Dr. Lynn Koegel on her latest book, "Hidden Brilliance: Unlocking the Intelligence of Autism"

This is the first of a two part series where I will introduce you to the most common types of specific learning disabilities or SLDs.

Part one is about Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia.

• Dysgraphia is a learning disability that impacts writing abilities.  And we’re not talking about just having poor handwriting, this goes well beyond that.  Dysgraphia can also impair spelling, and getting thoughts onto paper.  
• Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects the part of your brain that processes number information and therefore impacts your ability to do math

Listen to find out the signs for each and what types of supports and accomodations can help.

Resources for this episode:
General facts about learning disabilities

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/factsheets/learningdisabilities

https://www.ldonline.org/getting-started/ld-basics/what-learning-disability 

Link to Neuroversity Dyslexia Episode

https://www.neuroversitypod.com/episodes/episode/4ced2263/a-beginners-lesson-on-dyslexia-with-lorraine-hightower-certified-dyslexia-advocate-and-consultant

Dysgraphia facts:

https://www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/writing-spelling/what-dysgraphia

https://childmind.org/article/understanding-dysgraphia/

https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/articles/dysgraphia-101-introduction-and-strategies-5327#:~:text=The%20five%20different%20types%20are,phonological%20dysgraphia%2C%20and%20lexical%20dysgraphia.

 Dyscalculia Facts:

https://childmind.org/article/how-to-spot-dyscalculia/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23949-dyscalculia

https://www.additudemag.com/what-is-dyscalculia-overview-and-symptom-breakdown/

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"We don't need a handful of people doing inclusive education perfectly, we need millions of people doing it imperfectly." - Tim Villegas

According to the Oxford Dictionary, inclusion is the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or intellectual disabilities and members of other minority groups. And specifically when it comes to education, inclusion is the act or practice of including students with disabilities with the general student population.

And yet, what does true inclusive education look like in a public school setting?
In this episode, Tim Villegas, the Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education and founder of their podcast and blog, Think Inclusive, joins me to provide a beginning lesson on inclusion.

You will learn

• The history of the IDEA
• How belief in inclusive education does not equate implementing inclusive education practices
• The difference between placement and belonging when talking about inclusive practices
• The importance of storytelling in moving the cultural acceptance of inclusion

Resources cited:
A summary of the evidence on inclusive education
The relationship between special education placement and high school outcomes

About Tim Villegas:
Tim Villegas is the Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education and founder of their podcast and blog, Think Inclusive. He spent 16 years in public education, where he advocated for the full and authentic inclusion of learners with disabilities in general education, even those with more extensive support needs. 
MCIE: 
Website: https://www.mcie.org/

Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/think_inclusive

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/

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In this episode of Neuroversity, host Jessica Kidwell chats with Jessica McCabe, the brains behind the "How to ADHD" YouTube channel and author of "How to ADHD: An Insider's Guide to Working With Your Brain, Not Against It." 
Jessica started her channel as a way to understand her own diagnosis and it quickly became apparent that the information she was learning was helpful to a whole lot of other people too -over 1.6 million other people!
In this episode we:

• Understand the unique challenges of ADHD in women and how to navigate them effectively.
• Gain practical tips for managing ADHD symptoms and improving overall well-being.
• Discover effective strategies for overcoming the challenges of time management with ADHD.
• Learn about the importance of self-diagnosis and how it can lead to better understanding and support.
• Explore the impact of dopamine and estrogen on ADHD symptoms and how to leverage this knowledge for better management.

 About today's guest:
Jessica McCabe is the brain behind How to ADHD, a popular YouTube series that regularly releases easily accessible, research-based content providing a toolbox of strategies and deeply felt understanding and acceptance to ADHD brains, as well resources and education for the people who love them. The channel focuses on teaching people how to be themselves and work with their brains, rather than against them, and has garnered the support of over 1.6 million subscribers.  Her new book, How to ADHD: An Insider's Guide to Working With Your Brain (Not Against It), came out in January 2024

Buy the book here!

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From glitter bottles to yoga cards: here are some tips to stimulate all EIGHT senses. Yes, I said eight.

Join me as I explore the world of sensory processing and share tips on creating a sensory-friendly classroom for preschool-aged children. Understanding the eight senses is crucial for enhancing the educational experience and well being for all children.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand the benefits of sensory-friendly classrooms for preschoolers.
• Review the importance of the eight senses in early childhood development.
• Find engaging sensory activities for preschool-aged children.

Connect with me here:

• https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/neuroversitypod
• www.neuroversitypod.com
• https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/neuroversitypod
• https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/neuroversity/

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Check out episodes 32, 33, and 34 in season one of Neuroversity from September 2022 to learn about sensory processing disorder and basic terminology related to sensory needs. https://www.neuroversitypod.com/episodes/episode/797698a5/sensory-processing-disorder-spd
• Statistics for US preschool enrollment: https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/08/preschool-enrollment.html#:~:text=The%20percentage%20of%203%2Dto,new%20U.S.%20Census%20Bureau%20report.
• Statistics for Norway preschool enrollment: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1312718/share-children-preschool-norway/#:~:text=In%20Norway%2C%20a%20high%20majority,reaching%2093.4%20percent%20in%202022.
• For a tutorial on making a glitter bottle: https://kidzcraftcorner.com/sensory-bottles/
• Discover 100 ideas for what to put in your sensory bin on https://happytoddlerplaytime.com/21-amazing-sensory-bins-for-toddlers-preschoolers/
• Listening Lotto Sounds on the Farm: https://www.amazon.com/Listening-Childrens-Auditory-Matching-Learning/dp/1933052392/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?crid=14B6M44T4DJ3I&keywords=listening+lotto&qid=1704320770&sprefix=listening+lotto%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-9
• Yoga Pretzels https://www.barefootbooks.com/yoga-pretzels-deck

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The digital world allows our children the opportunity to connect with people all over the place and all of a sudden they have a community. But how do we help our children find the line of privacy and how do we help ourselves find the line of privacy for our children? - Dr. Devorah Heitner

Do you want your neurodivergent child to feel empowered and stay safe while navigating the digital world? Join me as I welcome my guest, Devorah Heitner, who will be sharing valuable insights and strategies to empower neurodivergent children and ensure they have safer online experiences. 

In this episode you can:

• Discover effective strategies for parenting in the digital age, ensuring our children's safety and well-being online.
• Understand the difference between monitoring and surveilling our children and which one builds more trust.
• Learn the importance of media literacy and how to help our children, and ourselves, to critically analyze digital content.
• Uncover practical tips for navigating the digital world with neurodivergent children.
• Understand the unique challenges and benefits of growing up in the digital era, equipping yourself with tools to support our children effectively.

Dr. Devorah Heitner is a leading authority in helping neurodivergent children navigate the digital landscape. With her books, Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World and Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive and Survive in the Digital World, she has become a trusted resource for parents seeking practical advice. Her work has been featured in major publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN Opinion, solidifying her credibility and expertise. With a deep understanding of neurodiversity and the challenges it presents in the digital realm, Dr. Heitner offers valuable insights and strategies for creating safer and more empowering online experiences for neurodivergent children. Parents can trust her guidance to help their children thrive in today's digital world.

Find more about Dr. Heitner here:

https://devorahheitner.com

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/06/10/my-mother-struggled-with-learning-disabilities-smartphone-would-have-helped-her-find-her-way/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/parenting/2023/09/15/teens-overshare-social-media/

Listen to her episode on We Should Talk About That:

https://www.westatpod.com/episodes/episode/7e49c6bc/we-should-talk-about-our-childrens-privacy-the-internet-and-growing-up-in-public-with-author-devorah-heitner-phd

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November 17th is a pretty important day in my household because it is my daughter Grace's birthday.  And 17 years ago today it was Grace who started me on this journey of motherhood, and this journey of understanding neurodiversity more.

This episode originally aired in April 2022-Autism Acceptance Month, but in honor of Grace, I wanted to re-visit this conversation.  
Because she is amazing.  
Because I wish more people could get the chance to see her for the insightful, funny, beautiful, smart, and talented young lady she continues to become.  

I’m overdue to get Grace BACK on the show for an update.  A lot changes  in 18 months, especially when you are a teenager.  I’ll have to see if I can call in a few favors and maybe we’ll hear from her again in 2024.  
But for now, I can't believe she's 17 today, on the 17th.
Her Golden Birthday.  
Happy birthday Grace.
I love you to the moon and back.

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I don’t often see as much representation of Down Syndrome within the neurodivergent community, and since October is Down Syndrome Awareness month, I think that means now is the perfect time to expand our understanding.   

So fellow curious minds, let’s get started.  

In this episode we will learn:

• The three types of Down Syndrome
• The incidence of Down Syndrome
• Common expressions of Down Syndrome
• The medical conditions that have an increased risk of occurring in people with Down Syndrome

The episode concludes with a tribute to Daniel "Dan the Man" Wheat.  An extraordinary man who left us way too soon.  Thank you for being a friend Dan.❤️

Sources for more information and/or support:
The National Down Syndrome Society

Greta Harrison and the Born Fabulous Podcast

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On this episode, it's a return to the Word of the Week (WOW) Series.
In honor of ADHD Awareness Month, I'm focusing on Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD),  which frequently co-occurs with ADHD. 

• What is it?
• Why is it so frequently associated with ADHD?
• How does it impact individuals?
• How can you help?

Additional resources to find out more:
Dr. Megan Anna Neff Neurodivergent Insights 

Dr. William Dodson, Psychiatrist and Adult ADHD Specialist

Cleveland Clinic information on RSD

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SEASON THREE PREMIERE!!
What if the key to unlocking the brilliance of an autistic child lies in focusing on their strengths rather than their challenges? This episode, Jessica is joined by Dr. Lynn Koegel, a leading figure in autism education, who has passionately championed a shift from the deficit model to a strengths-based approach in teaching autistic children. Her latest book, "Hidden Brilliance: Unlocking the Intelligence of Autism," co-authored with Claire LaZebnik, is a testament to this belief, bringing to light the potential within these unique children that often goes unrecognized.

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Summer school sessions are coming to an end, so why not re-visit a season one episode on “Back to School”?

As the dog days of summer wind down, it’s time for many of us to turn our attention on to three dreaded words, “back to school”, or maybe they’re you’re favorite three words!  Who am I to judge? 

One thing that is certain, it’s a transition, and transitions do not always go smoothly.  Especially in my neurodivergent household.  But regardless of the neurodivergence that is in your household, here are some helpful tips that could make back to school a little less rocky.  

And be sure to let me know what works for you and/or your neurodivergent household.  There are all sorts of minds and all sorts of ways to communicate.  I'm sharing ours.  Would love to hear what works for you!

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