Ep. 160: The Sleep-Deprived Teen with Lisa Lewis
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Release Date: 11/21/2023
Ep. 252: How to Make the School System Work for Your Child with Stacey Shubitz
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
We are joined in this episode by , K-6 literacy consultant, a former elementary school teacher, and the co-founder of the blog and podcast. Her forthcoming book, empowers parents to navigate the special education system. In this episode, we talk openly about what it really takes to support a child with learning challenges in today’s school system. Drawing from decades of experience on both sides of the table, Stacey shares why she wrote Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities and what she wishes someone had told her when she was first trying to make sense of...
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Ep. 251: Sensory Processing & Regulation: How Play Rewires the Brain with Dr. Allie Ticktin, MA, OTD, OTR/L
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
We happily welcome Dr. Allie Ticktin to Diverse Thinking Different Learning! Dr. Ticktin is dedicated to helping children and their families thrive through sensory-based play, having founded Play 2 Progress and writing Play to Progress, introducing parents to all eight senses and offering practical ways to support them at home. Blending child development science with playful learning, Dr. Ticktin focuses on building kids’ confidence and supporting their growth across emotional, social, physical, and academic areas. At the core of her philosophy is the belief that empowering parents from the...
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Ep. 250: Reimagining Learning: The Evolving Power of 1:1 Learning in 2025 with Jaime Porras
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
We are happy to welcome Jaime Porras for this episode! Jaime Porras is the District Vice President for , overseeing nine campuses across Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. With more than two decades in education (including fourteen years at Fusion), he has held roles from teacher to Head of School and is passionate about fostering student-centered, relationship-driven learning environments. He holds an MA in Education with a focus on Social Justice from Antioch University Los Angeles and a BA in English from Ohio State University. A proud Buckeye and Culver City resident, Jaime enjoys sports,...
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Ep. 249: Using Technology to Support Neurodivergent Students with Joan Green
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
For this edition of the show, we warmly welcome Joan Green! Joan Green, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist, assistive technology specialist, and founder of in the Washington, DC area. For nearly 40 years, she has helped people of all ages (especially neurodiverse learners) use technology to enhance communication, learning, and independence. Passionate about accessibility and innovation, Joan also educates families and professionals on how everyday tech and AI can change our daily lives. Our conversation explores how technology, including AI-powered tools, can be used to help...
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Ep. 248: The Power of Early Intervention: How Neuroplasticity Shapes Young Brains with Dr. Viannae Nelkin
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Joining us for this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning is . Dr. Viannae Nelkin is a board-eligible pediatric neuropsychologist and founder of . She earned her master’s and doctorate in clinical psychology, training at top institutions including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Cedars-Sinai, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, and Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Her work focuses on early intervention, neurodiversity-affirming care, and empowering families to help their children thrive. Deeply committed to supporting children with neurological and genetic...
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Ep. 247: Helping Kids by Building Stronger Families: A Systems Approach to Support with Dr. Adi Soffer
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
We happily welcome to Diverse Thinking Different Learning this week! Adi Soffer, PsyD is a licensed psychologist who works with children, teens, and families, and she combines family structure therapy with evidence-based practices to help families strengthen communication, establish healthy boundaries, and deepen emotional connections. Passionate about guiding parents and children through challenges such as anxiety, behavioral issues, and major life changes, Dr. Soffer offers care via her private practice, Kesher Psychological Services. She sees clients in Los Angeles and provides virtual...
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Ep. 246: Accommodations, Modifications, or Remediation? How to Know What Your Child Really Needs with Amy Cushner
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
For this episode of the show, we are joined by ! Amy has dedicated more than 30 years to the Shelton School and a lifetime to advocating for neurodivergent individuals, infusing passion, humor, and wisdom into every stage she graces. From classrooms in Dallas to conferences in China, she has become a sought-after voice championing inclusive, strengths-based approaches across both education and business.. In this episode, Amy breaks down the important differences between accommodations, modifications, and remediation in the education system, explaining how these terms are often used...
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Ep. 245: What Is Executive Function Coaching? with Rana Lustyan
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Joining us for this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning is Rana Lustyan! is the founder of Growing Minds Coaching, where she helps students with learning differences develop confidence, independence, and academic achievement. She combines strength-based coaching, neuroscience-informed methods, and practical executive function tools to create personalized routines that last. Rana shares her personal journey with ADHD and how it inspired her to help students, especially girls and young women, build the essential life skills needed for lasting confidence and independence. She...
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Ep. 244: From Burnout to Balance: Supporting Parents Raising Neurodivergent Kids with Leslie Forde
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Joining us for this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning is Leslie Forde! Leslie is the CEO and Founder of Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs® and soon-to-be published Author of Repair with Self-Care: Your Guide to the Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs. Her business provides evidence-based tools to help moms reclaim their time and well-being from the never-done-list while also helping employers retain working parents and caregivers. Since March of 2020, over 3,700 parents have participated in her research study (the longest-running of its kind) on the pandemic’s ongoing impact on work,...
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Ep. 243: From Inclusion to Belonging: Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools with Amanda Morin
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
We are happy to welcome to the show this week! Amanda is a neurodivergent advocate for neurodiversity, an award-winning author of six books, an early childhood expert, and a nationally recognized speaker who is passionate about building accessible and inclusive spaces for neurodivergent people. Drawing on her background in learning and child development, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), special education, advocacy, and mental health, she translates complex information into clear, practical insights for parents, educators, and employers striving to design inclusive content, programs, and...
info_outlineToday’s topic is no stranger to the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast. We’re talking about sleep, but this time, we’re discussing the impact of sleep (and lack thereof) on teens.
Lisa Lewis explains it all beautifully in her book The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive. And in our conversation today, she shares some interesting facts about the adolescent brain, how sleep deprivation impedes brain development, and what we can do about it as parents and as a society.
Show Notes:
[2:19] - In the early years of our child’s life, we think about naps and sleep often. But it is something that becomes overlooked as they get older.
[3:24] - Adolescence is a time of major brain development.
[5:02] - Sleep, specifically, is incredibly important for this process.
[6:18] - The number of hours needed for a teen is more than for adults. Teens should be getting 8-10 hours at least of sleep. Young teens should be getting 11 hours.
[8:02] - Naturally, teens will start going to bed later. This is a normal rhythm change.
[9:25] - There are a number of factors behind why teens are not getting enough sleep.
[11:08] - The biggest policy change that could greatly benefit adolescents is a later school start time for middle and high school students.
[13:04] - Tech use late at night is a big factor as well as overscheduling.
[15:10] - Lisa explains some of the processes that are impacted by sleep deprivation, specifically academically.
[16:23] - Mood, irritability, and emotional regulation are greatly impacted by sleep. This is true for adults as well.
[17:50] - Sleep deprivation also has a link to suicidality, mental health issues, and impulsivity.
[19:20] - Many teens are involved in athletics and sleep deprivation increases risk for injury. Sleep deprivation is a concern for teens learning to drive as well.
[20:54] - What are some of the things we can do as parents and as a community?
[23:01] - There are many things to consider including homework time and extracurricular activities.
[25:11] - Technology is here to stay. But how is it impacting sleep?
[26:58] - There are some best practices for parents and teens regarding tech use at night.
[29:27] - Making changes in the home needs to be collaborative.
[31:26] - Part of technology rules and wind-down routines is being a good role model.
About Our Guest:
Lisa L. Lewis is the author of The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive (described as “a call to action” by Arianna Huffington and “an urgent and timely read” by Daniel H. Pink). Her book, which was reviewed by The New York Times, is an outgrowth of her previous work on the topic, including her role in helping get California’s landmark law on healthy school start times passed.
Lewis has written for The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, among others, and has appeared on the TODAY show, WBUR “On Point,” BBC World Radio, and local radio and TV in Los Angeles, San Francisco and elsewhere. She has a master’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, an MFA from Mills College, and a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. The parent of a teen and a recent teen, Lewis lives in California with her family.
Connect with Lisa:
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The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive by Lisa Lewis
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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.