Ep. 210: Challenging Behaviors or Communication? How Parents Can Respond with Dr. Andrew Kahn
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Release Date: 11/05/2024
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
Welcome to today’s episode, where we’ll be diving into the Science of Reading with our guest, Dr. Benjamin Powers. If you’re a parent, educator, or simply curious about how students learn to read, this episode is packed with insights on evidence-based reading instruction and how it can transform classrooms. Dr. Benjamin Powers is an educator, researcher, and thought leader who believes that cerebrodiverse learners should be embraced for their strengths and potential. Throughout his career, he has championed evidence-based approaches that recognize individual strengths, promote...
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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 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. Kahn also emphasizes the role of self-regulation, a skill that is valuable for both parents and children. Dr. Kahn describes how parents can model self-regulation by managing their own emotions first, taking a moment to pause before addressing a challenging behavior.
Listen on for practical advice on adjusting expectations and being realistic about the consequences we set for our children. This episode is full of insights to empower you as a parent in handling challenging behaviors with empathy, patience, and in a way that allows your child the room to fall and learn.
Show Notes:
[1:56] - Understanding a child’s behavior can lead to more positive outcomes for parents and children. Behavior is communication.
[3:02] - As adults, it is hard for us to remember the frustration and other emotions associated with not being understood as children.
[4:44] - When people are upset, especially children, they revert to the behavior of a younger child, which creates frustration for parents.
[7:01] - Self-regulation can be a primary barrier to being able to think and problem solve.
[8:54] - Taking a moment to regulate your emotions as a parent is a form of modeling, as long as you return to the moment and explain.
[10:44] - There’s no instruction manual, and parenting a child with learning differences certainly does not have a rule book.
[13:26] - It is incredibly important to parents to understand their child’s differences.
[16:07] - As parents, we like to think we have a bag of tricks, but some of these tricks don’t work every time.
[18:00] - Social media is great in creating a sense of community. But the information there is not always vetted and can have a lot of misinformation.
[20:58] - Resources at Understood.org are completely free and accessible.
[23:51] - One strategy is to reflect on how realistic our expectations are regarding a child’s behavior.
[25:30] - Consequences for behaviors need to also be realistic based on the situation, the child, the behavior, and whether natural consequences take place.
[26:37] - If you can’t handle your child being in distress, as a parent, you will be in more distress.
[28:06] - If a parent does not give their child moments of failure, they will feel invincible as they grow up.
[30:16] - It is important for parents to care for themselves. This is also an important modeling opportunity for children.
About Our Guest:
Dr. Andrew Kahn is Understood’s Associate Director of Behavior Change and Expertise, and is a licensed psychologist. He focuses on ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, behavior, executive function, and emotional regulation. For nearly 20 years, Dr. Kahn worked within the public school system providing training, evaluations, direct consultation, and therapeutic support to students, their families, and staff.
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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.