Diverse Thinking Different Learning

Lately, we've been focusing on preparing students who think and learn differently for a transition back to school. But today's topic is an interesting and often overlooked aspect of mental health - nutrition. Studies show that what we eat can significantly impact our mental wellbeing. The same is true for children and teens and we can help support their mental health through their diet.

[1:34] - Emerging research is showing that our dietary choices play a role in our mental health.

[3:07] - Avoiding processed options is best but Americans get most of their calories from processed foods.

[4:10] - How does nutrition impact our brains?

[5:19] - Improving nutrition can have positive effects on depression and ADHD.

[8:49] - Embrace whole foods.

[9:04] - Variety is key.

[9:20] - Consider a culture of mindful meals.

[9:50] - Minimize processed foods.

[11:14] - Everyone is different. It is important to consider a personalized approach.

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• Check out some amazing schools for incredible students

• Adolescents prone to poor dietary choices, leading to changes in the brain

• Food and mood: how do diet and nutrition affect mental wellbeing?

• That salad isn't just good for your nutrition - it may help stave off depression

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.

As we get started and accustomed to a new academic year for students, we need to take a moment to talk about sleep. How much sleep do children and adolescents actually need? What are signs that they are getting quality sleep or insufficient sleep? Many adults track their own sleep, but are you monitoring your child's?

When children and adolescents don't get enough sleep it impacts their ability to focus, remember information, and regulate their emotions - all things that are critical to their wellbeing on any given day. In today's episode, we're discussing this crucial piece to a child's health. So listen to find out if your child is sleeping enough, getting quality sleep, and some tips to improve sleep if it is a struggle.

[3:00] - Transitioning from a summer with little sleep schedule to a new school year with a routine can be very difficult for children.

[5:04] - How much sleep do kids actually need?

[8:13] - What are the signs of sleep deprivation in kids?

[10:18] - Insufficient sleep can cause issues with memory, mood, and stress.

[11:26] - Early sleep issues are predictive of ADHD symptoms later.

[13:51] - School schedules have an impact on sleep and some school districts start later in the morning to allow for students to sleep longer durations.

[15:19] - Kids with ADHD are more likely to challenge parents and have behavioral problems around bedtime.

[19:11] - Lights from screens can suppress melatonin and can delay the onset of sleep.

[19:56] - Having a dark and cool room is best for quality sleep.

[20:50] - Always talk about sleep patterns with your child's pediatrician.

[21:35] - Making sleep a priority for yourself is modeling the importance of sleep in a healthy lifestyle for your children.

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• Check out some amazing schools for incredible students

• 5 Reasons Sleep Matters Most for Children

• 8 Ways Teenagers Suffer When They Don't Get Enough Sleep

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

• Episode 147: 5 Tips to Help Students Transition Back to School

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.

A new school year is upon us! This can be an exciting time but it can also be challenging for parents and their children especially for those who think and learn differently. This quick episode is designed to help ensure a smooth start for these students and their families. These five tips can help navigate this period successfully. It's not an exhaustive list, just a few tips to get the ball rolling for a great new school year.

[1:52] - Tip #1: Establish a predictable routine.

[3:02] - Plan for adequate amounts of sleep.

[4:20] - Tip #2: Prepare well in advance.

[6:14] - Tip #3: Foster open communication. Schedule a meeting with your child's teacher.

[8:08] - Trust your gut. Don't hesitate to take an active role.

[8:35] - Tip #4: Break tasks into manageable steps.

[9:52] - Tip #5: Focus on strengths and self-care. Celebrate success and encourage hobbies.

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• Check out some amazing schools for incredible students

• Episode 146: How Parents and Educators Can Collaborate to Help Students Thrive with Shelley Lawrence

• Episode 142: How to Help Neurodivergent Kids Manage Social Media

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.

For many families, it is hard to hear that your child has been struggling in school. Some parents may already know or have a feeling their child is struggling. They have even received assessment results, only to feel worried about the negative stigma or sharing that information with their school. Today, we are re-airing a discussion about the importance of collaboration between parents, families, and educators.

Today's guest is Shelley Lawrence and she comes to us with two decades worth of experience as a school administrator. In this episode, her experience shines and she shares her knowledge of how evaluations are used in schools, what to expect after an evaluation is completed, and she really drives home the need for developing a team. Feeling worried is absolutely a normal reaction, but communicating the needs of your child to schools and educators can make a world of difference in their educational progress.

[2:03] - The parent/educator relationship is so important.

[4:36] - It's not about a diagnosis. The purpose is to better understand why a child is struggling.

[6:24] - Shelley shares a story of a student she worked with and demonstrates how the teachers' knowledge of weaknesses helped him.

[7:56] - Phrasing this information in a certain way can bolster student confidence.

[8:45] - Strengths and weaknesses are harder to determine in some students.

[9:56] - As an administrator, Shelley has found that many parents are worried about the negative stigma of having an IEP or 504 plan.

[11:40] - When an evaluation is recommended, Shelley explains that many parents are worried about going through with it.

[13:31] - It is normal to feel worried, but educators can rephrase the need for an evaluation.

[14:47] - Every family Dr. Wilson and Shelley have worked with do not regret the assessment process and getting their child the support they need.

[17:29] - After completing an evaluation, it is important to break it down based on priorities.

[18:51] - Everyone needs to be working together, including the parents and teachers.

[20:43] - Some parents are also concerned about making more work for teachers, but teachers want and need to know how to help their students.

[22:20] - What should parents expect from the school after an evaluation?

[25:01] - Look beyond the IEP goals. Parent and teacher observations are markers of progress as well.

[27:50] - Sometimes progress is very slow. Different interventions can be implemented.

[29:20] - The point is to make sure the child is learning rather than spinning their wheels.

[32:20] - Emphasizing that it is a team that helps the child can make things more impactful for parents and educators.

As an Independent School administrator for two decades, Shelley Lawrence had the unique experience of working with families of students who were striving to succeed in school. She is adamant in her belief that, with the proper supports in place, all children can succeed in school. Shelley brings her passion for children, her strong connections with outside providers in the community, her keen observation and listening skills and her understanding of the complexities of learning, to help families navigate the school journey with their child. In addition, Shelley is a trained advocate who can help families navigate the IEP process.

• ChildNEXUS Provider Profile: Shelley Lawrence

• Schoolhouse Collaborative Website

• Phone: (310) 251-5908

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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.

Are you concerned about whether your child has made meaningful progress over the last year in school? Today's guest is an incredible special education attorney who is passionate about advocating for children and adults. You can hear the passion in her voice throughout this entire episode and she brings to light a lot of concerns as we begin the transition to heading back to the brick and mortar classroom environment.

Our guest, Heather Zakson, is a special education attorney. She answers a plethora of questions in this episode, shares staggering statistics, explains legislation and federal funding, and encourages all parents to strongly advocate for their children.

[3:01] - The transition going back to school is a front and center concern for a lot of families.

[5:10] - Distance learning unlocked more tools and opportunities for many students.

[7:57] - Data is our stock and trade in special education. We need the information to compare data over time to see what's working.

[8:59] - A lot of work is done on screen and not kept in a paper format. Heather recommends always taking a screenshot of work to archive a child's progress.

[11:49] - Don't think of assessments as something dictated only by schools.

[12:46] - A psychological assessment will give us information on what intervention and support is needed.

[13:44] - When seeking a private assessment, you have the control on who to conduct the testing and who to share the information with.

[14:33] - If you are unable to have a private assessment done, Heather explains how it works through the school system. You can ask for a second opinion.

[17:20] - Although we have seen the good things that have come from distance learning, there are many students who have suffered with great educational loss.

[18:25] - Heather advises that if you think there is something wrong, follow your gut.

[19:40] - All public schools have the ability to assess.

[21:38] - When a child is behind, moving forward without support will just make them fall farther behind. Early intervention is crucial.

[23:10] - When you are out there advocating for your child, don't take no for an answer.

[27:53] - We know how to support children with social difficulties and with appropriate support, they can have a completely different educational experience.

[30:54] - Heather explains what recoupment means and how this affects the near future of special education.

[32:46] - Children with learning disabilities are legally entitled to remediation.

[34:22] - When there is a reading and/or language delay, there needs to be evidence-based targeted reading instruction.

[37:18] - Information doesn't hurt anyone. It doesn't put labels on anyone.

[40:28] - Dyslexia screening should be a mandatory part of assessment early on for every student.

[41:10] - What is SB 488 and how will it affect university programs for teachers?

[44:50] - The Right to Read Project and Decoding Dyslexia are highly recommended to look into by both Heather and Karen.

[46:27] - Every year is different when it comes to funding. Heather explains the push for federal funding for special education.

[48:19] - The real test of our educational system is how we support our students who struggle the most.

[49:02] - Every child is entitled to an appropriate education and remediation of learning disabilities when appropriate.

Heather Zakson represents children and adults in special education, Regional Center and discrimination cases and provides expert consultation on complex custody and guardianship matters. She is widely recognized for her creativity and tenacity on behalf of those whose rights have been violated and needs have gone unmet. She is a graduate of UCLA School of Law and Brandeis University, and has been practicing law for 18 Years.

• Zakson Law Home Page

• Phone: (424) 369-9529

• Heather Zakson on LinkedIn

• Heather Zakson, Attorney on Facebook

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• Check out some amazing schools for incredible students

Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com

If you have a child who thinks, learns, or experiences the world differently than others, this episode is for you. Parents of differently wired kids may face a negative stigma, uncertainty, and may make decisions from a place of fear, especially in regards to education. But today's guest shares her experience and encourages parents to change their mindset and make decisions from a place of possibility.

I am thrilled to welcome Debbie Reber as today's guest on the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast. Debbie inspired me to begin this podcast journey and as a parent of a differently wired child herself, she comes to the podcast today with personal stories, many years of experience, and open arms to welcome other parents on the same journey. Debbie is a parenting activist, author, keynote speaker, and founder of TiLT Parenting. The resources and community she offers through TiLT Parenting are helping parents around the world connect and support each other in raising differently wired children.

We could talk for hours, but on today's episode with Debbie we focus on what it means to be "differently wired," how Debbie grew from making decisions from fear to making decisions from love and possibility, and how parents can use their voices to make positive change in the education of their children.

[1:35] - Debbie really leans in to embracing the fact that your child may be differently wired.

[3:26] - Debbie never intended to walk this path, but as her son received diagnoses, it made things more challenging.

[5:01] - Sharing the challenge in finding the right environment for her son, Debbie explains that they bounced around to different schools and then homeschooled for 6 years.

[6:00] - This experience was the catalyst for her to start her own podcast and help other parents in similar situations.

[7:58] - As she observed her son learning at home, Debbie made the realization of why traditional schooling had not been a success.

[9:16] - There needs to be a shift in how we educate children.

[11:00] - Debbie demonstrates that the traditional school model does not teach kids to be critical thinkers.

[15:57] - Learning loss is of course a concern, but Dr. Wilson believes that social, emotional, and mental health support is more important.

[18:49] - Debbie talks about her book Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World.

[20:04] - There is no clear path for parents, especially when raising a differently wired child.

[21:07] - Debbie provides some reflection questions to ask yourself as a parent to find out more about choosing love and possibility.

[22:23] - If we, as parents, have a negative idea of what a child with a diagnosis looks like, we will not make decisions that are best for the child.

[24:38] - The idea behind Debbie's podcast and the community she has built is to help support parents.

[28:21] - Dr. Wilson and Debbie talk about the IEP process and the changes that need to be made to the educational system.

[30:10] - Debbie references a book that she recommends called The End of Average by Todd Rose and how there really isn't any such thing as "average."

[31:23] - Karen highly recommends Debbie's book and her TEDtalk.

Debbie Reber is a parenting activist, New York Times bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the founder of TiLT Parenting, a top podcast, community, and educational resource for parents raising differently wired children. Her book, Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World, came out in June 2018. After living abroad in the Netherlands for five years, Debbie, her husband, and 16-year-old son relocated to Brooklyn, NY in 2019.

• TiLT Parenting Home Page

• TiLT Parenting Podcast

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• Check out some amazing schools for incredible students

Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com

With different types of technology becoming more and more accessible, today's guest has found the surprising and amazing benefits of virtual reality on neurodivergent individuals. As the father of a child on the autism spectrum, Vijay Ravindran discovered first hand what the technology can provide for those who think and learn differently.

Vijay's positive experience led him to create Floreo, a research-based and effective therapy that uses virtual reality (VR) to teach social, behavioral, and life skills to neurodivergent individuals. This technology is not only effective, it is also engaging and exciting. Floreo is available to anyone to use and in today's episode you'll learn more about the technology and what it offers learners.

[2:07] - Vijay's inspiration for Floreo came from his experience as the father of a child on the autism spectrum.

[3:24] - Virtual reality is special because it is fully immersive and accessible.

[4:45] - The environments created are very engaging.

[6:17] - Virtual reality is a technology that allows someone wearing a headset with screens built in to feel a sense of presence in a different place.

[7:33] - Floreo's VR content is designed to help develop skills.

[9:04] - They recreate scenes with animations and supervision to have social interactions as an intervention.

[11:21] - This platform incorporates lessons on a vast number of skills including those for adults.

[13:01] - Floreo offers the program through video conferencing and telehealth therapy.

[15:22] - Floreo provided so much support for children in need of services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[18:24] - Situations can be recreated for individuals with anxiety to practice before experiencing them in person.

[20:15] - Floreo is focusing on partnering with health care providers and special education administrators.

[24:45] - Visit Floreo's website to see what it is all about.

Inspired by his experience as an autism father and his child's first experience with VR, Vijay Ravindran founded Floreo. Vijay started his career as an engineer and leader at Amazon in its early retail days before dedicating himself to impact-oriented leadership opportunities that have taken him from building key voter technology used by the Obama campaign in 2008 to Chief Digital Officer at The Washington Post Company. Vijay lives in Washington DC with his wife, two Star Wars obsessed kids, and hundreds of Transformers robots which he doesn't let his kids play with. Outside of work, when he's not rooting on his beloved Oklahoma Sooners, you can find him on the tennis courts.

• Floreo for Providers

• Floreo for Education

• Floreo for Families

• Episode 80: Turning Kids' Passions and Enthusiasms Into Superpowers with Barry Prizant

• Episode 63: Supporting Youth with Autism and ADHD with Holly Blanc Moses

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 this short summer episode, we're talking about social media. There was a recent health advisory issued by the US Surgeon General on social media use in adolescence and ways to mitigate risks. The findings on excessive social media use are not entirely surprising, but it is important to keep in mind the added risks for neurodivergent kids. Today, we'll talk about what those risks are and six ways to help manage social media use by kids and teens.

[2:10] - Increased stress, anxiety, and depression have been associated with excessive social media use.

[2:56] - Neurodivergent kids may be more vulnerable to these risks.

[4:04] - Excessive screen time can lead to poor sleep and even greater difficulty with attention.

[5:44] - Establish clear rules and boundaries.

[6:06] - Establish open communication channels to discuss online experiences and concerns.

[6:34] - Create technology-free spaces. Talk about online safety.

[7:12] - Encourage balance.

[7:51] - Monitor social media use.

[9:06] - There are some benefits of social media, and it can be a powerful tool.

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• The Surgeon General's Advisory can be downloaded in full HERE

• Episode 98: Managing Technology Use at Home with Dr. Joe Dilley

• Episode 140: 10 Ways Parents Can Support Their Child's Mental Health Over the Summer

• Clarifying Gray Areas in Family Tech Use

• Family Tech Use Part 2: Resolving Common Dilemmas

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.

Auditory processing and language processing are two subjects that overlap, but not everyone understands how they are related and how they impact children who struggle with both of them. Joining me today to help me discuss this is Lois Kam Heymann, a speech and language pathologist with over four decades of experience with auditory processing disorder and auditory language processing challenges.

Parents often come to Lois saying that their children aren't listening, and if you are someone who feels that their child or children don't listen, then this episode is definitely going to be worthwhile for you as Lois explains what could be going on. She also explains the difference between auditory processing disorders and ADHD, which are often confused even by medical professionals.

The only way for parents and professionals to intervene appropriately is for a thorough assessment to be done. We need to know exactly where the problem lies so that we can intervene appropriately, especially since these problems can lead to frustration and low self-esteem in the child. I love the work that Lois is doing, so I hope that you will tune in as she discusses all of these topics and more! It's never too late to address auditory processing disorders.

[2:39] - Auditory skills don't usually start in the ear but in the brain.

[5:11] - Some kids with language difficulty are misdiagnosed with something like ADHD.

[6:39] - The difference between an auditory processing disorder and ADHD.

[9:28] - Lois lists off and explains the different parts of auditory processing.

[11:39] - How auditory processing difficulty can affect behavior.

[14:14] - What can parents do to help their children succeed in school?

[17:19] - The only way to build pathways is with auditory input.

[19:42] - It is not generally a teacher's job to teach auditory skills.

[20:39] - Adults can have auditory processing disorders, and it's never too late.

[21:27] - What can parents do during summer months?

[24:56] - Modeling language and behavior is the best way a parent can teach.

[25:40] - Lois shares information with us about her company ListenLoveLearn.

[28:54] - Hear about Lois' main objective.

• Get on our Email List

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• Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider

• Check out some amazing schools for incredible students

• Ep. 49: Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder with Dr. Bea Braun

• ListenLoveLearn Website

• Email Lois: [email protected]

• Lois Kam Heymann - The Sound of Hope: Recognizing, Coping with, and Testing Your Child's Auditory Processing Disorder

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 for a summer mental health check in. This time of year, children are home from school for their summer break and it is a great opportunity to connect, explore, and celebrate progress. With the United States in a national state of emergency in child and adolescent mental health, it's important now more than ever to support your child's mental health. So in this episode, you'll learn 10 tips on how to do just that. Remember that every child is different and what works for one, may not work for another. Consider these strategies and modify them to fit the needs of you and your family.

[1:08] - In 2021, the United States was in a national state of emergency in child and adolescent mental health. But this isn't just a problem in the US.

[3:15] - Tip #1: Maintain a routine.

[3:44] - Tip #2: Encourage physical activity.

[4:06] - Tip #3: Explore interests and hobbies.

[4:22] - Tip #4: Foster social connections.

[5:21] - Tip #5: Continue learning.

[5:57] - Tip #6: Open communication.

[6:19] - Tip #7: Celebrate progress.

[6:42] - Tip #8: Promote independence.

[7:03] - Tip #9: Practice self-care.

[7:27] - Tip #10: Seek professional help if you need it.

• 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.