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Autism firsthand: What I wish I could tell my teachers and why I'm grateful - Jason Dietrich
We sit down with Jason Dietrich, a communication specialist with a passion for STEM and sensory inclusion, who was diagnosed with hyperlexia, a form of autism, at a young age. Jason shares how his early challenges with reading comprehension turned into a superpower and discusses how identifying unique strengths in children with special needs can lead them to thrive. We dive deep into Jason’s journey, how his teachers discovered his hidden talents, and how multisensory learning and music helped him unlock his potential. This episode is packed with actionable insights for parents, special education teachers, and health professionals looking to nurture the strengths of children with special needs and help them feel happier, more confident, and more connected to the world around them.
Episode Highlights:
[03:14] Jason shares his early diagnosis of hyperlexia and how his remarkable reading abilities were discovered, but also the challenges of struggling with reading comprehension.
[06:34] Jason describes how his middle school teachers introduced him to STEM, sparking his love for hands-on learning, which became a key tool for his development.
[08:28] "Hyperlexia is not a disability; it’s a superpower." Jason redefines what it means to have a learning difference and encourages us to see strengths in unexpected places.
[10:55] Jason talks about his fascination with letters and words as a child, and how visual patterns hooked him into learning.
[22:05] Jason’s calming technique: How Celine Dion’s music helped him relax during childhood haircuts and later aided his focus and anxiety management.
[30:41] Jason shares an emotional moment reflecting on his gratitude for middle school teachers who recognized his talents and helped him feel like he belonged.
[34:25] "Your imagination is everything; it’s the preview to life’s coming attractions." Jason gives advice to parents and teachers on fostering creativity and imagination in children, emphasizing the power of vision.
[36:39] Jason’s dream to be an astronaut and how encouraging children’s dreams, no matter how big, can help them find purpose and focus in their learning.
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By MendabilityWe sit down with Jason Dietrich, a communication specialist with a passion for STEM and sensory inclusion, who was diagnosed with hyperlexia, a form of autism, at a young age. Jason shares how his early challenges with reading comprehension turned into a superpower and discusses how identifying unique strengths in children with special needs can lead them to thrive. We dive deep into Jason’s journey, how his teachers discovered his hidden talents, and how multisensory learning and music helped him unlock his potential. This episode is packed with actionable insights for parents, special education teachers, and health professionals looking to nurture the strengths of children with special needs and help them feel happier, more confident, and more connected to the world around them.
Episode Highlights:
[03:14] Jason shares his early diagnosis of hyperlexia and how his remarkable reading abilities were discovered, but also the challenges of struggling with reading comprehension.
[06:34] Jason describes how his middle school teachers introduced him to STEM, sparking his love for hands-on learning, which became a key tool for his development.
[08:28] "Hyperlexia is not a disability; it’s a superpower." Jason redefines what it means to have a learning difference and encourages us to see strengths in unexpected places.
[10:55] Jason talks about his fascination with letters and words as a child, and how visual patterns hooked him into learning.
[22:05] Jason’s calming technique: How Celine Dion’s music helped him relax during childhood haircuts and later aided his focus and anxiety management.
[30:41] Jason shares an emotional moment reflecting on his gratitude for middle school teachers who recognized his talents and helped him feel like he belonged.
[34:25] "Your imagination is everything; it’s the preview to life’s coming attractions." Jason gives advice to parents and teachers on fostering creativity and imagination in children, emphasizing the power of vision.
[36:39] Jason’s dream to be an astronaut and how encouraging children’s dreams, no matter how big, can help them find purpose and focus in their learning.