We are happy to welcome Ashley Harding to the podcast this episode. Ashley is a fourth-generation educator and is deeply committed to educational equity. She holds degrees from USC and Tufts University in Child Development, and her career spans more than a decade, during which she has supported students and families in private and independent schools and contributed to global education initiatives in South Africa and Belize. Formerly the Director of External Engagement for a national school network, she has co-authored research on disparities affecting Black and Latino males and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal. Through her organization, North Star Academics, and her roles with BEAN and CHADD, Ashley empowers students with evidence-based strategies and advocates for those with learning differences.

Ashley discusses how parents can reframe the summer from a "deficit mindset" to an "opportunity mindset" for their children, stressing the importance of balance and allowing students time for rest, rejuvenation, and exploration of their interests outside of academics.

She explains that while academic growth is incredibly important during the school year, the summer months provide a critical window for students to develop their identity, independence, and executive functioning skills, and she encourages parents to avoid overwhelming children with intensive academic programs and instead focus on activities that build upon confidence, self-reflection, and a sense of belonging.

Our conversation highlights the need for families (both parents and students) to take time for rest and reconnection over the summer, with Ashley suggesting a plan that gradually transitions from unstructured free time in June to more purposeful activities in July and August, such as previewing curriculum, reviewing foundational skills, and setting new goals for the upcoming school year.

We also discuss the importance of real-world learning experiences such as cooking, budgeting, and travel, which can naturally reinforce academic concepts while also nurturing executive functioning abilities. Ashley stresses the importance of allowing children, especially older ones, the freedom to explore their interests and discover their passions during the summer months.

This episode of the show provides a thoughtful and balanced approach to supporting students' overall development during the summer break, with a focus on building upon resilience, independence, and a renewed sense of purpose for the next academic year!

Show Notes: [3:03] - Ashley Harding highlights summer as a time for rest and emotional integration after academic growth. [5:53] - Ashley points out how colleges tend to value well-roundedness, which begins with developing personal interests as early as middle school. [8:12] - Especially post-COVID, students and families need rest to recover from years of ongoing emotional exhaustion. [10:27] - Ashley believes that June should involve winding down, celebrating growth, and gently preparing for the next school year. [13:10] - Immediate academic intensity post-school year can overwhelm neurodivergent kids in need of rest. [14:20] - Ashley urges families to teach kids balance by allowing rest as an act of resistance. [17:02] - Summer is such an important time for families to rest, reconnect, and nurture mental health together. [18:12] - Children ultimately model behavior from parents, so truly resting teaches them balance over productivity. [22:14] - Ashley argues that fun, low-pressure activities such as cooking can help kids grasp and retain math concepts more effectively. [24:17] - Ashley likes reminding families to do as much real-world, practical learning as possible. [27:37] - Kids may need more sleep and rest, but they do still benefit from consistent routine and structure. [29:20] - Summer offers kids space for self-reflection and growth beyond just grades and academic pressure. [31:35] - Ashley points out how summer is ideal for reinforcing key executive functioning skills like memory, time management, and planning. [33:36] - Allowing kids to self-monitor can help build confidence and resilience. [36:44] - Unstructured time helps parents rediscover their children and builds upon a deeper sense of belonging at home. [39:23] - Summer is such a gift because it offers time to reconnect, regroup, and learn more about your growing child!

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 92: Executive Functioning Skills Over the Summer with Michelle Porjes
• Episode 154: Why Self-Efficacy and Self-Advocacy are Important for Diverse Learners with Ashley Harding
• Frostig School - 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: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety, or Dyslexia 

Connect with Ashley:

• Ashley’s Page on ChildNEXUS
• North Star Academics - Website
• North Star Academics - Instagram Page
• Phone: 310-853-3208

We are excited to welcome back guests Vickie Brett and Amanda Selogie of the Inclusive Education Project.  

Vickie Brett is a bilingual attorney who advocates for families' legal rights via the Inclusive Education Project, with a focus on empowering monolingual Spanish-speaking families. Dedicated to supporting clients facing challenges in the education system, she actively contributes pro bono work via the Los Angeles Superior Court and UCI Law School’s Special Education Law Project.

Amanda Selogie holds a background in Child and Adolescent Development and law, with a strong focus on civil rights and educational advocacy. Through her work with the Inclusive Education Project and various community roles, she promotes inclusive education and empowers children with disabilities and their families. 

They join the show for this episode to discuss the current potential threat to educational equity in the United States. Political pressures are mounting to dismantle the Department of Education and roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and Amanda and Vickie reveal what’s truly at risk for vulnerable students and their families.

The conversation clarifies how efforts to get rid of the Department of Education gain dangerous momentum via legislation tying special education funding to anti-DEI policies, threatening critical services such as mental health programs, independent educational evaluations, and vocational training, all supports that many schools already struggle to maintain. We even highlight real-world impacts, like a San Diego vocational program losing funding despite the clear needs of its students.

We also expose some common misconceptions behind “education returning to the states,” showing how dismantling federal oversight damages protections against discrimination. The episode stresses the fact that federal funds remain a lifeline, especially in states reliant on them, and that cuts will only deepen existing inequities, further widening the gap between students who get support and those who don’t.

Our conversation also highlights how these changes create anxiety and confusion for families with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 accommodations, and Vickie and Amanda warn that insufficient resources push children away from education and toward the prison system.

The episode closes with a clear call to action: please make your voice heard to legislators at every level, as this can help impact the future of education. Vickie and Amanda share some practical tools and strategies for advocacy, stressing that the fight to protect equitable education is ongoing and impacts everyone, regardless of whether you live in a blue state or a red state!

Show Notes: [3:33] - Republicans seek to dismantle the Department of Education using bills and budget changes, mostly stalled. [6:55] - Vickie asserts that federal oversight is important because local systems often fail, so families must engage more in IEPs. [9:01] - Criticism of the Department ignores state control and risks losing discrimination protections. [11:51] - Amanda points out that many opponents rely on federal education funds, complicating efforts to cut that funding. [13:57] - Proposed funding changes would allow states to pool IDEA money, risking cuts to mental health and after-school programs. [15:21] - Vickie offers a real-life example of San Diego students facing grants being shifted away from vocational programs. [17:12] - COVID grant freezes worsen teacher shortages while a Supreme Court case threatens public education funding. [20:41] - Vickie laments that the preschool-to-prison pipeline worsens. [23:48] - Amanda assures listeners that everything that the Trump administration has done since January has been to benefit the wealthy. [25:56] - Expelling struggling preschoolers worsens inequity, and dismantling DEI erases protections for neurodiverse children. [28:35] - Head Start funding is sadly insufficient and only partially protected. [31:28] - Learn about an app called 5 Calls, which makes it easier than ever to make phone calls to your representatives. [33:46] - Vickie argues that building parent networks and supporting advocacy groups strengthens efforts against education attacks. [36:25] - Amanda adds that laws require inclusive education and that parents need to advocate locally to protect programs.

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 90: Why You Need to Review IEP and 504 Plans Over the Summer with Vickie Brett and Amanda Selogie

• Episode 157: What Dyslexia Screening in Schools Means for Your Child with Vickie Brett and Amanda Selogie

• 5 Calls

• NAACP - “Know the Issues”

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: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety, or Dyslexia 

Connect with Vickie & Amanda:

• Inclusive Education Project - Website

• Inclusive Education Project - Podcast

• Inclusive Education Project - Instagram Page

Joining us this week is returning guest Eric Endlich, Ph.D. Dr. Endlich is a clinical psychologist and founder of Top College Consultants®, which specializes in guiding neurodivergent students through the college application process. An advocate and expert in the field and a neurodivergent adult himself, he co-teaches a UC Irvine course for educational consultants, manages a large Facebook group for parents of neurodivergent students, and serves on advisory boards related to autism and neurodiversity.

Dr. Endlich joins us this week to discuss the far too often overlooked challenges that neurodivergent students face when transitioning from high school to college. While gaining admission is one big challenge, the real challenge is succeeding once on campus, and Dr. Endlich sheds some light on some of the key differences between being college-capable and college-ready, highlighting the fact that students with learning and thinking differences are typically at much higher risk of not completing their degrees.

We also explore some practical strategies to help students prepare for the increased independence and self-advocacy required in college life, with topics including building executive functioning skills in high school, the value of gap years, and how parents can gradually transition from being advocates to coaches.  Dr. Endlich even talks about how to find the right college fit and make the most of on-campus resources, especially for students needing accommodations and support programs.

Whether your teen is just starting high school or gearing up for college in the upcoming fall season, this episode of the podcast truly provides some practical insights into how to foster independence!

Show Notes: [2:39] - Dr. Endlich asserts that too many students focus too much on getting into college rather than graduating from it. [4:43] - Success in college requires more than just academic capability; independence and self-management skills are also important. [6:36] - College demands greater self-organization and disability accommodation compared to high school. [8:57] - Dr. Endlich argues that parents should shift from advocating for their child to empowering their independence. [10:26] - Gradually transferring daily responsibilities helps students build independence before college. [13:02] - Taking a gap year can improve college preparedness and help prevent academic burnout. [15:10] - Dr. Endlich adds that gap years can strengthen a student's portfolio and develop valuable life skills. [18:02] - Consider the long-term value of a degree and explore financial aid options. [19:51] - Dr. Endlich points out how skill development can happen during high school, gap years, or throughout college. [22:44] - Even if colleges lack support, external programs can provide assistance and guidance. [25:26] - Visiting various colleges helps students identify their preferences and find the right fit. [28:09] - It's also important to make visits to dining halls and have meetings with support staff, helping to reveal the college's suitability. [31:02] - Even without campus visits, virtual tours and accepted-student events can also offer some valuable insights. [34:58] - Bridge programs help students acclimate to college life before the official start. [36:28] - Dr. Endlich states that carefully managing the application process and having backup plans can help reduce anxiety.

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 83: What Students with Disabilities Should Do When Starting College with Eric Endlich, Ph.D

• Episode 126: Why Self-Awareness and Self-Determination are Important for College Success with Elizabeth Hamblet

• Episode 156: To Test or Not to Test (ACT/SAT) in the Test-Optional Era with Annika Guy

• Episode 190: Should Your Teen Take a Gap Year? with Julia Rogers

• Top College Consultants® - Getting Into College Is the Easy Part

• Top College Consultants® - 6 Reasons to Consider a Gap Year

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: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety, or Dyslexia 

Connect with Eric Endlich, Ph.D:

• Eric Endlich, Ph.D’s LinkedIn Page

• Top College Consultants®

• Email: [email protected] 

• Phone: (833) WE-APPLY (toll free)

We warmly welcome Dr. Ryan DeLapp to Diverse Thinking Different Learning to discuss how to help teens manage and overcome racial stress. Dr. Ryan C.T. DeLapp is a licensed psychologist and the founder of the REACH program at The Ross Center, specializing in helping individuals cope with racial and cultural stress. With more than ten years of research and clinical practice, he has developed evidence-based treatments to build resilience in teens and adults. Dr. DeLapp has also authored more than twenty publications and delivered over 100 presentations on assessing and treating racial and cultural stress. His insights are also compiled in his workbook, Empower Yourself Against Racial and Cultural Stress.

Dr. DeLapp joins us for this episode to discuss the challenges young people face when coping with racial and cultural stress. Drawing from his experience working with teens and young adults in the Bronx, Dr. DeLapp shares how his REACH program (Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Healing) was born from a need to address the emotional and psychological impacts of discrimination, particularly during the social upheavals of 2020.

Dr. DeLapp breaks down three types of stress: emotional, agency, and identity stress. He explains why it is so crucial to identify and address each one, and he highlights the fact that stressors related to race and culture often go unrecognized, manifesting instead as behavioral issues like school refusal or disengagement. Our conversation also covers practical approaches to helping young people recognize and manage their experiences with cultural stress. Via storytelling and community involvement, Dr. DeLapp’s methods encourage youth and caregivers to build resilience.

This episode of the show also stresses the importance of celebrating cultural identity, not just addressing stress, with Dr. DeLapp advocating for community-driven healing and support that go beyond crisis management, highlighting empowerment via knowledge and cultural pride. 

This episode is essential listening for educators, caregivers, and anyone invested in the mental well-being of young people navigating cultural stress.

Show Notes: [2:44] - Dr. Ryan DeLapp reveals how he created the REACH program to address cultural stress affecting youth and adults. [5:25] - Dr. DeLapp's book helps young people recognize and manage the impact of racism and cultural stress. [7:34] - Emotional, agency, and identity stress are examined. [10:34] - Dr. DeLapp encourages clinicians to explore cultural stress as a root cause of problematic behaviors. [13:10] - Dr. DeLapp designed the book to empower youth and families to help them articulate racial stress. [14:48] - Inspired by racial coping models, the book guides youth to clarify, cope, and heal effectively. [17:46] - Dr. DeLapp asserts that community healing involves using support networks to take on racial and cultural stress. [19:51] - Bridging generational divides helps adults empathize with youth facing cultural stress. [22:02] - Storytelling leads to solidarity among communities of color by sharing diverse experiences. [25:05] - Dr. DeLapp argues that educators need to reflect on cultural stress to better support their students. [28:48] - Celebrating cultural heritage can ultimately build pride (not just resilience) against discrimination. [30:54] - Thriving means embracing strengths while healing from and coping with cultural stress.

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 54: Managing Family Stress and Anxiety with Dr. Stephanie Mihalas

• Episode 75: How to Raise Justice-Minded Kids with Dr. Traci Baxley

• Episode 132: Social Justice: A Framework for Equity in Education with Charles A. Barrett, PhD, NCSP

• Ryan C.T. DeLapp - Empower Yourself Against Racial and Cultural Stress: Using Skills from the REACH Program to Cope, Heal, and Thrive

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: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety, or Dyslexia 

Connect with Dr. Ryan DeLapp:

• The REACH Program

• The Ross Center - Ryan DeLapp, PhD

• Dr. Ryan DeLapp’s LinkedIn Page

We are happy to welcome Dr. Jerome "Jerry" Schultz to Diverse Thinking Different Learning this week. Dr. Schultz is a clinical neuropsychologist and lecturer at Harvard Medical School with nearly four decades of experience working with children and young adults with learning and behavioral challenges. A former special education teacher and author of Nowhere to Hide, he has held academic positions at several universities, directed multiple clinics, and maintained a private practice in Wellesley, MA for over three decades. He holds degrees from Ohio State and Boston College and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at Tufts Medical Center.

Dr. Schultz joins us today to talk about stress - not your everyday kind of frustrations, but the kind that keeps kids awake at night and makes school feel unbearable. Dr. Schultz discusses the significant impact of stress on children’s learning and behavior, revealing the difference between tolerable stress, which is manageable, and toxic stress, which can disrupt a child’s ability to think and learn effectively. We explore how toxic stress can alter brain function, leaving children in a constant state of alert and fear, making everyday tasks like schoolwork feel overwhelming.

As we dig into the science behind stress, Dr. Schultz offers some great insights into how to help kids build confidence and resilience, highlighting the importance of framing challenges in a way that helps kids see their own strengths and capabilities. He also discusses how well-meaning encouragement (such as “I know you can do this!”) can backfire by actually adding pressure, and with real-life examples, including strategies for parents and educators, we reveal how small changes in approach (such as helping kids break tasks into manageable pieces or allowing time for a quick break) can lead to a more productive and less stressful learning environment.

This episode of the show offers strategies that can help children overcome stress and set them up for long-term success, both in and out of the classroom.

Show Notes: [2:37] - Dr. Schultz explains that stress is a natural response that helps protect us from perceived danger, though it’s evolved. [4:36] - Stress varies between individuals, with toxic stress being long-term and damaging to mental health. [7:07] - Learn how stress impacts learning and how well-meaning encouragement can backfire by increasing pressure on struggling kids. [10:58] - Parents and teachers need practical strategies to support kids experiencing stress. [11:28] - Dr. Schultz discusses how kids' reactions to tasks depend on their belief in success. [14:59] - Rating task difficulty and ability helps kids assess challenges and match them with their capabilities. [16:41] - To recap, Dr. Schultz explains that matching task difficulty and confidence helps kids manage stress and build self-esteem via success. [19:23] - When students feel overwhelmed, breaking tasks into smaller parts can help reset their confidence and mindset. [21:54] - Success enhances brain chemistry, while failure creates a negative mindset that can heighten stress. [23:53] - Dr. Schultz gives an example of coaches using video feedback to correct errors. [25:47] - Dr. Schultz argues that a student's readiness and willingness to complete a task depend on timing and emotional state. [28:31] - Increased pressure on teachers and difficult curricula contribute to stress in both students and educators. [31:06] - Meditation in schools improves behavior and academics, offering students an important time to relax. [33:07] - Dr. Schultz points out that engaging kids in creating their own relaxation strategies helps them more effectively manage stress.

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 8: Mindfulness with Dr. Kathleen Carroll-Wray

• Episode 28: Why We Need to Celebrate and Continue to Build Our Kids’ Resilience

• Episode 54: Managing Family Stress and Anxiety with Dr. Stephanie Mihalas

• Jerome J. Schultz - Nowhere to Hide: Why Kids with ADHD and LD Hate School and What We Can Do About It

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: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety, or Dyslexia 

Connect with Jerome Schultz, PhD:

• Dr. Schultz on Understood

• Dr. Schultz on LinkedIn

This week on Diverse Thinking Different Learning, we welcome Dr. Aditya Nagrath. Dr. Nagrath is the founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy and helps students overcome math anxiety, rapidly advancing their skills with just ten minutes of practice a few times a week. He holds a PhD in Mathematics and Computer Sciences and has over three decades of experience as a software engineer, entrepreneur, author, and speaker, working on a wide range of projects from atomic clocks to mobile apps. 

Dr. Nagrath joins us for this episode to discuss mathematics anxiety - where it comes from, how it’s misunderstood, how to address it and more. A child’s early struggles with math are not always just academic but are also emotional and potentially even life-changing.  Dr. Nagrath draws from his rich background in math, computer science, and education to help us break down why so many students begin falling behind in math as early as kindergarten and how early delays often snowball into years of lost confidence, missed opportunities, and career shifts away from math-intensive fields.

This isn’t just about numbers or curriculum, however. As Dr. Nagrath explains, math anxiety is often rooted in beliefs such as “I’m not a math person” - beliefs that can trigger lifelong avoidance and reinforce themselves with every uncomfortable encounter with numbers. This is truly a vicious circle that hinders growth and learning well into adulthood.

The conversation challenges the common misconception that disliking math is harmless. How early numeracy can actually influence language development, how adult comments can unconsciously pass limiting beliefs to children, and why literacy-focused initiatives may be unintentionally crowding out math readiness.

Dr. Nagrath also tells us about Elephant Learning, a tech-based platform that adapts to each student’s comprehension level and uses gamified learning to rebuild mathematical confidence from the ground up. This episode serves as a reminder that math isn’t just a subject but a gateway and that what we do (or, for that matter, don’t do) in the earliest years can shape far more than just test scores.

Show Notes: [2:22] - Dr. Aditya Nagrath explains how working with Elephant Learning revealed that minor complaints often mask deeper math anxiety. [5:05] - The belief that "I'm not a math person" stalls effort and future academic/career opportunities. [7:09] - Similar to AI training, learning depends on the meanings that we assign to experiences and challenges. [9:53] - Hear how Dr. Nagrath defines mathematics anxiety. [12:11] - Dr. Nagrath argues that many students' unresolved early math gaps snowball, derailing STEM careers and impacting the economy. [15:48] - Dr. Nagrath also asserts that Algebra is essential because it introduces written mathematics that are needed for interpreting the modern world. [17:40] - Hear how preschool math practice improves children's future reading, writing, and speaking abilities. [19:41] - Dr. Nagrath uses a basketball analogy to demonstrate that practicing math is essential because no alternative "game" exists. [21:46] - Dr. Nagrath explains that Elephant Learning builds math skills by meeting students at their comprehension level with gamified learning. [24:01] - By mapping standards to age levels, Elephant Learning helps students visualize progress. [27:18] - Because of deeply rooted self-doubt, overcoming math anxiety later in life tends to be more difficult. [28:44] - Dr. Nagrath stresses that problem-solving, like basketball, improves with practice rather than innate intelligence. [31:00] - Modern demands require deeper, language-like mathematical understanding.

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 59: What Is Dyscalculia (AKA Math Disorder)? with Monica Grillo
• Episode 60: A Multisensory Intervention for Kids Who Struggle with Math with Adrianne Meldrum
• Elephant Learning
• Elephant Learning - K-12 School Solutions
• Treating Mathematics Anxiety: Inclusive Strategies for Working with Students Exhibiting Mathematics Anxiety

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: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety, or Dyslexia

Connect with Aditya Nagrath, PhD:

• Dr. Nagrath’s LinkedIn Profile
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 303.919.6071

Joining us this week on Diverse Thinking Different Learning is Dr. Megan Beardmore. Dr. Beardmore is a licensed school psychologist with expertise in assessing and treating children, adolescents, and young adults with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities, as well as co-occurring anxiety and depression. She received her training at the University of Arizona, completed a postdoctoral fellowship at The Help Group, and worked at UCLA’s Center for Autism Research. She uses evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and breathwork to support emotional regulation and foster the mind-body connection.

Dr. Beardmore returns from episode 119 to discuss what happens when traditional behavior strategies or even well-known talk therapies simply are not working and to explore what is really going on inside the bodies and brains of neurodivergent kids when emotions run high.

Dr. Beardmore helps us unpack the science behind emotional dysregulation. With real-world examples, she breaks down how the autonomic nervous system shapes behavior and why interventions that start with the body rather than the brain can often reach kids when logic and language are not working.

Hear how body-based techniques like exhaling, rocking, and self-hugging can offer immediate access to safety and regulation, with our bodies often recognizing safety or danger before our brains even catch up. Also, learn why telling an upset child to “calm down” rarely works.

Perhaps most strikingly, Dr. Megan Beardmore shares how small, everyday movements and sensory experiences can help both kids and adults move out of stress and into deeper connection. It’s not about elaborate plans or complicated therapies; it’s about practical and easily accessible tools that speak the body’s language. Whether you're a caregiver, educator, or clinician, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on supporting emotional regulation through science, empathy, and some surprisingly simple strategies.

Show Notes:

[0:07] - The nervous system greatly influences emotional regulation, especially in neurodivergent students, and Dr. Megan Beardmore joins us to address this. [3:15] - Dr. Beardmore explains that, like a seesaw, the autonomic nervous system seeks balance between stress response and calm. [6:50] - Recognizing behaviors as nervous system responses helps caregivers reframe them as unintentional and not defiant. [8:53] - Since 80% of signals travel body-to-brain, somatic techniques calm emotional overload effectively. [11:38] - Somatic tools, Dr. Beardmore explains, bypass logic, offering kids faster emotional regulation when reasoning is not accessible. [14:27] - Hear how deep breaths and movement-based strategies calm the nervous system by signaling safety. [17:53] - Parents can use these tools to regulate themselves and their child’s nervous system during struggles. [18:32] - Learn how adults modeling self-regulation help children through mirror neurons. [19:39] - To emerge from a “freeze state,” movement, grounding, and heat gradually increase energy and activation. [22:48] - Accessible strategies that don't require fancy equipment help provide immediate support for nervous system regulation. [23:12] - Simple actions like humming or gargling stimulate the vagus nerve, improving nervous system regulation. [26:41] - Being mindful integrates body awareness and breathing to help manage stress, allowing thoughts to pass naturally. [29:49] - There are various tools which support nervous system health, tailored to body needs in different stress responses. [31:05] - Dr. Beardmore touches upon how curiosity around body responses assists with self-regulation. [34:26] - Asking “How do you feel?” can help kids connect strategies with emotional regulation. [36:22] - Dr. Beardmore argues that empowerment ultimately comes from regulating stress without external tools.

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 72: Prioritizing Co-Regulation and Self-Regulation in Communication with Danielle G. Kent, M.S., CCC-SLP

• Episode 119: Autistic Girls Overlooked and Underrecognized with Megan Beardmore, PhD, NCSP

• Episode 168: 5 Tips for Supporting Neurodivergent Youth

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: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety, or Dyslexia 

Connect with Dr. Megan Beardmore:

• Spectrum Psych

• Dr. Beardmore’s Instagram Page

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: 424.248.9563

We are doing a reairing this week of episode 80 of Diverse Thinking Different Learning in which we talked with Dr. Barry Prizant. This episode is being revisited at a perfect time because this is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. In this episode, Dr. Prizant helps us understand why it’s important to stop labeling certain behaviors in children as intentional defiance or difficulty.

Dr. Barry Prizant is a speech-language pathologist with nearly five decades of experience working with individuals with autism and their families. He serves as a Visiting Scholar at Brown University and directs Childhood Communication Services, and he is widely published, including The SCERTS Model as well as multiple books and over 130 scholarly works. Dr. Prizant has delivered more than 900 presentations worldwide, including twice at the United Nations, and he has received many awards for his contributions to the field.

The truth (as Dr. Prizant discusses) is that challenging behaviors are not always just the child being deliberately defiant for the sake of it. It is sometimes the child’s way of dealing with anxiety and/or emotional overwhelm, and Dr. Prizant discusses this alongside insights from his book Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism. Encouraging us to reconsider how we interpret challenging behaviors, he suggests that we not try to eliminate these actions but rather try to better understand the reason(s) behind them. Dr. Prizant stresses the fact that real progress comes not from suppressing behaviors but from nurturing a child’s strengths, enhancing their abilities, and providing a supportive environment. After all, in doing so, children can begin to display more positive behaviors and enjoy a greater sense of well-being. Throughout the conversation, we also explore why it's important to take a closer look at children’s interests and passions which are far too often misunderstood or undervalued and how we can use those passions as gateways to growth and learning, so whether you are a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode offers valuable insights into how to connect with and support children in more empowering ways.

Show Notes: [0:05] - Karen announces a new podcast schedule and reintroduces Dr. Prizant’s episode on kids' passions. [4:35] - Dr. Prizant highlights his book’s update and its alignment with evolving autism advocacy. [6:09] - Decades of developmental training helped shape Dr. Prizant’s strength-based, human-centered view of autism. [8:14] - Understanding autistic behavior requires empathy and rejecting interpretations such as “noncompliance.” [10:05] - Dr. Prizant urges professionals to self-reflect and further explore the reasons behind challenging behaviors. [12:31] - Dr. Prizant argues that children cannot learn or connect effectively when overwhelmed emotionally. [15:50] - Echolalia and personal interests can be strengths that lead to communication, connection, and self-esteem. [19:06] - Passion-based learning can evolve into broader knowledge when adults nurture and expand children's interests. [22:47] - Dr. Prizant points out how dismissing a child's passion shuts down connection. [24:13] - Children's deep interests can enrich families and communities, even guiding future career aspirations and expertise. [26:21] - Nurturing a child’s interests can lead to connection, skill development, and social engagement. [29:37] - Some fascinations in childhood fade, but others evolve into lifelong passions or hobbies. [31:47] - Highlighting a child’s strengths can reshape peer perception and lead to more inclusion. [34:42] - Karen praises Uniquely Human for transforming fear and uncertainty into understanding and hope. [35:19] - Dr. Prizant now narrates his audiobook and co-hosts a podcast with an audio engineer who has autism.

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 25: Raising Differently Wired Kids with Joy and Confidence with Debbie Reber

• Episode 43: Building Social Competence and Enhancing Social Skills with Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson

• Episode 80: Turning Kids’ Passions and Enthusiasms into Superpowers with Barry Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

• Uniquely Human: Updated and Expanded: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry Prizant, Ph.D.

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: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety, or Dyslexia 

Connect with Dr. Barry Prizant:

• Dr. Prizant’s Website

• Dr. Prizant’s LinkedIn Page

• Dr. Prizant’s Facebook Page

• Uniquely Human Podcast

We are so happy to be welcoming Victoria Waller, Ed.D. back to the podcast this episode. ​​Dr. Waller is a seasoned reading specialist and educational therapist with more than four decades of experience helping children with learning differences, especially ones who teachers have sadly given up on. She is the author of Yes! Your Child Can, a finalist for the Foreword Reviews Best Book of the Year in 2022, and has received multiple accolades for her contributions to education. Holding advanced degrees in reading and learning differences, she has shared her expertise nationwide and internationally via speaking engagements and on over 45 podcasts.

Dr. Waller joins us in this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning to discuss how unlocking a child’s potential isn’t about forcing them to fit a mold but is rather about tapping into what makes them come alive. She shares how she has spent decades helping children build on skills via their passions and interests. Whether it be a fascination with roller coasters, an obsession with Google, a deep love for history, or even love for Taylor Swift, it is Dr. Waller's belief that real learning happens when students engage with subjects that excite them.

Dr. Waller shares remarkable stories of students who transformed their academic struggles into strengths simply by pursuing their interests in creative, hands-on ways. With everything from connecting a child with the Google VP to bringing another face-to-face with an amusement park executive, she proves that meaningful learning truly goes far past just textbooks and standardized testing. She explains why creativity isn’t just about making art but is also about problem-solving, emotional regulation, and thinking critically in ways that traditional education often overlooks.

She also offers advice for parents and educators on how to recognize a child’s strengths, incorporate their interests into learning, advocate for early support, and teach with creativity. Dr. Victoria Waller’s insights move to challenge conventional approaches to education, showing that every child (regardless of their learning profile) has the potential to thrive when given the right opportunities, so if you have ever wondered how to help a struggling student find their spark, this conversation is full of practical insights!

Show Notes:

[2:14] - Dr. Victoria Waller reflects on having realized early in her career that children with learning differences have remarkable strengths. [5:29] - Encouraging children's passions, like cooking or technology, can help unlock their potential and boost confidence. [8:18] - Dr. Waller offers an example of how finding and supporting children's interests can lead to engagement, making learning enjoyable and meaningful. [11:02] - Creativity extends beyond just art and enhances problem-solving, executive functioning, and cognitive flexibility. [12:18] - Dr. Waller argues that every child has a passion, and recognizing it can help reveal their unique intelligence and abilities. [13:27] - Hear about how a non-reading seven-year-old became an expert on U.S. presidents via creative learning. [16:25] - Allowing children to choose how they learn can lead to motivation and meaningful outcomes. [17:10] - Encouraging creativity with everyday materials such as Amazon boxes can boost confidence and engagement in learning. [19:53] - Hear how a child fascinated by Matchbox cars learned by engaging with experts and real-world experiences. [21:38] - A student who was once labeled "disabled" became a trucking company president, truly showcasing the power of passion-based learning. [24:14] - Dr. Waller highlights using children's passions such as music, to teach phonics. [26:34] - Dr. Waller highlights customizing education to students' interests, using Taylor Swift's music as an example. [29:21] - In encouraging creativity in classrooms, Dr. Waller suggests using simple materials to spark children's curiosity. [31:46] - Dr. Waller recommends keeping a box of various items for kids to use for exploration and creativity. [33:53] - Creativity ultimately fosters engagement, critical thinking, and confidence by aligning interests with learning processes.

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 28: Why We Need to Celebrate and Continue to Build Our Kids’ Resilience

• Episode 69: How Games Can Help Kids Learn with Stephanie Pitts

• Episode 81: Yes! Your Child Can with Victoria Waller, Ed.D

• Victoria Waller Ed.D. - Yes! Your Child Can: Creating Success for Children with Learning Differences

• Dr. Victoria Waller’s Workbook

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: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety, or Dyslexia 

Connect with Dr. Waller:

• Dr. Waller’s Website

• Email: [email protected]

• Dr. Waller’s Page on ChildNEXUS

• Dr. Waller’s Instagram Page

• Dr. Waller’s Facebook Page

• Dr. Waller’s Twitter Page

We are honored to welcome returning guest Michelle Porjes to the show for this episode. Michelle is a licensed educational psychologist and credentialed school psychologist in California with over twenty-five years of experience in education. She holds advanced degrees in Educational and School Psychology from the University of Denver and the University of South Florida, specializing in learning, emotional, and behavioral assessments, as well as teacher coaching and program development. Michelle runs an executive function practice and has authored two e-books on the topic.

Michelle joins us in this episode to explore strategies for supporting students in developing essential skills throughout the school year, sharing some practical insights into how families can structure time management, organization, and planning around the academic year.

In this episode, we discuss the rhythm of the school year and how certain executive functioning skills are more important at specific times, such as reassessing schedules in March and April, preparing for standardized tests, and managing the demands of spring sports and performances. Michelle highlights helpful strategies for building habits like checking supplies, updating calendars, and ensuring work is completed and submitted.

Throughout our discussion, Michelle highlights key techniques such as "show me, don’t tell me” and the importance of self-regulation, especially during stressful periods. She also stresses that executive functioning isn’t just a skill for students but is important for adults too as they take on tasks and effectively manage their time.

This episode offers valuable tools for improving executive functioning and reducing stress, helping students and adults balance demands while staying organized and focused. Be sure to check out Michelle’s book Navigating the Yearly Calendar, and we hope that you enjoy this conversation!

Show Notes: [2:41] - Michelle points out that executive functioning is essential for everyone, with strategies improving over time and varying throughout the year. [5:28] - The school year has a rhythm and consistent tasks like updating calendars help maintain organization. [7:33] - Michelle explains that March and April are key for reassessing schedules, and stresses having consistent study blocks. [11:01] - In April, check supplies, clean backpacks, and focus on self-regulation to help manage stress. [12:42] - Revisiting schedules and using executive functioning skills are important for maintaining organization and balance. [15:32] - Even during vacations, check school tasks to avoid surprises and to balance responsibilities with fun. [18:11] - Tasks aren’t done until shown, and students often need guidance to ensure completion, especially during testing. [19:28] - Michelle argues that standardized testing is important for colleges, teaching time management, and task completion skills. [22:11] - Michelle adds that a structured homework process, self-regulation, and proper preparation are key to performing well. [25:08] - Real success is about balancing priorities and managing time, not just completing tasks. [27:48] - Michelle points out that self-reflection and breaking tasks into smaller pieces can help improve executive functioning. [29:45] - Michelle addresses procrastination, stressing that it often stems from anxiety or avoidance. [31:49] - Accountability can help fight procrastination by addressing underlying issues. [34:43] - Coaching teaches executive functioning skills and provides individuals with guidance on how to apply strategies effectively. [37:11] - Coaching varies per individual, but ongoing support is important for lasting success.

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 68: Getting Through the Mid-School Year Slump with Michelle Porjes

• Episode 92: Executive Functioning Skills Over the Summer with Michelle Porjes

• Michelle Porjes - Navigating the Yearly Calendar: Executive Functioning Month by Month: Guidebook

• What Is Executive Functioning?

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: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety, or Dyslexia 

Connect with Michelle:

• Michelle’s Website

• Michelle’s Page on ChildNEXUS