Ep. 249: Using Technology to Support Neurodivergent Students with Joan Green

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 Innovative Speech Therapy 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 support neurodivergent students in learning, communicating, and thriving, with Joan explaining that her passion for this work began in the 1980s when she saw how early computer software could dramatically improve outcomes for her adult patients with neurological conditions. She then expanded her focus to helping families and students, motivated in part by her own experiences as a parent.

We highlight how many accessibility features and free tools built into common devices and platforms can provide incredibly crucial support for students who struggle with reading, writing, organization, or focus, with Joan stressing the importance of tailoring solutions, whether it's adjusting text-to-speech settings or finding the proper app or extension. She cautions against oversimplifying the process, as each student's needs are unique.

Our discussion also touches upon the complex role of AI and advanced technology in education. Joan sees tremendous potential for AI to personalize learning and free up teachers to focus on higher-level instruction.  She also voices some concerns about overreliance on it. Her approach is to position AI as a "thought partner" that can enhance and augment human learning rather than replace it.

Throughout the conversation, Joan also shares some practical tips and resources, including her free 15-minute consultations and her ongoing Tech Life Inner Circle program, which provides weekly training and collaborative problem-solving sessions. Our conversation in this episode truly highlights the power of technology to bridge gaps and amplify the voices of neurodivergent students - but only when used with intention and mindfulness!

Show Notes:

[2:31] - Hear how Joan began using early computer software with stroke patients and saw technology speed up recovery.
[5:11] - Joan stresses the importance of beginning with free, built-in assistive tools such speech-to-text, read-aloud, and captions.
[7:45] - Hear how Joan helps people choose the right reading and speech tools and offers free tech consultations.
[11:17] - Joan believes that AI can aid in learning when used thoughtfully, but worries about shortcuts and privacy concerns.
[13:32] - While Joan values AI as a creative learning tool, she also stresses the importance of actual understanding and critical thinking.
[15:02] - AI can be a great way to personalize learning.
[17:04] - Hear how Joan uses AI to personalize lessons around students’ interests while still thinking critically herself.
[18:55] - Joan explains how she offers collaborative one-on-one tech sessions, which identify struggles.
[20:47] - Joan runs the very affordable Tech Life Inner Circle, providing weekly tutorials, recordings, and live tech brainstorming.
[23:53] - Tech Possibility Academy teaches essential, easy-to-implement tools for parents, educators, and lifelong learners.
[26:42] - Joan stresses technology's necessity for independence while also acknowledging its downsides.
[29:39] - Where can Joan be reached?

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 142: How to Help Neurodivergent Kids Manage Social Media

• Episode 177: How Understanding the Adolescent Brain Helps Us Better Support Teens

• Episode 241: How to Be a ‘Screen-Smart Parent with Jodi Gold, MD

Connect with Joan Green, M.A., CCC-SLP:

• Innovative Speech Therapy Main Website

• Tech Life Inner Circle

• IST Tech Savvy Solutions Facebook Group