All Episodes

Episode 96 – Touch Math

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey welcome Dr. Sandra Elliott from Touch Math to discuss her work with dyscalculia and the Touch Math program. Dr. Elliott explains her background as a special education teacher and elaborates on Touch Math’s origins in 1975, when a teacher in the Colorado Springs Public School District developed it to […]

Episode 95 – Turning Struggles into Triumphs – Sarah Gines

In the final episode of their parenting series, Laurie and Abbey chat with Sarah, who discusses her daughter Alyssa’s struggles with math, which began in elementary school and persisted despite her excelling in other subjects. Sarah recounts how Alyssa was initially denied appropriate support and faced dismissive attitudes from teachers, which hindered her progress. These […]

Episode 94 – Turning Struggles into Triumphs – Heather Brown

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called “Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges.” In this next episode, Laurie has a conversation with a guest named Heather Brown, whose daughter Cambri faced learning difficulties from a young age. Heather recounts Cambri’s journey, starting with observations in pre-K where her unconventional […]

Episode 93 – Turning Struggles into Triumphs – Rachel Rakunas

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called “Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges.” In this next episode, Laurie has a conversation with a guest named Rachel Rakunas, who shares her experience raising a child with learning differences. Rachel discusses her son’s struggles, beginning with difficulty learning letter sounds in […]

Episode 92 – Turning ADHD Struggles into Triumphs – Kelsey Talley

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called “Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges.” In this next episode, Laurie has a conversation with a guest named Kelsey Talley. She shares her journey with her daughter Reagan, who recently received a diagnosis of ADHD. Drawing from her experience with her dyslexic […]

Episode 91 – Camp Dunnabeck and Camp Kodiak: Camps for Children with Learning Disabilities

In a bonus episode, Laurie and Abbey discuss summer camps, chatting with both Karl Oppenheimer from Camp Dunnabeck and Ilana Stoch from Camp Kodiak. They hear how both camps are excellent summer options for students with learning disabilities. Resources: Camp Dunnabeck: https://www.kildonan.org/camp-dunnabeck/ Camp Kodiak: https://www.campkodiak.com Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.comContact info for the podcast: […]

Episode 90 – Landmark School and Summer Program

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey they take a break from their parenting series to discuss summer programs, featuring a special guest, Melody O’Neil, from Landmark School in Massachusetts. The school offers comprehensive summer programs for students entering grades 2 through 12, focusing on literacy, math, study skills, and executive function. Resources: Landmark School Website: […]

Episode 89 – Council for Exceptional Children Convention 2024

In this episode, Laurie hosts solo during the CEC (Council for Exceptional Children) Convention in San Antonio, engaging with guests like Jeanetta Bryant from Abilities Workshop, Michelle from Ta-Da! Languages, and Ilana from Camp Kodiak. Resources: Abilities Workshop: https://www.abilitiesworkshop.comTa-Da! Languages: https://www.tadalanguages.comCamp Kodiak: https://www.campkodiak.com Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.comContact info for the podcast: [email protected] Learning […]

Episode 88 – Turning Dyslexia and ADHD Struggles into Triumphs – Katie Ramsey

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called “Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges.” In this next episode, Abbey has a conversation with a guest named Katie, who has three children with learning differences. Katie shares her experiences with her eldest son, who was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD at […]

Episode 87 – Learning Disabilities Association Conference 2024

In this lively discussion from the Learning Disability Association (LDA) Conference in Orlando, Laurie and Abbey interview three guests: Polly from Legi-Liner, Jennifer from Syllables Learning Center, and Tim and Lindsay from OrCam. They share great insights into innovative tools and approaches for individuals with learning disabilities. Resources: Polly Benson https://www.legiliner.com https://www.facebook.com/Legilinertool https://www.instagram.com/legiliner Jennifer Hasser […]

Episode 86 – Turning Learning Disability Struggles into Triumphs – Jennifer Lundy

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called “Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges.” In this next episode, Laurie has a conversation with a guest named Jennifer, a mother of four children with learning disabilities, who shares her family’s journey through diagnoses and coping strategies. Resources: Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities […]

Episode 85 – Turning Virtual Learning Struggles into Triumphs – Michelle Wingate

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called “Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges.” In this next episode, Abbey has a conversation with a guest named Michelle, who shares her experiences as a parent navigating learning challenges with her daughter. Michelle discusses the struggles she observed in her daughter, such […]

Episode 84 – Turning Learning Disability Struggles into Triumphs – Sarah Noble

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called “Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges.” In this next episode, Abbey has a conversation with a guest named Sarah Noble, who talks about her experience with her daughter Alexandra, who has dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Sarah shares how the family had a […]

Episode 83 – Turning Learning Disabilty Struggles into Triumphs – Tricia Allen

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called “Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges.” In this next episode, Abbey has a conversation with a guest named Tricia Allen. Tricia shares her experience with her middle child, Sydney, who displayed intense emotions from a young age. Sydney’s struggles became apparent during […]

Episode 82 – Turning Learning Disability Struggles into Triumphs – Jennifer Fulbright

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called “Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges.” In this next episode, Abbey has a conversation with a guest named Jennifer Fulbright. Jennifer discusses her son’s struggles before any diagnosis, both academically and behaviorally, especially with phonics, phonemic awareness, and writing. Resources: Let’s Talk […]

Episode 81 – Turning Learning Disability Struggles into Triumphs – Katherine Zimmermann

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey continue their new series called “Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges.” In this next episode, Abbey has a conversation with a guest named Katherine Zimmermann. The podcast focuses on her son’s specific journey involving dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD, delving into the challenges their family faced with […]

Episode 80 – Turning Learning Disability Struggles into Triumphs – Maria Steenkist

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey introduce their new series called “Turning Struggles and Triumphs: Parenting through Learning Challenges.” Over the next 12 episodes, they plan to share stories from parents who have experienced the challenges of having a child with learning disabilities. Starting off the series, Maria and Jaime discuss their experiences with their […]

Episode 79 – Diagnostician Directors Roundtable Discussion

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey introduce a special episode recorded during their annual director’s retreat in Austin, TX. The hosts and four directors from each of the different locations of Diagnostic Learning Services engage in a roundtable discussion about testing, learning, and their experiences as a diagnostician. Resources:  Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.comContact […]

Episode 78 – Assistive Technology for Children with Learning Disabilities with Cathi Graveline

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey chat with Cathi Graveline about various assistive technologies for students with learning disabilities. They cover resources for students in elementary school through college and into adulthood. Resources:  Contact Cathi Graveline – [email protected] ModMath – https://apps.apple.com/us/app/modmath/id821892964C- Pen Reader 2 – https://cpen.com/products/c-pen-reader-2/Glean.co – https://glean.co Audio Note – https://apps.apple.com/us/app/audionote-note-voice-recorder/id406393290?mt=12 Notability – https://apps.apple.com/us/app/notability-note-taking/id360593530 […]

Episode 77 – Visual Processing & Functional Vision – Justin Chelette of Texas Vision Therapy Part 02

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey conclude their interview Dr. Justin Chelette, an optometrist from Texas Vision Therapy, delving into the topic of visual processing and functional vision. Resources: Texas Vision Therapy Website: https://www.texasvisiontherapy.com College of Optometrists in Vision Development Website: https://www.covd.org Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.comContact info for the podcast: [email protected] Learning Website: […]

Episode 76 – Visual Processing & Functional Vision – Justin Chelette of Texas Vision Therapy Part 01

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey interview Dr. Justin Chelette, an optometrist from Texas Vision Therapy, to delve into the topic of visual processing and functional vision. Resources: Texas Vision Therapy Website: https://www.texasvisiontherapy.com College of Optometrists in Vision Development Website: https://www.covd.org Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.comContact info for the podcast: [email protected] Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.com Social:Facebook: […]

Episode 75 – ADHD Academic Coach Evan Weinberger of Staying Ahead of the Game

In this Episode, host Abbey introduces her guest, Evan Weinberger, who is the president and CEO of “Staying Ahead of the Game.” Evan discusses his personal experience with ADHD and how it led him to become involved in the field of academic coaching and support. Resources:Staying Ahead of the Game Website: https://saotg.com Let’s Talk Learning […]

Episode 74 – Testing for Specific Learning Disability in Written Expression

In this Episode, Laurie & Abbey interview Jennifer King with Dysgraphia Life. Jennifer shares her story of her background, how Dysgraphia Life came to be and lots of great knowledge and resources for those who are looking for more information on Dysgraphia. Resources:  Dysgraphia Life Website: https://www.dysgraphia.life Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.comContact info for […]

Episode 73 – More On 504 Accommodations

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey welcome back Suzette, a 504 coordinator, to discuss 504 accommodations for various learning disabilities. They focus on dyslexia, ADHD, dysgraphia, and anxiety. They emphasize the individualized nature of accommodations and the importance of finding what works best for each student’s needs. Resources:Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.comContact info for […]

Episode 72 – ADHD Testing

In this Episode, Laurie talks with Trina Haynes of My Lady ADHD about ADHD evaluations. They highlight the increasing demand for ADHD assessments, especially among students and adults. Laurie, who has ADHD herself, is the founder and executive director of Diagnostic Learning Services, which conducts testing for learning disabilities and ADHD. They emphasize the importance […]

Episode 71 – Notes From A 504 Coordinator

In this Episode, Laurie & Abbey meet with Suzette, who is a 504 Coordinator for the school district she works at. Suzette is a wealth of knowledge for the ins and outs of section 504 and talks us through how it came to be, the purpose of the 504 plan, and how it best serves […]

Episode 70 – Types of Educational Evaluations

In this Episode, Laurie & Abbey review differences in evaluations, who can order or conduct these evaluations and what the approval process looks like as far as the timeline is concerned. Resources:Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.comContact info for the podcast: [email protected] Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.com Social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eDiaglearning/Twitter: @diaglearningLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/Instagram: @diaglearning

Episode 69 – ADHD Medication Shortage

In this Episode, Laurie & Abbey have an open discussion on the current ADHD stimulant medication shortage. They talk through why this is happening, how you may be able to find the medication you need if you haven’t been able to, and other resources or helpful natural remedies. Resources:Book: The LCP Solution – https://bit.ly/3JtG0CA Interactive […]

Episode 68 – Back To School

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey unpack some really great thoughts on getting ready for school in the new year. They talk about reviewing your accommodation plan, and being communicative with teachers ahead of time. Laurie & Abbey also discuss what it looks like for students to advocate for their own needs as they get […]

Episode 67 – Dysgraphia Life with Jennifer King

In this Episode, Laurie & Abbey interview Jennifer King with Dysgraphia Life. Jennifer shares her story of her background, how Dysgraphia Life came to be and lots of great knowledge and resources for those who are looking for more information on Dysgraphia. Resources:  Dysgraphia Life Website: https://www.dysgraphia.life Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.comContact info for […]