Ep. 173: Why Treating Symptoms Isn’t Enough for Child Wellbeing with Hokehe Eko, MD MPH FAAP
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Release Date: 02/20/2024
Ep. 190: Should Your Teen Take a Gap Year? with Julia Rogers
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
In this episode, we’re exploring something that is often misunderstood and rarely talked about: gap years. Many parents and students don’t really know exactly what a gap year is or how taking one could be the right choice for them. So today, we are exploring the benefits and considerations of gap years for teens and young adults with learning differences. I’m thrilled to introduce our guest, Julia Rogers, a professional gap year counselor and founder of EnRoute Counseling. Julia is an expert on this topic, and she’s here to shed light on how gap years can be particularly beneficial for...
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Ep. 189: The Private School Option for Kids with Learning Differences with Collette Bowers Zinn
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Welcome to today's episode, where we are navigating the complex landscape of public and private school options for children with learning differences. While many families have had great experiences in both settings, others face challenges that necessitate exploring alternative educational environments. Today, we're diving into the independent school option for those with learning differences, with the expertise of our guest, Collette Bowers Zinn. Collette Bowers Zinn brings over 20 years of dedication to connecting children with the educational environment that is best for them. As a...
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Ep. 188: Enhancing Reading Skills Through Speech-Language Therapy with Stacy Payne MS, CCC-SLP
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Today, I’m excited to discuss the profound impact of early language and speech experiences on cognitive and academic skills, specifically reading skills. Joining us is a seasoned expert in the field, Stacy Payne, a speech-language pathologist and the founder of Bright Beginnings Pediatric Services. Stacy shares her insights on the importance of creating a language-rich environment for children from an early age. She explains how these early interactions, much more than simple bedtime stories, are integral to cognitive development. Through everyday activities and conversations, parents and...
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Ep. 187: What is Social Learning? with Fran Kenton
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to have Fran Kenton with us to discuss social emotional learning (SEL). Fran holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology, along with credentials in General and Special Education, and is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She is the founder of Autonome, a dynamic and interactive SEL program designed for teens and young adults. In our conversation today, we’ll explore how Fran's unique approach can cultivate crucial skills in kids and teens. She shares insights on what motivated her to focus on SEL, the importance of understanding what motivates...
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Ep. 186: Final Sprint: Tips for a Strong School Year Finish - Hunja Koimburi
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Welcome back to another episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning! Tune in this episode as Dr. Karen Wilson welcomes educational therapist Hunja Koimburi to the podcast to discuss end-of-year strategies for students with learning differences. As the school year winds down, students and parents alike face many challenges, including but not limited to completing final projects and managing increased stress levels. Hunja shares his expertise on how parents can support their children during this critical time, highlighting how important it is to understand the unique needs of students with...
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Ep. 185: Late Diagnosis: Why Did I Get Missed? with Dr. Monica Blied
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Hey there, welcome back to Diverse Thinking Different Learning! Today, we're diving into a topic that's often overlooked but incredibly important: late diagnoses of ADHD and autism, particularly in women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals. It's a conversation that's long overdue, and we're so grateful to have Dr. Monica Blied joining us to shed some light on this crucial issue. As a clinical psychologist and founder of Faces of Health, Dr. Blied brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. In her private practice, she specializes in providing psychological assessments for...
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Ep. 184: Could Pathological Demand Avoidance Clarify My Child’s Challenges? with Dr. Casey Ehrlich
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Some parents may describe their child as very strong-willed. That child may show an extreme avoidance of everyday demands, expectations, and requests. But what if the behaviors are not an indication of strong will, but rather occur because a child feels overwhelmed by demands and perceives them as threats to their autonomy and self-control? Are there specific strategies that would be helpful when raising a demand-avoidant child or teen? Today, we’re going to be talking about Pathological Demand Avoidance with Dr. Casey Ehrlich. She is the CEO and founder of At Peace Parents where she...
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Ep. 183: Unlocking Potential: A Dyslexia Journey with Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Welcome to today's episode, where we turn the spotlight to dyslexia awareness and advocacy, featuring the remarkable journey of Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey. Rosalin's story is nothing short of inspiring as she navigates her own experience with dyslexia to become an advocate for change for dyslexic individuals across Africa and beyond. From struggling in academics to finding her passion in culinary school, Rosalin's personal journey highlights the importance of understanding and embracing neurodiversity. Through her organization, the Africa Dyslexia Organization (ADO), Rosalin is making...
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Ep. 182: How to Support Emotionally Intense Children with Samantha Moe
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Today, we're digging into the complex and often challenging world of parenting emotionally intense children. I'm thrilled to introduce our special guest, Samantha Moe, a certified parent coach and speaker who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Samantha's work is nothing short of amazing, providing invaluable support and guidance to parents navigating the complexities of raising emotionally intense children. In this episode, Samantha sheds light on the intricacies of parenting emotionally intense children and shares practical strategies to help parents navigate this often...
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Ep. 181: Youth Anxiety: How Parents Can Help with Dr. Elizabeth Karp
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Welcome back to the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast. Today, we're diving into a crucial topic that affects families worldwide: childhood anxiety. Joining us is Dr. Elizabeth Karp, a licensed clinical child psychologist and adjunct lecturer at Stanford University School of Medicine. With her expertise in evidence-based interventions for ADHD, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorder, Dr. Karp provides invaluable insights into supporting children and families facing these challenges. In this episode, we're building on our previous discussions about childhood anxiety, delving deeper into...
info_outlineDid you know that most children with ADHD are given medication, offered some counseling, and nothing else? Today's episode is a game-changer, especially for parents navigating the challenges of ADHD because today’s guest wants to change this. Dr. Hokehe Eko joins us to discuss her unique approach, one that focuses on empowering children with ADHD without solely relying on medication.
Dr. Eko believes it's time to shift our focus from merely treating symptoms to understanding the whole child. In our conversation, Dr. Eko shares her insights into how trauma and lifestyle factors impact a child's behavior and cognitive development.
Instead of rushing to medication, Dr. Eko advocates for lifestyle and environmental changes that support a child's overall well-being. From nutrition to hydration, she discusses practical steps parents can take to empower their children and create a supportive environment for their growth. You may be surprised by the impact of small lifestyle changes and how they can positively influence a child's behavior and family dynamics. While there’s no “quick fix,” these small incremental changes not only benefit ADHD symptoms but the well-being of the whole family.
Show Notes:
[2:21] - Dr. Eko is a pediatrician and a big advocate for empowering our brains. She has a different approach to looking at the whole child.
[3:55] - During some training, Dr. Eko had the realization of how things could change. She shares the story of what inspired her approach.
[5:55] - Trauma makes changes in the way our brains work and our behavior.
[8:30] - You can never just assess symptoms.
[10:50] - Before jumping to medication, Dr. Eko looks at simple lifestyle and environmental changes.
[13:03] - If we feed the brain what it needs and what it craves, we are healthier overall.
[14:34] - Behaviors are difficult and there isn’t necessarily a “quick fix.” However, lifestyle changes could benefit the overall health of the child more than medication.
[17:18] - Dr. Eko discusses the impact of nutrition on behavior.
[20:29] - If your child is healthier, the whole family is better overall.
[22:10] - Change one thing at a time. All the small changes build up.
[23:26] - Dr. Eko shares some suggestions on how to increase the amount of water you and your family drink that also gets the child on board.
[26:24] - It is a process. Take it one day at a time and do things as a family.
[28:36] - Dr. Eko emphasizes the importance of executive functioning skills and what parents can do to support their children.
[31:00] - Have a conversation with your child and explain what is going on. They need to understand as they form their identity.
[32:36] - Dr. Eko offers a support group and community and the information can be found on her website. She also shares the details of her recent book.
About Our Guest:
Dr. Hokehe Eko is a Mom, Board Certified Pediatrician, TedX Speaker, and CEO of Glow Pediatrics PLLC. She partners with parents of children with ADHD/Autism to address the root causes of their children's behaviors so they GLOW with health from the inside out. She is also CEO of Kits of Hope, a 501 (3) organization, sharing love, hope, and dignity with children in foster care.
Connect with Dr. Hokehe Eko:
Links and Related Resources:
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Episode 149: Supporting Children and Teens’ Mental Health Via Nutrition
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Episode 169: The Science of Exercise and the Brain with Dr. John Ratey
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Episode 148: How Sleep Affects Academic Performance and Mood
Connect with Us:
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.