Ep. 199: Fully Inclusive Education with Sharon Lowery
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Release Date: 08/20/2024
Ep. 216: Teen Anxiety: Signs, Causes, and Effective Treatment Options with Dr. Ashley Smith
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
This week, we had an engaging and enlightening discussion with about teen anxiety. Dr. Ashley Smith is an award-winning licensed psychologist and expert in anxiety, and we explore the critical differences between stress and anxiety, the various factors that are causing the surge in teen anxiety, and actionable strategies for parents and educators to support teens who are struggling. Dr. Ashley highlights the importance of distinguishing typical adolescent stress from pervasive anxiety that disrupts daily life, and she discusses the role of societal shifts like technology, social media, and...
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Ep. 215: How to Support Students Who Struggle with Reading Comprehension - with Dr. Emily Levy
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
This week we sit down with Dr. Emily Levy, founder and director of , to explore the complexities of reading comprehension, a skill crucial for learners of all ages. While phonics and decoding often dominate discussions around reading challenges, Dr. Levy highlights the often-overlooked significance of comprehension, explaining that it’s the very essence of why we read. Tune in to learn about common signs parents notice when their children struggle with comprehension and how these challenges often emerge as students transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn." Dr. Levy shares...
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Ep. 214: Private Neuropsychological Evaluation vs. School Evaluation
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Listen in to dive into a topic this week that often confuses parents, educators, and professionals alike: the differences between neuropsychological assessments, psychoeducational evaluations, and school-based assessments. Listen as Karen breaks down the purpose, scope, and key distinctions of these evaluations. We begin by exploring the reasons why families might seek assessments, from academic struggles to behavioral or emotional challenges, and even to identify giftedness. Learn how school-based evaluations focus on academic impact and eligibility for accommodations, while...
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Ep. 213: Top Interventions for Improving Executive Functioning Skills
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Listen in as we discuss executive functioning and unpack its critical role in managing daily life and long-term success. There are the three core executive functions - inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility – and they form the foundation for skills like organization, planning, and emotional regulation. Hear compelling research that highlights the lifelong impact of executive functioning, including studies linking early skill development to improved academic, social, and career outcomes. We also discuss interventions that can significantly enhance these skills, with...
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Ep. 212: How Dyslexia Impacts Mental Health
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Today, we’re exploring a crucial yet often overlooked topic: the impact of dyslexia on mental health. Dyslexia affects nearly 20% of people in the United States, yet its influence goes far beyond reading challenges. Many don’t realize the deep connection between dyslexia and mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and self-esteem struggles. Misunderstandings and stigma can lead to feelings of isolation, particularly in children who face early reading difficulties. This episode explores how misconceptions contribute to mental health challenges and why addressing these issues is so...
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Ep. 211: The Positive Impact of Music Therapy with Samantha Foote
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Today, we’re exploring the transformative power of music therapy with our guest, Samantha Foote, a board-certified Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow and Positive Discipline Parent Educator. Samantha brings her expertise to support neurodivergent individuals and their families by blending creativity with therapeutic intervention. With her approach, she uses music not just as a tool for expression but as a dynamic medium to accomplish non-musical goals such as enhancing social skills, emotional regulation, and fostering positive behavior. Samantha explains how music therapy intersects with...
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Ep. 210: Challenging Behaviors or Communication? How Parents Can Respond with Dr. Andrew Kahn
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Welcome back! In this episode, we’re diving into the world of managing challenging behaviors—a topic every parent can relate to. We often think of behavior as just an action, but today’s guest, Dr. Andrew Kahn, highlights that behavior is a form of communication. By reframing how we understand what our children are trying to express through their actions, we can open up new possibilities for positive outcomes for both parents and children. This shift in perspective can be a powerful tool for responding to even the most challenging behaviors in ways that support growth and connection. Dr....
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Ep. 209: How the Science of Reading Can Close Literacy Gaps with Dr. Benjamin Powers
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
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Ep. 208: Overcoming Dyslexia and Addressing The Reading Crisis with Sally Shaywitz, MD
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
It’s not only ADHD Awareness Month, it is also Dyslexia Awareness Month! So today, let’s revisit a conversation with Dr. Sally Shaywitz about overcoming dyslexia and addressing the reading crisis, which is still relevant and a huge concern. We are in the midst of a reading crisis in the United States. This problem has existed for a long time, but it was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been said that the pandemic has caused the loss of 2 decades worth of progress made in reading. We have the knowledge, research, and science to address this issue, but we are lacking action....
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Ep. 207: Straight Talk About ADHD in Girls with Dr. Stephen Hinshaw
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
It is ADHD Awareness Month, and we are revisiting an excellent conversation with Dr. Stephen Hinshaw about ADHD in girls. We’ve discussed ADHD on the podcast before and it continues to be an important topic. Dr. Stephen Hinshaw has conducted years of research including a longitudinal study on girls with ADHD and his findings are not only fascinating but important to consider especially if you are the parent of a daughter with ADHD. Dr. Hinshaw wrote a book called Straight Talk About ADHD in Girls: How to Help Your Daughter Thrive. Parenting a daughter with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity...
info_outlineWelcome to today’s episode, where we’re exploring the timely topic of inclusive education. As the new school year begins, many parents and educators are thinking about how to create learning environments that truly support all children, regardless of their abilities. Whether you’ve already made decisions for your child’s education or are still weighing your options, this episode will provide valuable insights.
Our guest, Sharon Lowery, is a pioneer in inclusive special education. She has developed a program that welcomes students of all abilities, with a focus on those who learn and think differently. Sharon’s approach emphasizes the importance of meeting social-emotional needs and fostering an environment where every child can thrive.
In this conversation, Sharon shares what an inclusive academic setting looks like, how typically developing students and neurodiverse students can benefit from learning together, and why developing emotional intelligence is crucial in a child’s education. We’ll also address some common concerns parents have about balancing the needs of all students in an inclusive classroom.
Join us as we discuss how inclusive education can create a more supportive and enriching experience for every student.
Show Notes:
[2:30] - Sharon describes what a fully inclusive academic environment looks like. All children with all academic abilities are welcome.
[3:23] - The program Sharon has developed does put a focus on children who learn and think differently, but all students are included.
[4:46] - The program is a therapeutic program that meets the needs of all the children who participate.
[6:03] - Initially, Sharon was trained in ABA practices and saw benefits, but then began working with Dr. Stanley Greenspan and the DIR/Floortime Model.
[7:20] - By understanding the developmental milestones and social emotional development, we can be inclusive of students of all abilities and meet their needs.
[8:14] - Sharon shares the differences between a traditional setting and an inclusive environment.
[10:07] - Through this model, developing emotional intelligence is important.
[12:38] - Children learn from each other. Typically developing students can model for neurodivergent students.
[14:53] - We want to build an understanding of differences. As parents, we want our children to be kind and loving.
[16:23] - The gifted population also really benefits from an inclusive environment.
[19:01] - Sharon describes a scenario that proved the benefits of meeting social-emotional needs in an inclusive environment.
[22:48] - A concern some parents have is that the attention needed for neurodiverse students will take away from the needs of the typically developing students.
[26:31] - Being inclusive also means being intentional.
[29:06] - Sharon describes the start of a school year and what a day might look like in the Smart Start program.
[33:21] - Family tours really help ease the minds of parents of neurodiverse children.
[35:24] - The small environment gives students an opportunity for a rich and focused learning experience.
About Our Guest:
Sharon Lowery holds a BA in Psychology from UCLA and an MA in Psychology from CSULA. She has advanced post-graduate certification as an Expert Trainer in DIR/Floortime and is a member of the ICDL Faculty, having been trained by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, the creator of the DIR/Floortime Model. In 1992, she founded the SmartStart Developmental Learning Center, where she has served as Executive Director ever since. Sharon is a recognized expert in Special Education, specializing in a Developmental Model, Inclusive Special Education, and Relationship-Based and Sensory-Based Education, all through 5th grade. Additionally, she is a Senior Level ABA Therapist, having been trained by Dr. Ivar Lovaas, the founder of Behavior Modification/ABA for use with ASD.
Connect with Our Guest:
Links and Related Resources:
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Episode 192: Reimagining Education for All Students with Sylvia Barreto Benites
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Episode 189: The Private School Option for Kids with Learning Differences with Collette Bowers Zinn
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.