Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Parents frequently find themselves searching for the perfect educational environment for their child. And when you have a child who thinks and learns differently, you may also look for an environment where your child has access to interventions that address their unique needs, a program that incorporates clinical support, helps your child develop social-emotional learning and adaptive functioning skills, and provides them with the support of a community of educators and peers. For some students, that could mean a residential or boarding program, where they live and learn in the same place.

Sara Jackson joins us today to talk about the benefits of this type of program for neurodivergent youth. Listen to learn more.

[2:30] - A boarding school is special because a student is getting the full academic learning, but their life after school is intentionally programmed as well.

[4:35] - Boarding school integrates social-emotional learning into the day-to-day schedule for students which in many other environments is missing.

[6:42] - There is a lot of opportunity for incidental learning.

[8:02] - The biggest benefit for neurodiverse students in a residential program is the built-in community.

[9:33] - Sara explains that the students they serve are experiencing life-changing events that are building self-confidence.

[11:04] - Who is a good candidate for a residential program and what is the right age? It's a whole family decision.

[13:06] - For a child with learning challenges, the struggles are often the focus. But, a personalized education program like this gives the opportunity to focus on strengths and interests.

[15:13] - In order to thrive, some students need a specialized program.

[16:48] - When students are successful outside of school, it increases confidence during academic learning as well.

[19:01] - Sara describes a typical day for students at Riverview School.

[21:16] - Parents are close partners with Riverview School.

[22:49] - For more information, visit their website. There are virtual and in-person information sessions available.

Sara has a BA in Neuroscience from Hamilton College and Master of Social Work from Boston University. She is a licensed clinical social worker. Sara has worked at Riverview School since 2001, in a number of positions including as direct care staff, a clinician, the social pragmatics and behavior specialist and currently as the coordinator of the middle school/high school boarding program.

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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.

Although today's guest is a declutter coach and has been featured as a guest on the podcast before, she's here for a completely different reason today. Today, Wendy Zanders is here in her role as a mom who homeschools.

This episode is a down-to-earth and realistic conversation about the popular topic of homeschooling. Wendy shares her journey, the ups and downs, the reasons behind her family's decision, and the possibilities homeschooling has opened up for her children.

If you are thinking about homeschooling or have questions about how you can homeschool more effectively, Wendy will have some answers in this conversation.

[2:06] - Even though the homeschool journey for Wendy is for the whole family, both of her children are homeschooled differently.

[3:10] - Some families changed to homeschooling during the pandemic in 2020 and made the decision to continue.

[4:22] - Wendy shares the experience of meeting another family that was homeschooled and her daughter knew right away she wanted to be homeschooled as well.

[6:20] - It is okay to simply try homeschooling. If you don't like it or it isn't the right fit for your family, you can always go back to public school or find another option.

[7:48] - If you feel that you are not qualified or not feeling confident in a certain subject, you can find a tutor for support.

[9:19] - Wendy shares a bit about their structured school schedule and the things they do that are outside the traditional structure.

[10:49] - There are so many different options and you can make the decision that is best for you and your family.

[13:14] - Wendy shares the recent milestones for her children.

[15:26] - Through her son's passion and interests, Wendy was able to create the perfect curriculum for him and he is now in a program for welding.

[17:10] - An important component of homeschooling is a community.

[19:14] - It is a myth that homeschooled children are missing out on the socialization opportunities provided in public schools.

[20:42] - There was a big mental shift that Wendy had to make. Unschooling has been the best fit for her and her family.

[23:52] - It is not at all required to spend a ton of money on a homeschool curriculum.

[25:30] - There doesn't always have to be a dedicated school space in your home. Your kids may not learn that way.

Wendy Zanders is a professional organizer, Your Declutter Coach, and a United States Army veteran. Her family has been homeschooling both kids since 2019. They are a special needs homeschooling family that loves to learn outside the box. Her 16-year-old son graduated and is now a professional welder pursuing a career in the automotive industry. Their 10-year-old wants to be a scientist, and they enjoy exploring that path with her. Wendy is the biggest cheerleader for her kids and their journeys.

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• Your Declutter Coach Website

• Episode 123: How Decluttering Helps to Manage ADHD Symptoms with Wendy Zanders

• Episode 151: Parenting with ADHD Insights and Inspiration with Holly Blanc Moses

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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.

With a new dyslexia screening law coming into effect next year in the state of California, parents need to know what to expect and what the rights of their children are. To help educate us on what this screener is and what it means for our children, educational attorneys Vickie Brett and Amanda Selogie join the podcast again.

Vickie and Amanda are both attorneys and founders of the Inclusive Education Project, which includes an IEP Learning Center and a podcast. As educational attorneys, they focus on advocating for and educating families on their legal rights, especially when it comes to the services their child is entitled to through public education.

Today, we're discussing what this law means and how it impacts all students in Kindergarten through second grade in the state of California. You'll learn what to expect and how you can be prepared for pushing for a comprehensive evaluation in the event that your child is found to be at risk for dyslexia.

[1:49] - Welcome back, Vickie and Amanda! They were previously on during the COVID-19 pandemic discussing legal rights of students needing services.

[4:00] - October is specifically a busy month for IEP meetings and initial assessments.

[6:42] - Because of holidays and the busy season, there are a lot of things to accomplish in a short amount of time.

[8:08] - It is so important for parents to understand the rights their children have.

[9:31] - In 2024, California will have funding for universal screening for dyslexia in students from Kindergarten through second grade.

[11:34] - Schools are supposed to implement these screenings in 2024. The goal with this law is it uses a universal screener.

[13:23] - Interventions being provided through RTI and reading groups are not enough.

[16:46] - The timing in California also coincides with the universal pre-Kindergarten program.

[18:18] - Screening is not the same thing as intervention or assessment. They identify kids who are at risk for dyslexia. But then what?

[20:30] - Vickie explains how the law works and the requirements it outlines.

[23:03] - For a screener to really work, it needs to be done for all students.

[24:30] - One common trait of children with dyslexia is that they are able to compensate in the early years of school and tend to be overlooked.

[26:47] - Being at risk should be enough of an alert to proceed with a comprehensive evaluation.

[29:19] - There are certain things that the school will take care of, but parents need to be vigilant in requesting more if it's needed.

[30:52] - With a universal screener, there should be a universal intervention.

[34:59] - Amanda thinks that implementation will be left to each county and school district.

[37:04] - Is every county going to be able to train and implement this screener?

[40:15] - You can find more information on the Inclusive Education Project website.

Vickie Brett

Vickie Brett was born and raised in Southern California and through the Inclusive Education Project she focuses on advocating and educating families about their legal rights. Vickie is committed to strengthening her clients who come to her disheartened and beaten down by the current education system. Because Vickie is bilingual, she represents and empowers many monolingual Spanish-speaking families. She is a dedicated pro bono attorney for the Superior Court of Los Angeles's Juvenile and Dependency 317(e) Panel and in the past was a supervising attorney for the UCI Law School's Special Education Law Project.

Amanda Selogie

Amanda Selogie received a bachelor's degree in Child and Adolescent Development, specializing in Education from California State University, Northridge and a Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where she served as a Fellow in the prestigious Center for Children's Rights Fellowship Program and served in the school's pro-bono Special Education Legal Clinic. Amanda immersed herself in the world of civil rights and educational advocacy through her work in education, empowerment and advocacy with the Inclusive Education project, supporting inclusion in early education through her appointment to the Orange County Child Care and Development Planning Council and their Inclusion Collaborative Committee, previous work serving as a supervising attorney for UCI Law School's Education Rights Pro-bono project and coaching of AYSO's VIP (Very Important Player) program coaching players living with disabilities and creating an inclusive soccer program.

• Inclusive Education Project Website

• @inclusiveeducationproject on Instagram

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

• Inclusive Education Project Podcast

• Dr. Karen Wilson on the Inclusive Education Project Podcast

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• Check out some amazing schools for incredible students

The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.

If you have a teen who is preparing for or thinking about applying to college, you are likely aware that some colleges and universities are test optional or even test blind when it comes to ACTs and SATs. But what does that mean? Should students with learning differences, test anxiety, or struggles with test-taking in general take these tests?

Annika Guy is the Director of Independent Study/Homeschool and SAT/ACT programming at Hayutin Education and a valued ChildNEXUS member. And while they know so much about test-optional and test-blind colleges and universities, they are here to tell us that it is a constantly changing landscape. We've definitely entered a new era of college acceptance processes and even the tests themselves have gone through some evolution over the last several years.

So if you and your teen are considering colleges, we now need to answer the question: to test or not to test?

[2:42] - So much has changed in the last few years and it continues to evolve very quickly.

[3:49] - There is a lot of conflicting information and opinions when it comes to testing and college prep. This makes the decision to test that much harder.

[4:59] - It can be very frustrating to go through testing and then learn that the university or college doesn't require it.

[5:38] - Test-optional means that schools will not require test scores to be submitted when applying, but will look them over if submitted.

[7:21] - Test blind means that schools don't even look at test scores at all even if you submit them.

[9:08] - A big concern for students and parents is that learning differences and test-taking difficulties result in scores that don't reflect a student's ability and potential.

[11:24] - Although it can be confusing, it is ultimately a good thing that there are test-optional and test blind schools.

[13:10] - Testing companies are beginning to shift their thinking around the necessity and accuracy of test scores.

[14:43] - The SAT has gone through a lot of changes in the last ten years. Now it is a much shorter test and is provided digitally.

[17:53] - There are some things that can be put into a test-prep plan including practice tests and test-prep tutors.

[21:24] - Hayutin Education is very transparent about the murky waters of testing and test prep. They help students navigate this decision.

[23:19] - Homeschooled students need to test and there are other demographics that feel more pressured to test like international students and athletes.

[25:01] - Test prep should not be prioritized over keeping up a GPA.

[26:36] - Hayutin Education offers a number of services including test prep services, college application guidance, and academic support.

Annika Guy is the Director of Independent Study/Homeschool and SAT/ACT programming at Hayutin Education. Annika joined the Hayutin administrative team in 2021 after two years on the educator team. Annika has worked with students ranging from elementary school through college in a variety of humanities-based subjects as well as math, science, executive function coaching, independent study/homeschool, and test prep. As Director of Independent Study, Annika is passionate about custom curriculum design and developing the best program for each student's unique learning style. In their role as Director of Hayutin's SAT/ACT program, Annika consults with families about the changing landscape of college admissions in the test-optional era, and what that means for students facing the question of whether or not to test.

• ChildNEXUS Provider Profile

• Hayutin Education Website

• Episode 16: The Independent Study Option with Maya Varga

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

• Episode 15: From High School to College: Steps to Success for Students with Disabilities with Elizabeth Hamblet

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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.

Educational therapy is oftentimes an unknown term for parents and families. Today's guest has actually shared with us in a previous episode what it is and how it can benefit so many different students in Episode 10: Building Independence Through Educational Therapy. But what we haven't talked about is what educational therapy looks like… virtually.

Welcome back to Rachel Kapp, who is an educational therapist with an extensive background in the field of education. After working with so many types of students through tutoring in private practice, she became passionate about building relationships with and helping students who learn differently. She is now a sought after educational therapist and co-host of the Learn Smarter Podcast.

In our conversation today, Rachel shares how virtual educational therapy has changed the way students can access the services they need. She explains the surprising benefits and misconceptions about virtual therapy and how to find the right fit for you and your family.

[1:43] - Rachel was a previous guest on the podcast and introduced educational therapy in episode 10.

[4:27] - During the pandemic, for the first time parents saw firsthand the learning challenges of their children.

[5:57] - Rachel explains what educational therapy is and what they focus on at Kapp Educational Therapy.

[7:12] - While the therapy impacts academics, educational therapy is also extremely beneficial for executive functioning and life skills.

[10:02] - Virtual educational therapy is not "Zoom School".

[11:10] - Compared to in-person educational therapy, virtual therapy has a lot of different benefits including flexibility and, surprisingly, connection with the therapist.

[13:11] - One type of therapy isn't faster than another. Rachel has not seen a difference between the results of in-person and virtual.

[15:09] - In most cases, Rachel sees students for 50 minutes twice a week, but when it is virtual, there are a lot of different ways to spend that time.

[16:49] - Rachel has had students who are in virtual educational therapy as guests on her podcast and has great connections with them.

[19:13] - Writing is typically very challenging for students with executive functioning issues.

[21:47] - There's not a "perfect" age for virtual educational therapy. It depends on the child.

[25:27] - When it is the right fit for the family, virtual therapy is so accessible.

[27:40] - Be open to alternative solutions. The most important thing is the clinician match.

Rachel grew up in Los Angeles. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Sociology and minored in Jewish Studies. Rachel began tutoring students in high school, eventually choosing to pursue a career in education. For over six years, Rachel was a lead preschool teacher, where she gained a firm foundation in explicit teaching. Rachel has been a tutor in private practice since 2004, working with students in a variety of subjects, including all levels of math, reading, history, and writing. After working with so many types of students over the years and realizing she was passionate about building relationships with and helping students who learn differently, Rachel decided to pursue educational therapy. She completed her coursework at California State University, Northridge, in December 2015 and Masters degree in December 2016. In her free time, Rachel loves spending time with her husband, Adam, son, Elliot, and their dog, Fritzy, watching Cal Football, cooking for friends, and spinning. Rachel is a Board Certified Member of the Association of Educational Therapists and an active participant in ongoing education through the International Dyslexia Association. She is also trained in Wilson Reading Systems.

• ChildNEXUS Provider Profile

• Kapp Educational Therapy Group Website

• @KappEdTherapy on Instagram

• Learn Smarter Podcast

• @LearnSmarterPodcast on Instagram

• Email: [email protected]

• The Intersection of Executive Function, ADHD, and Other Learning Differences

• Episode 10: Building Independence Through Educational Therapy with Rachel Kapp

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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 guest is Ashley Harding and we're discussing the importance of students having a sense of belonging in their learning environment. Ashley is a valued member of the ChildNEXUS community and a compassionate advocate for diverse learners.

In this episode, Ashley explains how impactful a sense of belonging is to a student. Knowing they hold a significant space somewhere, feeling a sense of connection and safety, and knowing that their educational needs are being met while also getting the support they need are critical keys to the concept of "mattering". All of these things have long-term outcomes that go far beyond academic mastery and it's important for educators to foster this and value a child's sense of belonging. This is what is going to help students thrive and reach their full potential.

It's not just about academic mastery. Listen on to find out how students can learn self-efficacy and self-advocacy and how this can change the trajectory of their success.

[2:31] - North Star Academics was founded on three principles: academic mastery, self-efficacy, and parent engagement.

[3:38] - In Ashley's experience, the disconnect for a lot of students is not having a feeling of belonging.

[5:37] - Students have ecosystems of their own. How do they feel connected to their school and is there a gap?

[7:04] - Ashley describes some of the things they look at when a student begins with North Star Academics.

[8:11] - We have to start with our own internal biases. Bias is well beyond culture.

[9:34] - Communicating with educators can be challenging with new families.

[10:47] - How are we evaluating processes in order to have a continuum of success?

[12:58] - Investment in private and independent schools is a social justice issue.

[14:33] - Stakeholders need to be tuned into the needs of every student, but students need to also be aware of their own learning profile as well.

[16:05] - Academic mastery is often the easier part of this.

[18:37] - When parents have a deference with teachers, it prevents the child from getting what they need. Advocacy needs to be modeled.

[21:27] - You are not waiting to be empowered. You have power and are working in collaboration. If you aren't empowered, is this the right placement?

[24:16] - If students aren't getting the accommodations they require, is it the right place for them?

[26:55] - This is a long term process. What does it take for your child to be successful not just this school year, but the next one and beyond?

[28:01] - It's important to meet with the school in order to support the child.

[29:53] - Schools are often focused on academic mastery.

[31:20] - Research shows that if a child has just one person invested in them, they are more likely to be successful.

[33:30] - Space is not just physical space. People at school should be safe spaces for students as well.

Ashley Harding is a passionate fourth-generation educator and the Founder of North Star Academics. With a decade of experience, she's committed to improving the educational experience for children and families nationwide. Born and educated in West Los Angeles, she holds a Bachelor of Science from USC and a master's degree from Tufts University. Her focus includes creating social capital and support for students and families of color, and she has previously served as Director of Family and External Engagement for KIPP DC. Ashley's interests include promoting veganism, wearing black Chucks, and enjoying 1990s R&B.

• ChildNEXUS Provider Profile

• Email: [email protected]

• North Star Academics Website

• Get on our Email List

• Book a Consultation

• Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider

• Check out some amazing schools for incredible students

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.

Over the last few years, we've seen a noticeable increase in anxiety and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. And we've talked about anxiety many times on the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast. But one thing we haven't discussed yet is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD. This is a topic that has been requested by listeners and I'm thrilled to have found today's guest, Dr. Jesse Spiegel, an expert on OCD.

Everyone has had the occasional concern about misplacing something or has had a fear of germs or contamination. Sometimes we have a need to order and arrange things in a particular way. But when these thoughts and behaviors become intense and begin to interfere with life, they may indicate OCD. In our conversation today, Dr. Spiegel explains the major differences between obsessive behaviors and compulsions as well as common unintentional mistakes parents make with children who exhibit these behaviors.

[2:28] - We are currently seeing a noticeable increase in anxiety in children and teens.

[4:05] - OCD has two components: obsessions and compulsions.

[5:48] - There are some compulsions that are observable to other people, but many compulsions are mental and unseen by others.

[8:04] - Reassurance seeking is often overlooked by parents, but it is common in OCD and tends to feed the obsessions and compulsions.

[10:03] - When you accommodate the child's compulsive behaviors, it actually accommodates the OCD.

[11:49] - Anxiety disorders overlap in a lot of ways, but OCD is overpowering.

[15:00] - Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) is a component of the treatment for OCD. Dr. Spiegel explains what this entails.

[19:12] - Being over accommodating or over demanding are mistakes that a lot of parents of children with OCD make.

[20:16] - Parents need to learn new ways to respond because a lot of behaviors unintentionally fuel OCD.

[22:27] - Let's give a name to OCD for children. Some call it "The Worry Monster".

[24:57] - Giving it a name takes the power away from OCD. It's not who you are, but it is impacting you.

[26:30] - A lot of times, kids do not want to be in therapy. Dr. Spiegel describes some ways to provide motivation.

Dr. Jesse Spiegel is a licensed clinical psychologist treating children, adolescents, and adults. He works in private practice in Los Angeles, CA, where he specializes in treating OCD, anxiety, insomnia, and behavioral-related problems. In addition to utilizing CBT and exposure-based therapies, Dr. Spiegel takes a family-based approach when working with clients.

Dr. Spiegel is a clinical instructor at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences. He is the Vice Chair of the Anxiety Depression Association of America's (ADAA) OCD SIG. Dr. Spiegel is a graduate of the IOCDF's Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), as well as the Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) program.

• Dr. Jesse Spiegel's Website

• Email: [email protected]

• Anxiety and the Family

• Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents

• Episode 67: Your Child's Anxiety - When to Worry with Dr. Piacentini

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• Check out some amazing schools for incredible students

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 are welcoming back parenting activist and previous podcast guest, Debbie Reber. Debbie and I have had the opportunity to speak on multiple occasions and her support for parents of differently wired kids is extraordinary. As the founder and CEO of Tilt Parenting, Debbie has provided resources to parents around the world and uses her own experiences as a parent of a neurodivergent child to help other families navigate their unique journeys.

In our conversation today, we are talking about her five step roadmap for parents. Parents of differently wired kids don't get a roadmap for their journey, a journey which can be anxiety-provoking and lonely. But Debbie has created one and in our discussion, she shares what the steps are and why they are so important. And after learning each step, she explains how this roadmap changes in middle school.

It is a conversation and resource you won't want to miss.

[2:38] - Congratulations to Debbie for her 7 years of incredible work.

[4:57] - Once it is understood the reason behind a behavior, it is easier to address it and support regulation.

[6:44] - Karen has seen a shift in parents coming in for assessments not to "fix" their child but to better understand them.

[8:47] - Homeschooling her own differently wired child for six years impacted Debbie's understanding of the connection between learning and the environment.

[11:02] - Debbie has created a roadmap for parents. This tool is incredible because parents typically don't get a roadmap for raising a neurodivergent child.

[12:26] - The first step on the roadmap is processing. Give yourself time to take a breath and get clear on what your values and goals are as a family.

[15:04] - The second step is connecting. This journey feels isolating.

[16:27] - Gathering is the third step and Debbie explains that it is all about creating your team.

[19:36] - The next step is prioritizing. We can't do it all at once and at any time in the journey, parents can get overwhelmed.

[22:44] - If a child is not regulated, no meaningful growth will take place.

[24:33] - The last step in the roadmap is acceptance. We're here to support our kids. Part of acceptance is knowing that this is really hard.

[26:18] - Our kids are constantly changing and the transition to middle school is particularly challenging.

[27:47] - Sometimes you have to revisit things you already understand. For example ADHD in a 6 year old is different when they become a teenager.

[29:47] - You have your limitations as a parent. You can't do it all.

[31:01] - The social landscape gets more complicated as a child ages and is certainly different from what parents experienced as adolescents.

[33:05] - It's important for us to unpack our own middle school trauma and experiences because they're going to impact our parenting.

[35:34] - Be your child's companion through this journey.

Debbie Reber, MA is a parenting activist, bestselling author, speaker, and the CEO and founder of Tilt Parenting, a resource, top-performing podcast, consultancy, and community with a focus on shifting the paradigm for parents raising and embracing neurodivergent children. Her most recent book, Differently Wired: A Parent's Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope, came out in June 2018. After living abroad in the Netherlands for five years, Debbie, her husband, and differently wired teen moved to Brooklyn, NY in 2019.

• Tilt Parenting Website

• Tilt Parenting Roadmap

• Tilt Parenting Episode 320: Dr. Karen Wilson on How and When to Talk to Kids About Their Diagnoses

• Diverse Thinking Different Learning Episode 144: Raising Differently Wired Kids with Joy and Confidence with Debbie Reber

• Tilt Parenting Episode 192: Dr. Karen Wilson on How to Know if Your Child is Ready for the Transition to Elementary School

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• Check out some amazing schools for incredible students

Many parents see themselves in their children. And when a child is evaluated and diagnosed with ADHD, some parents realize that they have had the same struggles. Research shows that as many as 1 in 5 people have ADHD and because we know that the heritability of ADHD is about 80%, the odds that many adults are struggling with undiagnosed ADHD are high. With this realization, many parents are receiving an ADHD diagnosis during adulthood and like today's guest, their struggles make a lot of sense.

Holly Blanc Moses returns to the podcast today to share her own experience with a late diagnosis of ADHD. We also discuss what it's like parenting when you yourself have ADHD and what strategies are helpful for navigating the parent and life journey.

Holly is the host of The Autism ADHD Podcast where she describes this experience, offers support and resources for parents, and continues to navigate her own parenting journey of two neurodivergent children.

[2:13] - Welcome back, Holly!

[3:51] - Holly learned that she struggled because of undiagnosed ADHD and opened up about it on her podcast The Autism ADHD Podcast.

[5:50] - Holly reflects back on her childhood and the struggles that make more sense now that she understands her diagnosis.

[7:37] - The symptoms are different in girls and women because they are so good at masking. Symptoms are often overlooked.

[9:14] - Many adults who have gone undiagnosed have created a story in their minds that they aren't good enough.

[11:01] - Holly describes her experience in realizing that she likely has ADHD and why she sought an evaluation for herself.

[12:28] - The completion of the evaluation and the diagnosis of ADHD was such a relief for Holly.

[14:30] - Some tasks for Holly are still very hard, but she is able to focus without distraction on her interests.

[15:53] - A lot of parents become concerned that they can't help manage their child's ADHD if they can't manage their own.

[19:22] - Many women with ADHD also struggle with perfectionism.

[21:55] - We have to be patient with ourselves and stop beating ourselves up. We have to look at a lot and be okay with not getting everything done.

[26:05] - Don't try to be something that you are not.

[27:21] - Mindfulness is important.

[30:03] - Connect with Holly through her podcast The Autism ADHD Podcast.

Holly Blanc Moses is a neurodivergent therapist, coach, and online course creator who specializes in supporting neurodivergent children, teens, adults, and their families. Over the last 23 years, she has provided mental and behavioral health services in the areas of emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, social interaction, and school success. Holly is the host of the popular podcast - The Autism ADHD Podcast. She is the owner of Crossvine Counseling in Raleigh, NC, a therapy group specializing in evaluations and therapy for neurodivergent individuals and she is also the mother of two neurodivergent boys.

• Holly Blanc Moses Home Page

• The Autism ADHD Podcast

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• Mindfulness in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• The Intersection of Executive Function, ADHD, and Other Learning Differences

• Episode 78: Supporting Youth with Autism and ADHD with Holly Blanc Moses

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

• Invisible Struggle: My Late ADHD Diagnoses Story

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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 book, The Hidden Link Between Vision and Learning, Wendy Beth Rosen cited a study by Ohio State University. That research study found that 69% of students with IEPs identified as having treatable vision problems, yet would pass a typical school screening. Most people only associate vision with eyesight, but today's guest explains that there is so much more to the visual system and even a child with great eyesight could be struggling with vision-related learning difficulties.

Today's guest is Dr. Juanita Collier and she is here to discuss these vision related learning difficulties. A parent actually recommended this interview after her experience finding the help her child needed. I am so glad they reached out. This interview is so informative for all parents and Dr. Collier provides us with some great tips and guidelines to help the development of a child's visual system.

[2:57] - 10% of children have a vision-related problem that interferes with learning.

[3:22] - Vision is how you are taking in anything through your visual system. It is more than eyesight.

[4:33] - Most screenings test distance vision, but near vision isn't frequently checked in children.

[5:46] - Kids don't know how to explain that their vision is poor, especially if that is how it has always been for them.

[8:43] - Dr. Collier describes the different parts of a vision test and how she is able to determine if the challenges a child is having are due to their vision.

[11:56] - In addition to eyesight, visual processing needs to be evaluated.

[13:50] - Dr. Collier explains what visual therapy entails and how it can positively impact students with vision-related learning difficulties.

[16:03] - For children who didn't crawl, parts of their vision hasn't been fully developed.

[18:23] - Currently, we are teaching children to read before their visual system is ready.

[21:03] - Excessive screen time can create some problems.

[23:19] - We are losing the need for a lot of skills that used to develop naturally because of excessive screen use.

[25:05] - Eye strain is a concern. Adults will take a break when they have eye strain from screen time, but children don't have that regulation.

[26:09] - What is the 20-20-20 Rule?

[28:23] - Dr. Collier shares information on concussions in children due to sports.

Dr. Collier is a leading Behavioral Optometrist and the founder of 4D Vision Gym. She specializes in post-concussion care, vision-related learning difficulties, visual rehabilitation and visual development for patients of all ages. She is one of only a few Optometrists in Connecticut to have earned Fellowship status by the International Examination & Certification Board (IECB) of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. Dr. Collier has lectured extensively to physicians, therapists, school faculty, healthcare professionals and students on the importance of visual functioning, and advocates to make vision rehabilitation accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities.

• 4D Vision Gym Home Page

• (860) 632-8243

• Our Child's Hidden Learning Struggle: 6 Tips for Parents by Natasha Mileusnic

• It Could Be Your Eyes Podcast

• Get on our Email List

• Book a Consultation

• Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider

• Check out some amazing schools for incredible students

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.