April 22, 2026

The Label Debate w/ Heather Quintero

55 minutes

In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett are joined by Heather Quintero to discuss the pros and cons of getting your children diagnosed with learning differences or “labels.”

NPR article Susanna mentioned: Younger children in a grade are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.
Other studies referenced:
- A 2025 study on diagnostic labels found that students labeled with a learning disability were seen as “lower in academic competence,” which led to lower performance expectations.
- A 2025 qualitative analysis found that labels can lead to negative self-perception.
Rethinking School by Susan Wise Bauer

(00:00) - Intro with Heather Quintero

(00:43) - Talking about labels

(04:37) - Medical label vs school plan

(05:53) - Why this is important

(09:28) - Why are there hesitations to get labels

(15:34) - Natural differentiation and over diagnosis

(26:49) - Break

(27:49) - What a diagnosis can unlock

(40:48) - Think about the gut check

(49:10) - Rule out vision and hearing issues

(53:48) - Distress is not a moral failing

(54:34) - Outro

...more

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By Susan Wise Bauer & Susanna Jarrett

4.7

120120 ratings

April 22, 2026

The Label Debate w/ Heather Quintero

55 minutes

In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett are joined by Heather Quintero to discuss the pros and cons of getting your children diagnosed with learning differences or “labels.”

NPR article Susanna mentioned: Younger children in a grade are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.
Other studies referenced:
- A 2025 study on diagnostic labels found that students labeled with a learning disability were seen as “lower in academic competence,” which led to lower performance expectations.
- A 2025 qualitative analysis found that labels can lead to negative self-perception.
Rethinking School by Susan Wise Bauer