We wanted to repost this epsidoe to highlight that October is Learning Disabilities / Dyslexia / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Awareness Month. 

In a world of unexpected twists, sometimes the greatest surprises lie within our own children. Child Life Specialist, Shani Thornton's journey with her son's learning differences took an unforeseen turn, unraveling a mystery that went beyond what anyone could have imagined. But what if this unexpected twist held the key to unlocking their hidden potential? Join us as we delve into the story of a mother's unwavering determination, and discover how engaging in activities outside of academics could be the missing piece to building confidence and self-esteem in children with learning differences. Get ready to embark on a journey of empowerment and endless possibilities...

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Immerse in Shani's passionate crusade to ensure her children with learning differences receive the care they need.

• Delve into the complex world of digital education amid a pandemic, and how this interplays with learning differences.

• Grasp the significance and need for early dyslexia diagnosis and intervention, shaping successful learning paths.

• Learn about the strategies to foster confidence in children with learning differences, touching upon areas beyond academics.

• Grasp the role of 'self-care' for those caring for children with learning differences, shedding light on avoiding burnout and delivering effective support.

My special guest is Shani Thornton

Meet Shani Thornton, a seasoned Child Life specialist with nearly 14 years of experience in the field. Living in Northern California, Shani balances being a loving mom of two alongside running her private practice, Child Life Mommy. Typically offering a range of services including hospice care support for children of adult patients, workshops, and grief counseling, Shani's approach is marked by compassion and understanding. Known for her deep understanding of child development, she has a personal connection to this episode's theme: raising confident children with learning differences. Shani has navigated her own children's learning journey and excels in creating an environment that facilitates emotional growth beyond academics.

The key moments in this episode are: 00:01:14 - Introduction, 00:02:28 - Shani's Background, 00:06:04 - Challenges with Remote Learning, 00:07:59 - Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 00:10:26 - Diagnosis and Support, 00:15:42 - Early Interventions and Frustrations, 00:18:00 - Misdiagnosis and Advocacy, 00:19:22 - Individual Educational Evaluation and Interventions, 00:24:27 - Finding Support and Balancing Schoolwork, 00:26:18 - Explaining Learning Differences to the Child, 00:31:39 - The Nature of Dyslexia, 00:32:15 - Normalizing Dysgraphia, 00:33:44 - Supporting Children with Dyslexia in Online Learning, 00:36:03 - Supporting a Child with Dyslexia's Confidence, 00:39:53 - Identifying and Addressing Learning Differences

 

Connect with Shani here.

 

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