Joining us for this episode of the podcast is Dr. Vindia Fernandez, who has been on the show before back in episode 3. Dr. Fernandez earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Houston and completed her APA-accredited internship and fellowship at UCLA, specializing in neurodevelopmental issues like autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. As founder of the Center for Pediatric Neuropsychology and director at UCLA’s Cultural Neuropsychology Program, her focus is on culturally appropriate evaluations for Latino/a children and teaching social skills to neurodiverse youth.

Dr. Fernandez discusses how bilingualism in children is often misunderstood and that it’s usually good for cognitive development. She also elaborates upon some red flags when it comes to identifying possible learning disabilities such as dyslexia and how her procedures differ depending on whether or not the bilingual child is in an English-only classroom or if the child is in a dual language immersion program. She reflects on some of her frustrations around how bilingual children are assessed and what she hopes to see change in the future.

While we have certainly seen great strides and progress in this area, there is still much work to do, such as honoring heritage languages, increasing integration, and identifying problems earlier. Dr. Fernandez is a wealth of knowledge on this topic, and her passion truly shines through.

[2:40] - Assessing bilingual children is a true passion for Dr. Fernandez.
[3:44] - She feels that bilingualism in children is often misunderstood.
[5:22] - Learning another language is incredibly dynamic and complex and is different for every child.
[7:06] - Vindia reflects on a recent change of more children engaged in dual language immersion programs.
[9:55] - What red flags should be paid attention to that don’t tend to be problems with monolingual children?
[13:11] - Vindia explains why her procedures differ depending on whether the bilingual child is in a dual language immersion program.
[15:46] - Vindia explains why assessments might need to be done in both of a child’s languages.
[18:07] - What role do language disorders play in bilingual children?
[21:28] - We ultimately want these children to be confident and to reach milestones.
[24:15] - “You teach to the skill that you want to see improvement in.”
[27:16] - Dr. Fernandez mentions that 50-75% of behavior therapy involves parents.
[30:55] - She gives some helpful advice to parents.

• Episode 3: Neuropsychological Evaluations Through a Cultural Lens with Dr. Vindia Fernandez

• Episode 214: Private Neuropsychological Evaluation vs. School Evaluation

• How to Initiate a Special Education Assessment

• Get on our Email List

• Book a Consultation

• Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider

• Register for Our Self-Paced Mini Courses: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety, or Dyslexia

• Dr. Vindia Fernandez’s Website

• Dr. Fernandez’s ChildNEXUS Page

• Email: center@pediatricneuropsych.com

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.

Join Karen this week as we sit down with Dr. Emily Levy, founder and director of EBL Coaching, 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 actionable strategies, such as the tri-colored highlighting method, which helps students become active readers by identifying topics, main ideas, and key details.

From auditory techniques for younger learners to practical interventions for high school students tackling complex subjects, Dr. Levy emphasizes the importance of tailored, research-based approaches, and she also addresses how attention challenges like ADHD can compound comprehension issues and offers ways to adapt strategies accordingly, so whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about enhancing reading skills, this episode provides valuable insights into fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning.

[1:52] - Many students struggle with reading comprehension, especially during the grade 3 to 4 transition.
[4:25] - Research-based strategies like tri-colored highlighting help students actively engage and comprehend material.
[6:30] - Emily discusses how younger students benefit from auditory-focused comprehension strategies, while older students apply strategies to coursework.
[8:50] - Teaching students to form mental images while reading significantly enhances their comprehension skills.
[10:21] - With the right methods, most students show reading progress within a month, aided by multimedia tools.
[12:29] - Dr. Levy argues that active reading strategies improve focus and comprehension but are customized for each child's needs.
[14:24] - Parents can enhance comprehension by reading together, asking questions, and encouraging discussions about content.
[16:43] - Engaging struggling readers with topics they enjoy builds confidence and fosters a love for reading.
[19:12] - Emily points out how encouraging regular reading and providing classroom accommodations supports comprehension and standardized test performance.
[22:42] - One-on-one multisensory tutoring supports special education students, available both locally and globally.

• EBL Coaching - Website

• Get on our Email List

• Book a Consultation

• Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider

• Register for Our Self-Paced Mini Courses: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety, or Dyslexia

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.

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 neuropsychological assessments offer a comprehensive view of a child's brain functioning, including cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and social skills. You can also expect to hear how evaluations provide a middle ground, often focusing on learning profiles and classroom support.

Whether you’re a parent trying to understand your child’s struggles, an educator seeking clarity, and/or a fellow professional navigating these assessments, this episode provides essential guidance to help determine the best path forward!

[0:53] - Parents often seek evaluations to understand their child's academic or behavioral challenges.
[3:08] - Assessments can explore emotional, social, cognitive, or processing factors impacting school performance and peer interactions.
[6:02] - School-based evaluations determine eligibility for school-based support but do not provide medical diagnoses like ADHD.
[8:38] - We learn how neuropsychological assessments offer a detailed analysis of cognitive, academic, behavioral, and emotional functioning.
[11:38] - Children benefit from neuropsychological assessments to address unexplained struggles or track cognitive changes over time.
[14:16] - Discover how neuropsychological assessments explore broader brain-behavior relationships.
[16:55] - Psychoeducational assessments emphasize academic skills and learning profiles.
[18:24] - In closing, parents can seek help from practitioners to determine the most suitable evaluation for their child.

• How to Initiate a Special Education Assessment

• Episode 113: Demystifying the Assessment Process

• Episode 205: Understanding ADHD Assessments

• Get on our Email List

• Book a Consultation

• Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider

• Register for Our Self-Paced Mini Courses: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety, or Dyslexia

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.

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 surprising findings that reveal that practicing mindfulness with movement, such as Tai Chi produces the strongest results.

Discover practical insights and evidence-based strategies for supporting neurodivergent individuals - and anyone looking to strengthen their executive functioning skills. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious, this episode offers invaluable tools for fostering growth and resilience.

[0:48] - Hear about a recent presentation on executive functioning interventions at a summit on neurodivergence in Los Angeles.
[2:06] - Executive functioning involves applying problem-solving skills for goals, with core functions such as inhibitory control.
[5:06] - Cognitive flexibility fosters perspective-shifting, enabling problem-solving, planning, and decision-making in daily life.
[7:45] - Strengthening executive functions early enhances academic performance, societal opportunities, and long-term success.
[10:18] - Research shows impulse control predicts better adulthood outcomes than IQ, gender, or social class.
[13:52] - Movement-based mindfulness practices like Tai Chi and Taekwondo most effectively improve executive functioning skills.
[16:54] - Non-computerized cognitive training excels due to in-person interaction, boosting executive functioning outcomes.
[20:06] - Sports improve executive functioning through attention, self-regulation, and social bonding while fostering joy.
[23:34] - Multimodal approaches to executive functioning training reduce inequality and enhance skills across diverse populations.

• What Is Executive Functioning?

• Be the Executive-in-Charge

• Coping with Executive Function Deficits in the Context of Writing

• Episode 11: Executive Functioning 101

• Episode 12: Executive Functioning Support for Struggling Learners with Hannah Ross

• Get on our Email List

• Book a Consultation

• Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider

• Register for Our Self-Paced Mini Courses: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety, or Dyslexia

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.

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 important.

We’ll also discuss how co-occurring challenges like ADHD and anxiety can make individuals with dyslexia even more vulnerable. Proper interventions not only improve reading skills but also build resilience and boost self-esteem, creating a foundation for positive mental health outcomes.

[1:20] - Research shows that up to 20% of people in the United States have dyslexia.

[2:09] - For years, dyslexia has been misunderstood. There is no link between dyslexia and intelligence.

[3:04] - Children who struggle early in reading are more prone to experience social anxiety and depression.

[4:25] - Many children with dyslexia often have co-occurring challenges like ADHD and anxiety disorders. This makes them even more vulnerable.

[5:50] - With proper interventions, not only can we improve reading skills, but we can boost self-esteem and resilience in children with dyslexia.

[6:31] - Early intervention and diagnosis make a big difference, but common myths and misconceptions slow things down.

[8:21] - Dyslexia is a part of a person’s identity but it's not the whole story. Understanding dyslexia is important to understanding its impact on mental health.

• What is Dyslexia?

• Episode 208: Overcoming Dyslexia and Addressing the Reading Crisis with Sally Shaywitz

• Episode 209: How the Science of Reading Can Close Literacy Gaps with Dr. Benjamin Powers

• Episode 115: A Family Approach to Dyslexia with Dr. Lauren

• Episode 183: Unlocking Potential - A Dyslexia Journey with Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey

• Get on our Email List

• Book a Consultation

• Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider

• Register for Our Self-Paced Mini Courses: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety or Dyslexia

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.

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 occupational, speech, and behavioral therapies, providing an approach that encourages cognitive engagement in neurodivergent individuals of all ages.

In this episode, Samantha shares her journey into music therapy, explaining how her passion for music and psychology led her to this unique field. She illustrates how music therapy can create opportunities for clients, and shares anecdotes of children and adults alike experiencing success. Whether it’s helping clients develop confidence, manage anxiety, or learn calming strategies, Samantha’s work demonstrates music’s ability to stimulate multiple parts of the brain. We’ll also hear about a typical session, from the range of music styles used to the ways her interventions adapt to each client's needs. Samantha even shares resources and programs for those who might not have access to formal music therapy.

[2:32] - Samantha explains how she found herself in the unique field of music therapy, which for her was the perfect blend of music and psychology.

[3:45] - Music therapy is using music to accomplish non-musical goals, like building social and emotional skills. Music accesses many parts of your brain.

[5:40] - Especially for neurodivergent individuals, music is an excellent tool for stimulating cognitive function.

[6:53] - Samantha describes an example of a non-verbal student who receives music therapy to supplement speech therapy and his successes.

[8:46] - There are many ways that music has given students opportunities to do things they’ve never been able to do before.

[10:02] - Music therapy supports emotional regulation and flexible thinking.

[12:32] - Learning social skills through music is impactful, especially for neurodiverse individuals who struggle to understand social cues.

[15:40] - Samantha describes a typical session with clients and small groups, including what kinds of music she uses.

[17:32] - The interventions vary greatly per client and group.

[18:53] - Samantha also works with adults. Music therapy has helped clients with confidence struggles and anxiety.

[21:29] - There is a process for music therapists to follow to become board certified.

[22:57] - Samantha shares some programs and resources for those who don’t have access to music therapy.

[26:21] - Music helps learn calming strategies.

Samantha is a board-certified Neurologic Music Therapy Fellow and leverages the power of music to support neurodivergent individuals. She is also a Positive, Discipline Parent Educator, providing parents and caregivers with positive, effective parenting strategies while raising their neurodivergent children.

• Email: Samantha@boisemusictherapycompany.com

• Every Brain is Different Podcast

• Episode 29: How Art and Music Can Improve Mood, Decrease Anxiety, and Empower Today’s Youth with Dr. Brette Genzel-Derman

• Get on our Email List

• Book a Consultation

• Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider

• Register for Our Self-Paced Mini Courses

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.