Laurie welcomes two new directors at Diagnostic Learning Services, Crystalyn and Melinda.

Both come from strong educational backgrounds, having worked in general and special education, as well as serving as diagnosticians in public schools. They share how transitioning into their new roles has allowed them to expand their expertise and support clients of all ages.

Laurie reconnects with DJ Tharrington to hear about his incredible journey from struggling with dyslexia to graduating law school.

After facing workplace discrimination due to his learning disability, DJ decided to pursue his long-held dream of becoming a lawyer. Despite being discouraged by several education consultants and rejected by 18 out of 19 law schools due to low LSAT scores and a modest GPA, he was eventually accepted by Southern University.

Laurie and Abbey interview DJ Tharrington, a previous client, who shares his journey of growing up with dyslexia, working around it, and pushing through college curriculum with and without accommodations. DJ also shares his experience in battling his own ADA discrimination case and how that pushed him to attend law school.

In this Episode of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie speaks with Laura from Rudder Coaching, a college success coach who helps students not just survive but thrive during their college years.

Laura specializes in working with students already enrolled in college, helping them build strong time management habits, plan future careers, and develop confidence in their academic and personal lives.

In this episode, Laurie interviews Jim Wismer, director at Ivy Experience and board member of the National Test Prep Association (NTPA). He shares his journey from aspiring Latin teacher to seasoned test prep expert and now director overseeing tutoring and test preparation services.

In this episode, Laurie reconnects with Melanie Florsheim to revisit the foundational concepts of dyslexia, emphasizing that it is a neurological disorder affecting the brain’s ability to process written language—not a result of brain damage or reversed letters.

In this episode Laurie chats with Dr. Michele Evard, a seasoned homeschool consultant and co-author of a book on designing and documenting homeschool education. She explains that homeschooling allows children to learn naturally and connect new information to what they already know, breaking away from rigid, standardized timelines often found in traditional schools.

In this episode, Laurie interviews Andrea Malkin Brenner, a college transition expert, sociologist, and co-author of How to College. Andrea shares her “Talking College” card decks, to help students and families navigate the transition from high school to college. Her materials offer realistic preparation and life skill-building that go beyond academics, targeting the often-overlooked emotional and logistical challenges of college life.

In this episode, Laurie invites her husband Tim to share their unique experience as a married couple who both have ADHD. They reflect on the challenges and strengths of navigating life, work, and parenting together while managing their symptoms.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie attends the Independent Educational Consulting Association (IECA) conference in Detroit, where she interviews several incredible professionals working to support students in their academic transitions.

In this episode, Laurie reconnects with Cindy Palmer from Threshold Coaches to discuss essential parenting strategies for supporting neurodivergent students, particularly those with ADHD, as they transition from high school to college.

This episode focuses on the often-overlooked emotional impact of learning disabilities and ADHD on both children and adults. Laurie emphasizes the importance of validation, open communication, and self-advocacy for both children and adults navigating these challenges.

Laurie chats again with Cindy Palmer of Threshold Coaches to discuss the transition from high school to college for neurodiverse students. Cindy shares her top 10 tips for these students.

Laurie is joined by Dr. Casey Vaccaro to explore autism, its symptoms, and its overlap with ADHD and learning disabilities. Dr. Vaccaro highlights the importance of early intervention, offering reassurance to parents that with the right support and therapies, children with autism can thrive and succeed.

Laurie Peterson interviews inspiring guests from Beacon College, Dean College, Fusion Academy and Author & Illustrator Krista Weltner, at the Learning Disability Association annual conference.

Laurie welcomes Jan Van Blarcum. Laurie and Jan have known each other for many years, their connection stemming from Jan's tutoring company and Laurie's work in testing students. Jan now runs a school in Plano called The Einstein School.

Laurie welcomes Jan Van Blarcum. Laurie and Jan have known each other for many years, their connection stemming from Jan's tutoring company and Laurie's work in testing students. Jan now runs a school in Plano called The Einstein School.

Laurie sheds light on the often-overlooked topic of SAT and ACT accommodations for students with learning disabilities. With recent changes in regulations, Laurie shares valuable tips on how to start the process early, stay on top of evolving requirements, and ensure you're fully prepared to apply for the accommodations you need.

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.