Diverse Thinking Different Learning

We know that exercise does have a positive impact on the brain. We know that exercise can optimize brain function and prevent cognitive decline in adults. But what can it do for children and adolescents that learn and think differently?

Today's guest is Dr. John Ratey, an internationally recognized expert in neuropsychiatry. Dr. Ratey became interested in the science of exercise and the brain early on in his career and has seen first-hand the benefits not only to one's body, but also behavior, executive functioning skills, and even attention. In today's episode, Dr. Ratey digs in and explains how exercise and being physically active can change more than your physical health.

[2:38] - Dr. Ratey became interested in the impact of exercise on the brain as an athlete in medical school and seeing studies comparing exercise and antidepressants.

[4:49] - Dr. Ratey also became interested in ADHD, specifically how it impacts adults.

[6:31] - Consistent exercise can be a type of treatment for ADHD symptoms.

[7:45] - Not only do our bodies need exercise, but our brains do as well.

[8:52] - The beauty of exercise is the accessibility.

[11:12] - When we move, we activate the same nerve cells that we use to think.

[13:12] - Movement and exercise improve attention as well as executive functioning skills.

[15:04] - Dr. Ratey explains how he has visited schools over the years and has seen the results of exercise on student behavior.

[17:29] - Dr. Ratey lists the endorphins and hormones that are increased as a result of exercise.

[20:42] - The more brain cells you activate, the more BDNF you have. It is like brain fertilizer.

[23:06] - Dr. Ratey calls this "Miracle-Gro for your brain."

[25:23] - Exercise also has an impact on the cerebellum which is discussed at length in the book, ADHD 2.0.

[29:29] - "Sitting is the new smoking." The more sedentary someone is, the less healthy they are.

[30:44] - The experience of COVID-19 changed our society's drive to exercise and move their bodies.

[31:39] - To optimize brain function and prevent cognitive decline, exercise is so important.

John J. Ratey, MD, is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and an internationally recognized expert in Neuropsychiatry. He has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles, and 12 books published in 20 languages, including the groundbreaking ADD-ADHD "Driven to Distraction" series with Ned Hallowell, MD. Their latest release, ADHD 2.0 (2021) explores new science and strategies. With the publication of his bestseller, "Spark-The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain," Dr. Ratey established himself as one of the world's foremost authorities on the brain-fitness connection in areas such as ADHD, Autism, Aging, and Cognition.

Recognized by his peers as one of the Best Doctors in America since 1997, Dr. Ratey was recently honored by the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society as "Outstanding Psychiatrist of the Year" for advancing the field. Dr. Ratey and his work are frequently profiled in the media, where he's been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS and NPR, as well as in The New York Times, Newsweek, The Washington Post, US News and World Report, Men's Health, and other national publications. Dr. Ratey maintains an active practice in Cambridge, MA and Los Angeles, CA.

• JohnRatey.com

• Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by. Dr. John Ratey

• ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction - from Childhood Through Adulthood by Dr. John Ratey and Dr. Edward Hallowell

• Episode 40: Lifestyle Activities That Can Improve ADHD Symptoms with Dr. Joel Nigg

• 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.

Welcome to the new year of Diverse Thinking Different Learning! We're setting the stage for a great year of celebrating neurodiversity and recognizing it as a spectrum that encompasses a range of differences. Our goal is to highlight the strengths and unique qualities of neurodivergent individuals while also challenging stigmas and stereotypes.

In this quick episode, you'll learn five quick tips for supporting neurodivergent youth. We will focus on these topics and more throughout the year. Be sure to check out the recommended episodes below and join our email list so you don't miss out!

[1:22] - Neurodiversity is the natural variation in the human brain which encompasses a wide range.

[3:30] - Tip #1: Cultivate a strength-based approach.

[4:10] - Tip #2: Promote inclusive education practices.

[4:44] - Tip #3: Foster social inclusion.

[5:53] - Tip #4: Provide resources and training.

[6:13] - Tip #5: Challenge stereotypes and stigmas.

• Episode 144: Raising Differently Wired Kids with Joy and Confidence with Debbie Reber

• Episode 120: Meeting the Needs of Culturally and Neurodiverse Students with Juniette Kanga and Maria Kennedy

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

• 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.

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.

[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.

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.

• Email: [email protected]

• Mom's Hierarchy of Needs Website

• Mom's Hierarchy of Needs on Instagram

• TimeCheck App

• Mom's Hierarchy of Needs Website

• 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.

Let's revisit one of our favorite Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast episodes with Dr. Bibi Pirayesh.

Dr. Bibi Pirayesh is a Learning Specialist and an Educational Therapist who has been in private practice for over a decade. While the emphasis of Dr. Pirayesh's work is on remediating learning disabilities in a one-on-one setting, she is also a sought after speaker and community advocate for children and families around learning rights.

In this episode, we discuss how educational therapists help students develop the skills they need in order to be successful. You will also learn what can be done now to make a difference in the life of a child who is struggling in school. Listen on to hear Dr. Pirayesh's riveting statements on how learning differences and disorders can be viewed as a social justice issue.

[2:31] - Dr. Pirayesh began her career in education by accident and shares her story on how she started on this path with observing children and families as a researcher.

[7:14] - Using a processing lens, Dr. Pirayesh helps students with remediation by first knowing what the issues are and provides targeted intervention.

[9:34] - Educational therapists are important as they will be able to bring in speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, etc. as they discover the needs of the student.

[11:50] - There are certain types of progress that are really easy to measure. Bibi uses phonics and phonemic awareness as an example.

[12:32] - So much of the work is about helping kids own their learning and demystifying the learning process. There are a lot of emotions for parents and students to manage.

[14:27] - All brains are equipped to learn, grow, and expand. When we are able to help a child find what is getting in the way of that natural flow.

[15:30] - We live in a world where there is a lot of pressure on both students and parents.

[16:49] - When kids struggle, they lose the motivation for learning.

[18:41] - Bibi explains that the way our formal education system works is a very linear and limited way of thinking and it is a social injustice.

[20:20] - What we know from research is that 10-15% of children struggle with learning difficulties.

[21:24] - There is a constant demand for higher and better production and that is what our education system has become.

[23:24] - These issues are large-scale cultural issues, and so much of the work we need to do is to undo the damage.

[27:27] - Many parents have trouble accessing the very resources that protect them.

[28:57] - Due to the way these laws are designed, we see the overrepresentation of minorities and students from a low socio-economic background.

[33:16] - When kids with learning difficulties pass through school, are they ready to navigate the real world?

[36:23] - Communities are organically designed to be able to figure out and solve their own problems, but a narrow education system prevents this.

[39:53] - The system needs to work in a way that increases access to services in an equitable way no matter where you attend school.

[43:19] - We've limited ourselves by seeing the world through a very tiny lens.

[44:30] - Having this conversation and acknowledging the problem is an important first step.

[46:20] - "Regardless of what is going on, if you move forward with the idea of connecting, empathizing, and understanding, somehow miraculously it will work."

[48:45] - Take a moment to build a relationship with your child's teacher and start a meaningful conversation.

[49:47] - When you reach out to the teacher, you are modeling to your child that it is the right thing to do to make yourself vulnerable and ask for help.

[51:10] - Remember that we are raising human beings and you can't do that in a factory system.

Dr. Bibi Pirayesh holds a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and Education from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master's degree in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University where her work focused primarily on children's development of mathematical thinking and cognitive neuroscience. While the emphasis of Dr. Pirayesh's work is on remediating learning disabilities in a one-on-one setting, she is also a sought after speaker and community advocate for children and families around learning rights. Bibi works with children grades 1-12 and covers a wide range of learning difficulties including dyslexia, ADHD, and spectrum disorders. Dr. Pirayesh completed her doctoral work at Loyola Marymount University where she is also faculty and is involved with a number of service organizations including The Association of Educational Therapists.

• Los Angeles Educational Therapy - Dr. Bibi Pirayesh and Associates

• ChildNEXUS Profile: Dr. Bibinaz Pirayesh

• Dr. Bibi Pirayesh on LinkedIn

• 6 Quick Questions for Parents Concerned About Dyslexia

• Episode 97: Building Communities of Support and Resistance with Dr. Bibi Pirayesh

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

• 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.

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.

[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.

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.

• Franklin Educational Services

• ChildNEXUS Provider Profile - Dr. Daniel Franklin

• Dr. Franklin on Facebook

• Dr. Franklin on Twitter

• Call Dr. Franklin (310) 571-1176

• 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

• 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.

[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.

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.

• ChildNEXUS Provider Profile

• April Rehrig Special Education Advocate on LinkedIn

• Rise Ed Advocacy on Instagram

• Rise Ed Advocacy on Facebook

• Rise Ed Advocacy Website

• 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

• 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.

In her raw and emotional book Hold On Tight: A Parent's Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness, Jan Stewart shares her deeply personal experience as a mother of two children with wildly different needs. Through the challenges of finding the right diagnoses and treatments, Jan learned to insist on an integrated partnership approach, leading her to then support other parents facing similar struggles.

She joins the podcast today to talk about this rollercoaster journey for her as a parent and how the experience led her to work in mental health governance. Her insight is profound because she has certainly walked in the shoes of an overwhelmed mother. Listen in to learn more about her journey and her advice for navigating the ups and downs of yours.

[2:16] - Jan wrote the book to help people understand the pain and struggle in this journey and how to navigate through it.

[3:38] - First-time parents worry, but in Jan's case, it took her years to learn to trust her gut. She knew something was going on.

[6:11] - Jan's son and daughter showed completely different concerns.

[7:34] - Her children were so deep in distress; when doctors finally listened, Jan was able to seek the help they needed.

[9:27] - The "wait-and-see" approach puts things off for so long until a child is in crisis.

[11:01] - Jan doesn't only provide support for parents, but also provides education.

[13:52] - You have to take a breather from time to time when diving into education. But you also need to stay current.

[14:28] - Take a collaborative approach with every single person that is a part of your child's life.

[15:37] - If a doctor, therapist, or any other individual working with her child is not fully cooperative, Jan goes elsewhere.

[18:19] - The experience can feel like a rollercoaster, with a lot of ups and downs.

[19:08] - Be completely open and truly listen to your children.

[20:26] - Don't hide information from your children, especially when it comes to taking medication.

[22:42] - Other family members may not understand or support you and your child. They may be misinformed and you can limit the amount of engagement you have with them.

[24:34] - The right friends will know how to ask when you need support and how they can help.

[26:58] - As a society, we have a responsibility to spread facts.

[29:06] - The process for parents can be very overwhelming.

[31:23] - Mental illness has such a negative connotation and even villains in movies and media are portrayed with mental illness.

[33:15] - Toxic positivity is also a problem on social media.

[36:21] - Find Jan's book online and in some bookstore locations.

Jan Stewart is a highly regarded mental health governance expert and advocate. Growing up in New York and moving to Toronto after marrying a Canadian, she was untouched by major adversity throughout her youth and imagined a similar, happy life for her children. In her raw and emotional book Hold on Tight: A Parent's Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness, she candidly describes the shock she and her husband faced when each of their two young children started exhibiting troubling behaviors.

• Website

• Hold On Tight: A Parent's Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness by Jan Stewart

• 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.

Today, we're answering the question, "Can play therapy help my child?" But first, we need to understand what play therapy is and what it is not.

Our guest, Cathi Spooner shares insights on helping children navigate complex emotions through play therapy. And there's a lot to talk about! We've had several episodes discussing different treatment modalities and information about ways we can provide social and emotional support to our children and adolescents. Play therapy might be the right fit for your child and your family. Listen to find out how Cathi has used play therapy to support children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, divorce and separation, attachment issues, self-regulation issues, and grief and loss.

[2:56] - Play therapy is about helping children access the therapeutic powers of play through a specific therapy modality. It's grounded in a theoretical model.

[4:32] - Play is the language of children.

[5:13] - It is more than just pulling out games and toys.

[6:29] - To an outsider looking in, it looks like the counselor or therapist is just playing. But they know how to use play to work through emotions.

[7:36] - Children naturally work things out and make sense of the world through play.

[10:43] - Cathi describes the types of toys and games in a play therapy room.

[12:36] - Anger and aggression are normal emotions and parents tend to want to avoid them.

[15:12] - Play gives therapists a way to see what's going on underneath a child's behavior.

[17:32] - Children need parents to be able to co-regulate emotions.

[19:31] - Children can't be the ones responsible for learning how to regulate their emotions.

[22:02] - One key is to empower parents to continue this work at home outside of the therapy room.

[24:22] - Parents need support and guidance on how to help their children.

[28:20] - If parents don't trust the therapist, they will not be able to feel comfortable and confident in being the parent they want to be.

[31:26] - Expressive art is an amazing modality to incorporate into play therapy to show children other ways to work through and make sense of things without verbally articulating.

[33:14] - When we're in distress, making sense of things is challenging. Play makes it more accessible.

Cathi Spooner is an LCSW and RPT-S. She has worked with children, adolescents and their families since 1982 in a variety of capacities including therapeutic recreation, teaching special education for children with emotional and learning difficulties, residential mental health treatment programs, substance abuse treatment, and outpatient psychotherapy. Her expertise includes working with children, adolescents and families experiencing trauma and attachment issues as well as depression, anxiety, grief & loss, behavior problems, court-involved youth, homeless populations, ADHD, foster care and adoption issues, parental separation and divorce, and school problems. Cathi has conducted numerous professional play therapy training sessions at the local, state, national, and international level. Her Play Therapy Academy program prepares child and adolescent therapists to become play therapists. She is the author of Attachment-Focused Family Play Therapy: An Intervention for Children and Adolescents After Trauma (Routledge).

• Renewing Hearts Play Therapy Training Website

• Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Facebook Group

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• YouTube

• Episode 131: Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Kids and Teens with Dr. Shadab Jannati

• Episode 116: How Dialectical Behavior Therapy Helps Children and Teens with Patricia Gieselman, MFT

• Episode 130: How Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Strengthens the Family Relationship with Dr. Karrie Lager

• Q&A with Dr. Karen Wilson

• Register for Our Self-Paced Mini Courses with LIVE AMA Sessions

• 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.

Research shows that individuals with learning and thinking differences are at higher risk for substance abuse. It is also known that there is a connection between mental health problems, like depression and anxiety, and substance abuse. But now that we know that, what do we do about it?

Today's guests support neurodiverse youth and help with substance use and abuse concerns. Eric Rydzewski and Chris Wilson join me today from Aspen Growth Coaching to help guide us through some of the misinformation on this topic and the many things that people generally don't understand about the connection between neurodivergence and substance abuse.

In the end, we can't always stop a teenager from being impulsive, but we can understand why they are more vulnerable to substance abuse and learn what to do to help them.

[2:36] - Teenagers with ADHD are at greater risk for substance use and abuse.

[4:37] - Receiving a later diagnosis of something that impacts someone's daily functioning can lead to seeking comfort in drugs and alcohol.

[6:21] - Some people don't need an official diagnosis to know that they are drawn to substances that make them feel calm or stimulated.

[7:59] - Drugs and alcohol seem like a "quick fix" to a struggle or challenge.

[9:32] - There is also a lot of societal pressure especially for teens who already feel isolated.

[10:44] - It is common for drugs and alcohol to be used as performance enhancement in social connections.

[14:20] - Eric and Chris work with a lot of people who function well while using substances, but the dependence grows.

[16:48] - Teenagers are naturally impulsive and experimental. Some who are neurodiverse may be more impulsive.

[18:51] - The risk of substance abuse is also connected to nutrition and sleep. Part of the work Eric and Chris do is addressing taking care of their bodies.

[21:25] - Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety increase risks of substance abuse. These mental health conditions are also seen in those who are neurodiverse.

[24:00] - Parents get lost in these situations, but it is important to have healthy boundaries.

[25:23] - There are thousands of families in the United States dealing with this. There are a lot of support groups.

[27:11] - A critical part of building resilience is knowing there is a caring adult in their corner who can have difficult but supportive conversations with them.

[28:40] - What does it look like when an intervention works? Everyone is very different.

[32:26] - Recognize if your child is on a self-destructive path and seek the support they need to learn to be healthy and independent.

Eric Rydzewski

Eric is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in working with adolescents and young adults with comorbid neurodivergent stress and addiction issues He is trained in autism identification and screening and uses an emotionally focused approach to the families he works with as a way of enhancing connection rather than dividing through intervention. He has over 12 years of experience working with neurodivergent populations. Eric lives in Grand Junction, Colorado with his wife and family.

Chris Wilson

Chris is a Sobriety, ADHD, and Life Coach. He has a bachelor's in English Literature and a long professional history as a corporate executive in the maritime shipping industry. After a decade in this high-powered career, Chris walked away from his business success to hike the Pacific Crest Trail and prioritize sobriety and living a more intentional life. After this dramatic life change, Chris has dedicated himself to supporting others with similar experiences. Using the skills he brought with him from his business background, Chris supports his clients to set themselves up for success. Moving away from shame and a failure-focused mindset, Chris teaches a "back to the basics" approach, helping clients establish lifestyle changes that encourage a healthy life while practicing resiliency in the face of relapse, attention challenges, and identity struggles.

• Aspen Growth Coaching Website

• Email Eric: [email protected]

• Email Chris: [email protected]

• 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.

Today's topic is no stranger to the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast. We're talking about sleep, but this time, we're discussing the impact of sleep (and lack thereof) on teens.

Lisa Lewis explains it all beautifully in her book The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive. And in our conversation today, she shares some interesting facts about the adolescent brain, how sleep deprivation impedes brain development, and what we can do about it as parents and as a society.

[2:19] - In the early years of our child's life, we think about naps and sleep often. But it is something that becomes overlooked as they get older.

[3:24] - Adolescence is a time of major brain development.

[5:02] - Sleep, specifically, is incredibly important for this process.

[6:18] - The number of hours needed for a teen is more than for adults. Teens should be getting 8-10 hours at least of sleep. Young teens should be getting 11 hours.

[8:02] - Naturally, teens will start going to bed later. This is a normal rhythm change.

[9:25] - There are a number of factors behind why teens are not getting enough sleep.

[11:08] - The biggest policy change that could greatly benefit adolescents is a later school start time for middle and high school students.

[13:04] - Tech use late at night is a big factor as well as overscheduling.

[15:10] - Lisa explains some of the processes that are impacted by sleep deprivation, specifically academically.

[16:23] - Mood, irritability, and emotional regulation are greatly impacted by sleep. This is true for adults as well.

[17:50] - Sleep deprivation also has a link to suicidality, mental health issues, and impulsivity.

[19:20] - Many teens are involved in athletics and sleep deprivation increases risk for injury. Sleep deprivation is a concern for teens learning to drive as well.

[20:54] - What are some of the things we can do as parents and as a community?

[23:01] - There are many things to consider including homework time and extracurricular activities.

[25:11] - Technology is here to stay. But how is it impacting sleep?

[26:58] - There are some best practices for parents and teens regarding tech use at night.

[29:27] - Making changes in the home needs to be collaborative.

[31:26] - Part of technology rules and wind-down routines is being a good role model.

Lisa L. Lewis is the author of The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive (described as "a call to action" by Arianna Huffington and "an urgent and timely read" by Daniel H. Pink). Her book, which was reviewed by The New York Times, is an outgrowth of her previous work on the topic, including her role in helping get California's landmark law on healthy school start times passed.

Lewis has written for The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, among others, and has appeared on the TODAY show, WBUR "On Point," BBC World Radio, and local radio and TV in Los Angeles, San Francisco and elsewhere. She has a master's degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, an MFA from Mills College, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley. The parent of a teen and a recent teen, Lewis lives in California with her family.

• The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive by Lisa Lewis

• LisaLLewis.com

• Episode 148: How Sleep Affects Academic Performance and Mood

• The Teen Brain - 6 Things to Know

• 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.