Dyscalculia & Math: A Teacher's and Parent's Guide
Neurodiversity Podcast
On this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris and Dr. Daniel Ansari discuss the complexities of math education, including the anxiety it can cause in students, the challenges of teaching methods, and the importance of understanding learning difficulties like dyscalculia. They talk about the importance of explicit instruction in math, the role of neuroscience in understanding how children learn math, and the significance of working memory and attention in math learning. Educators and parents will also get suggestions for practical strategies that will help them support students struggling with math....
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What it Takes to Connect With Today's Students
Neurodiversity Podcast
Effective teaching involves more than just what happens formally in the classroom, and on this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes educator and author Adam Meyersieck to talk about it. They discuss the need for engaging teaching methods that connect with students emotionally and socially. They discuss collaboration between parents and educators to support neurodivergent learners, and the significance of strengths-based approaches in teaching. They cover sustainability of the teaching profession, the use of multiple communication modalities, and managing visual clutter to enhance learning...
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Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria with Dr. Bill Dodson (Part 2)
Neurodiversity Podcast
In the second of our powerful two-part conversation, Emily Kircher-Morris and Dr. William Dodson discuss the complexities of ADHD, emotional dysregulation and its subset, and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). He explains how RSD can manifest in ADHDers, the impact of childhood experiences, and the importance of understanding and treating these conditions. There is a need for updated diagnostic criteria and effective treatment strategies, including medication and supportive environments. They dig into the complexities of ADHD, including management strategies, and the importance of...
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Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria with Dr. Bill Dodson (Part 1)
Neurodiversity Podcast
In part one of a two-part conversation, Emily Kircher-Morris and Dr. William Dodson discuss the complexities of ADHD, emotional dysregulation and its subset, and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). He explains how RSD can manifest in ADHDers, the impact of childhood experiences, and the importance of understanding and treating these conditions. There is a need for updated diagnostic criteria and effective treatment strategies, including medication and supportive environments. They dig into the complexities of ADHD, including management strategies, and the importance of understanding the...
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New Podcast Alert: Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools
Neurodiversity Podcast
This week, we’re sharing the inaugural episode of the Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools podcast! Today, hosts Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin introduce themselves, and talk about their new book, Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported. This podcast is great as a learning tool on its own, and it's designed to align with the chapters of the book. It provides actionable insights, strategies, and inspiration for educators and parents. Emily and Amanda discuss their personal neurodivergent journeys, how they came to...
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Unraveling the Mysteries of Baffling Behaviors
Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris and Robyn Gobbel, author of Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors, chat about those baffling behaviors, and how they can leave parents and teachers scratching their heads. It’s also important to understand how adults' emotions can affect how they react to kids' behavior, and why it's so important to create an environment that helps kids feel safe and connected. The conversation also includes some practical tips for parents and teachers about understanding baffling behaviors. It’s all on episode 254! TAKEAWAYS Baffling behavior requires deeper understanding rather...
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Applying Neuroscience to Education
Neurodiversity Podcast
On our first episode of 2025, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Mind, Brain and Education expert Allison Posey, to discuss the importance of inclusive practices in education, focusing on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and its application in classrooms. Allison shares her personal journey that led her to advocate for inclusive education, she and Emily discuss the need for understanding individual learning differences, and they talk about the role of emotions in learning. They also explore how neuroscience informs educational practices and necessitates shifting mindsets within educational...
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Self-Regulation: A Guide for Educators and Parents
Neurodiversity Podcast
On episode 252, Dr. Richard Cash and Emily Kircher-Morris talk about the importance of self-regulation in education. They discuss the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive aspects, the critical role emotions play in learning, and the necessity of teaching metacognitive skills to students. It’s not only about school, they discuss parental support in developing self-regulation at home, and the unique needs of twice-exceptional learners. This is an updated version of an encore conversation. Takeaways Self-regulation consists of emotional, behavioral, and cognitive dimensions. Emotions...
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Moving From Traditional to Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy
Neurodiversity Podcast
On episode 251, Emily welcomes Dr. Amy Marschall, a clinical psychologist focused on trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming care. They talk about the transition from traditional therapy models to neurodiversity affirming approaches, and the importance of lived experience and self-diagnosis in mental health care. They talk about the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in accessing care, particularly in rural areas. The path to neurodiversity-affirming care involves the need for some clinicians to unlearn practices that we now understand could be harmful. Emily and Amy also talk...
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Real-World Relationships, Digital Connections, Keeping It Together
Neurodiversity Podcast
In Episode 250, Emily Kircher-Morris and Sam Young tackle the radical shifts in how neurodivergent kids connect and thrive in our post-pandemic world. The pandemic didn't just disrupt - it created unexpected opportunities for neurodivergent youth to forge meaningful connections in new ways. They dive deep into how digital spaces have become vital lifelines, while challenging the traditional playbook for "successful" socializing. One powerful revelation? A single genuine connection can transform a child's entire social world. Takeaways: The surprising advantages of post-pandemic social...
info_outlineOn this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris and Dr. Daniel Ansari discuss the complexities of math education, including the anxiety it can cause in students, the challenges of teaching methods, and the importance of understanding learning difficulties like dyscalculia. They talk about the importance of explicit instruction in math, the role of neuroscience in understanding how children learn math, and the significance of working memory and attention in math learning. Educators and parents will also get suggestions for practical strategies that will help them support students struggling with math.
TAKEAWAYS
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Math anxiety affects both children and adults.
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Explicit instruction is crucial for teaching math.
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Dyscalculia is often misunderstood and underrecognized.
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Teaching methods should align with children's developmental levels.
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Neuroscience reveals links between spatial and numerical processing.
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Math anxiety does not equate to a lack of ability.
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Timed practice should be engaging, not competitive.
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Working memory plays a significant role in math learning.
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Multisensory approaches can enhance math instruction.
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Parents should seek community and resources for support.
Assisting Students Struggling with Mathematics from the Institute of Education Sciences
The Think Inclusive Podcast episode Emily talked about - Saving ED: Why the U.S. Department of Education is Essential for Students with Disabilities
This episode is sponsored by The Council for Exceptional Children, getting ready for their Convention & Expo in Baltimore, March 12-15th. Go to cecconvention.org to register!
Dr. Daniel Ansari is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience & Learning at Western University. He leads the Numerical Cognition Laboratory, where his research focuses on how children develop numerical and mathematical skills, as well as the cognitive factors contributing to difficulties in learning mathematics.
Dr. Ansari and his team are dedicated to bridging the Science of Learning with K-12 education, working to translate research findings into classroom practice. He has authored over 150 peer-reviewed research articles and is a Fellow of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), recognized for his contributions to the field of developmental cognitive neuroscience.
BACKGROUND READING
The Numerical Cognition Laboratory
The Neurodiversity Podcast is available on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you can also join our private Facebook group.