communication. By reframing how we understand what our children are trying to express through their a…
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Ep. 209: How the Science of Reading Can Close Literacy Gaps with Dr. Benjamin Powers
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34:15Welcome to today’s episode, where we’ll be diving into the Science of Reading with our guest, Dr. Benjamin Powers. If you’re a parent, educator, or simply curious about how students learn to read, this episode is packed with insights on evidence-based reading instruction and how it can transform classrooms. Dr. Benjamin Powers is an educator, resea…
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Ep. 208: Overcoming Dyslexia and Addressing The Reading Crisis with Sally Shaywitz, MD
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32:36It’s not only ADHD Awareness Month, it is also Dyslexia Awareness Month! So today, let’s revisit a conversation with Dr. Sally Shaywitz about overcoming dyslexia and addressing the reading crisis, which is still relevant and a huge concern. We are in the midst of a reading crisis in the United States. This problem has existed for a long time, but i…
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Ep. 207: Straight Talk About ADHD in Girls with Dr. Stephen Hinshaw
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32:23It is ADHD Awareness Month, and we are revisiting an excellent conversation with Dr. Stephen Hinshaw about ADHD in girls. We’ve discussed ADHD on the podcast before and it continues to be an important topic. Dr. Stephen Hinshaw has conducted years of research including a longitudinal study on girls with ADHD and his findings are not only fascinatin…
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Ep. 206: Lifestyle Activities That Can Improve ADHD Symptoms with Dr. Joel Nigg
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36:51It is ADHD Awareness Month, and we are committed to providing resources and information that increase understanding about ADHD. Today, let’s revisit an episode with Dr. Joel Nigg about lifestyle activities that can improve ADHD symptoms. Dr. Joel Nigg, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at Oregon Health and Science University, is t…
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In today’s episode, I’m focusing on a topic that impacts millions of children, teens, and adults: ADHD assessments. ADHD is a chronic condition that often persists throughout life, so understanding the assessment process is crucial for setting families up for long-term success. I’ll be diving into various aspects of this process, exploring the mult…
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Ep. 204: The Eating Disorder Trap with Robyn L. Goldberg
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37:34In today’s episode, we’re diving into a subject we haven’t yet explored on this podcast: eating disorders. This is an issue that affects millions of people worldwide, including many children and adolescents. For some, it’s a deeply personal battle that often goes unnoticed by those around them. Research even suggests that certain groups, like girls…
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Ep. 203: ADHD and the Gut-Brain Connection: Exploring Integrative Treatments with Sara Langley, MSN, PMHNP-BC
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32:45Welcome to this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning, where we dive into a topic that is of growing interest to parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with ADHD: integrative treatments for ADHD symptoms. Today’s guest, Sara Langley, is an expert in Nutritional Psychiatry and will share valuable insights on how diet and integra…
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Ep. 202: How Low Demand Parenting Can Reduce Stress and Support Neurodivergent Youth with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
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35:53Parenting is filled with moments of stress and overwhelm, especially when raising children with different neurological wiring. Many of us have faced times when our child’s behavior feels too much to handle, leaving us unsure of what to do next. That’s where today’s guest, Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, comes in. Dr. Roseann is a trailblazer in mental h…
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Ep. 201: Why Loneliness Hurts and How to Help
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13:37Welcome to this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning, where we are diving into a topic that’s becoming increasingly urgent: loneliness in children and adolescents. We’ve all experienced loneliness at some point in our lives. However, for many young people, especially those with learning and thinking differences, loneliness can become a pe…
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Ep. 200: The Ten Most Impactful Episodes: Celebrating 200 Episodes
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11:52Welcome to the 200th episode of the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast! I am so excited to celebrate this milestone with you. This episode is a celebration and a look back on some of the most memorable and impactful episodes along this 200 episode journey. We’ve got some really great updates and surprises coming soon! Be sure to check out …
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Ep. 199: Fully Inclusive Education with Sharon Lowery
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38:34Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re exploring the timely topic of inclusive education. As the new school year begins, many parents and educators are thinking about how to create learning environments that truly support all children, regardless of their abilities. Whether you’ve already made decisions for your child’s education or are still weig…
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Ep. 198: Strategies for a Smooth Back-to-School Transition with Gabrielle Hennings and Zoe Hemenway
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36:03Can you believe that it is almost time to go back to school? This time of year can be stressful for students and parents, especially when there’s a history of challenges with learning and transitions. Today’s guests, Gabrielle Hennings and Zoe Hemenway, bring their combined experience in education, specializing in supporting neurodiverse learners, …
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Ep. 197: Five Best Practices for Math Instruction - Dr. Sarah Powell
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41:02Welcome back, listeners, to Diverse Thinking Different Learning! In this episode, we’re having a conversation with Dr. Sarah Powell, a distinguished professor at the University of Texas at Austin and Associate Director of the Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk. Dr. Powell’s expertise in math education sheds light on effective strategies…
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Ep. 196: Gifted and/or Autistic with Megan Helmen, Psy.D., L.P.
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34:34When describing their kids, some parents might mention traits like a strong desire for accuracy, perfectionism, being highly attuned to their environment, experiencing very intense emotions, and having a strong sense of fairness and justice. Some may wonder, is my child autistic, gifted, or both? This episode is about exploring that question and pr…
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Ep. 195: Strategies for Navigating the Autism Journey: The Parent-Child Perspective with Barry and Jake Freeman
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27:23Today, we are diving into an important and deeply personal topic: navigating autism and the parent-child relationship when a child is on the spectrum. To help us explore this, we have the incredible father-son duo, Barry and Jake Freeman, joining us. Barry and Jake are here to share their unique perspective on living and thriving with autism as a f…
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Ep. 194: What Is Neurodiversity-Affirming Care?
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29:52Awareness and understanding of neurodiversity have been expanding in our society along with the need and opportunity for neurodiversity-affirming care. I'm thrilled to have Kody Harms joining me this week. Kody is a neuro-affirming therapist, educator, and advocate with over 15 years of experience working with neurodiverse children, teens, and adul…
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Ep. 193: Independent College Consultants: Who Needs One and When?
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33:32Summer is here, and many graduates are looking into the college application process. If you’re not sure where to start, a college consultant can help make this stressful period much easier for students and parents alike. Today, we dive into everything about independent college consultants. What exactly are they? What is their role, and how do they …
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Ep. 192: Reimagining Education for All Students with Sylvia Barreto Benites
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41:41Today, we have a truly inspiring guest joining us from the heart of the jungle in Costa Rica. She’s the director of the Renaissance Institute (iREN), a trailblazing educational program that is redefining how we approach learning for all students, especially those with learning differences. We’re excited to dive deep into her insights and experience…
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Ep. 191: How CBT Helps Kids and Teens with Social Anxiety with Dr. Sarah Olivo
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45:04Today, we're diving into a topic that affects many kids, teens, and adults: social anxiety. Social anxiety is more than just the usual nervousness or shyness; it can significantly impact daily life, making even the simplest social interactions panic-inducing. We're going to break down what social anxiety is, how it differs from normal social worrie…
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Ep. 190: Should Your Teen Take a Gap Year? with Julia Rogers
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31:35In this episode, we’re exploring something that is often misunderstood and rarely talked about: gap years. Many parents and students don’t really know exactly what a gap year is or how taking one could be the right choice for them. So today, we are exploring the benefits and considerations of gap years for teens and young adults with learning diffe…
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Ep. 189: The Private School Option for Kids with Learning Differences with Collette Bowers Zinn
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40:47Welcome to today's episode, where we are navigating the complex landscape of public and private school options for children with learning differences. While many families have had great experiences in both settings, others face challenges that necessitate exploring alternative educational environments. Today, we're diving into the independent schoo…
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Ep. 188: Enhancing Reading Skills Through Speech-Language Therapy with Stacy Payne MS, CCC-SLP
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48:53Today, I’m excited to discuss the profound impact of early language and speech experiences on cognitive and academic skills, specifically reading skills. Joining us is a seasoned expert in the field, Stacy Payne, a speech-language pathologist and the founder of Bright Beginnings Pediatric Services. Stacy shares her insights on the importance of cre…
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Ep. 187: What is Social Learning? with Fran Kenton
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34:32In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to have Fran Kenton with us to discuss social emotional learning (SEL). Fran holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology, along with credentials in General and Special Education, and is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She is the founder of Autonome, a dynamic and interactive SEL program designed for tee…
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Ep. 186: Final Sprint: Tips for a Strong School Year Finish - Hunja Koimburi
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41:52Welcome back to another episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning! Tune in this episode as Dr. Karen Wilson welcomes educational therapist Hunja Koimburi to the podcast to discuss end-of-year strategies for students with learning differences. As the school year winds down, students and parents alike face many challenges, including but not limi…
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Ep. 185: Late Diagnosis: Why Did I Get Missed? with Dr. Monica Blied
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40:23Hey there, welcome back to Diverse Thinking Different Learning! Today, we're diving into a topic that's often overlooked but incredibly important: late diagnoses of ADHD and autism, particularly in women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals. It's a conversation that's long overdue, and we're so grateful to have Dr. Monica Blied joining us to she…
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Ep. 184: Could Pathological Demand Avoidance Clarify My Child’s Challenges? with Dr. Casey Ehrlich
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48:51Some parents may describe their child as very strong-willed. That child may show an extreme avoidance of everyday demands, expectations, and requests. But what if the behaviors are not an indication of strong will, but rather occur because a child feels overwhelmed by demands and perceives them as threats to their autonomy and self-control? Are the…
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Ep. 183: Unlocking Potential: A Dyslexia Journey with Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey
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33:38Welcome 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 struggl…
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Ep. 182: How to Support Emotionally Intense Children with Samantha Moe
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37:06Today, we're digging into the complex and often challenging world of parenting emotionally intense children. I'm thrilled to introduce our special guest, Samantha Moe, a certified parent coach and speaker who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Samantha's work is nothing short of amazing, providing invaluable support and guidan…
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