LD Expert

LDE 88: Helping Teens and Young Adults Grow Real-World Friendship Skills - Molly Stuckey

Today’s teens and young adults are growing up in a digital world where friendships happen through screens—and real connection often feels out of reach.
Speech-language pathologist Molly Stuckey joins Jill Stowell to unpack what’s really going on when kids struggle to make and keep friends, and how parents can help them build the social confidence, empathy, and flexibility they need to thrive.
 
In this episode:✅ How technology and COVID have reshaped friendship and communication✅ Practical strategies for helping teens build real-life social skills✅ Simple ways parents can nurture confidence, connection, and calm at home
 
Molly Stuckey• Founder of Friendship Builders LLC.• Instagram: @friendshipbuilders
 
 

LDE 87: Why Teens Tune Out: Auditory Processing and the Hidden Disconnect - Jessyka Coulter

What if your teen isn’t ignoring you, but their brain simply can’t keep up with what it’s hearing?
In this episode, Jill Stowell, founder of Stowell Learning Center, joins study skills expert Jessyka Coulter to reveal how weak auditory processing skills can cause students to lose focus, struggle with listening, and be mislabeled as inattentive or lazy. You’ll hear a real auditory processing simulation, learn why sound frequencies affect behavior and motivation, and discover how the brain can be retrained to listen and learn with clarity and confidence.
 
In this episode:
What auditory processing disorder (APD) really is and how it differs from ADHD
Why students who “tune out” or struggle with note-taking may actually be battling sound confusion
How sound therapy and active auditory training can permanently improve listening, focus, and learning
 
Resources mentioned:
Free Auditory Processing Screening Checklist – https://StowellCenter.com/Newsletter
Learn more about APD – https://StowellCenter.com/APD
Stowell Learning Center – https://StowellCenter.com
Jessyka Coulter – https://AceCookieTutoring.com
 

LDE 86: (Part 2) What Schools Can—and Can’t—Do for Dyslexia... And the steps that create confident, independent readers - Jill Stowell

What schools can—and can’t—do for dyslexia. Jill Stowell explores the limits of RTI and MTSS in schools, the importance of early screening, and why true reading success depends on strengthening underlying processing skills. She shares practical, research-based interventions—like The Listening Program, Enhanced Lateralization, and symbol mastery—that help students become confident, independent readers.
 
IN THIS EPISODE:
Dyslexia support at school often means extra reading practice or classroom accommodations, but those alone don’t resolve the root challenges. 
In this episode, Jill Stowell explains what schools can and can’t do for dyslexic students, why early screening matters, and what kinds of targeted interventions truly prepare students to become confident, independent readers.
What RTI and MTSS provide in schools—and the structural limits of these supports for dyslexic learners.
Why underlying auditory, visual, and kinesthetic processing skills must be developed for lasting reading success.
Examples of effective interventions like The Listening Program, Enhanced Lateralization, symbol mastery, and movement-based activities.
 
SHOW NOTES
California Dept. of Education
Reading Rockets
Advanced Brain Technologies
The Listening Program (TLP)
California CDE: K–2 universal screening begins 2025–26; screening informs instruction, is not a diagnosis/high-stakes measure; districts to adopt from an approved list. California Department of Education
CDE Approved Screeners (Dec 17, 2024): Amira, mCLASS with DIBELS 8/Lectura, ROAR (gr 1–2), UCSF Multitudes. California Department of Education
Parent notifications/timelines (CAHelp summary): opt-out and results timelines. cahelp.org
National MTSS context: Tier 2/3 small-group/intensive supports with progress monitoring; state examples require immediate MTSS after risk flags. Reading Rockets+2Ohio Department of Education+2
Phonemic awareness prevalence: ~25–30% with deficit in a key component of phonological awareness (Lindamood, 1992).
 
STOWELL LEARNING CENTER
At Stowell Learning Centers, we help children and adults break free from the constant struggles associated with dyslexia and other learning challenges.
Despite what you might have been told, your child doesn't have to “just live with it” and every day doesn't have to feel like a battle for them or for you.
 
When you're ready for real, lasting change, give us a call: 877-774-0444
👉 Click StowellCenter.com to schedule a call, or to find information and free resources

LDE 85: (Part 1) Finally, an Answer: Dyslexia - Hope and Clarity for Parents Who Have Tried Everything - Jill Stowell

Finally, an answer for dyslexia. In this episode, Jill Stowell reveals what dyslexia really feels like, why bright students struggle, and the underlying auditory, visual, and kinesthetic factors that make reading and writing difficult. Real stories show both the challenges and the hidden strengths of dyslexic learners, while parents gain clear steps to recognize the signs, talk openly with their child, and seek real solutions.
 
IN THIS EPISODE:
Dyslexia isn’t a problem of effort or intelligence—it’s a difference in how the brain processes information. 
Jill Stowell explains the lived experience of dyslexia and breaks down the underlying auditory, visual, and kinesthetic factors that make reading and writing hard, while offering clear next steps for parents and teachers. 
Real stories highlight both the struggles and the strengths of dyslexic learners.
What dyslexia feels like day to day, and why bright, creative students may still struggle in school.
The three core components: auditory processing (sound discrimination/sequence), visual processing and disorientation, and kinesthetic/writing challenges (including dysgraphia).
Practical guidance for parents: recognize the signs, talk openly with your child, and seek solutions that strengthen underlying skills—not just classroom accommodations.
 
Show Notes:
Teri Lawton, Path To Reading - https://pathtoreading.com/
 
STOWELL LEARNING CENTER
At Stowell Learning Centers, we help children and adults break free from the constant struggles associated with dyslexia and other learning challenges. Despite what you might have been told, your child doesn't have to “just live with it” and every day doesn't have to feel like a battle for them or for you.
 
When you're ready for real, lasting change, give us a call: 877-774-0444
👉 Click StowellCenter.com to schedule a call, or to find information and free resources

LDE 84: High Performance Isn't Out of Reach, It’s Under the Surface - Miyoki Chan

Parenting a child with dyslexia, ADHD, executive function struggles, or other learning differences can leave parents stuck in constant overwhelm. In this episode, Jill Stowell talks with parenting and high-performance coach Miyoki Chan about how parents can move beyond burnout and shift from “just surviving” to parenting with intention, clarity, and peace.
 
In this episode:
✅ How to recognize the signs of survival mode and why “I’m fine” is often a mask
✅ Small “micro-activities” that calm the nervous system and bring balance back to busy days
✅ Rewriting old narratives and creating a healthier mindset for yourself and your family
 
Miyoki Chan
Website: PlentifuLearning.com
Facebook: @plentifulearning
Instagram: @plentifulearning
LinkedIn: Miyoki Chan
Book (Pre-Sale Starts Oct 6, 2025): "Breaking Through Survival Mode"

LDE 83: High Performance Isn't Out of Reach, It's Under the Surface - Jill Stowell

High performance isn’t about perfection—it’s about having the right skills to learn, focus, and thrive. In this episode of the LD Expert Podcast, Jill Stowell shares how addressing dyslexia, auditory processing, executive function, and other underlying learning challenges can unlock a student’s true potential.
 
In this episode:
Discover why bright students can still struggle—and why challenges don’t “just go away” with age
Learn what’s hidden beneath the surface of reading, attention, and follow-through difficulties
See how strengthening foundational skills creates lasting change for school, work, and life success
 
If your child struggles with reading comprehension, memory, attention, or self-regulation despite their intelligence, this conversation will show you what’s really possible—and how to get there.
 
STOWELL LEARNING CENTER
At Stowell Learning Centers, we help children and adults break free from the constant struggles associated with dyslexia and other learning challenges. Despite what you might have been told, your child doesn't have to “just live with it” and every day doesn't have to feel like a battle for them or for you.
 
When you're ready for real, lasting change, give us a call: 877-774-0444
👉 Click StowellCenter.com to schedule a call, or to find information and free resources

LDE 82: Back-to-School Balance: Healthy Habits to Calm Teen Anxiety - Jamie Roberts

Back-to-School Anxiety in Teens: Reframe It, Calm It, Support It
 
The weeks leading up to a new school year can bring excitement—but for many teens, they bring anxiety, disrupted sleep, and a rising sense of dread. In this episode, licensed therapist Jamie Roberts joins Jill Stowell to unpack what’s really happening in the brain during transitions, and how parents can support a calmer, more confident start to school.
 
Together, they explore:
What the “fresh start effect” is—and how it can backfire
Signs of back-to-school anxiety that parents often overlook
Grounding tools and mindset shifts that help students feel safe and capable
 
Jamie also shares simple, science-backed mindfulness strategies from her book Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety, and explains how to help teens shift their inner narrative to one of resilience and emotional balance.
 
⸻
 
SHOW NOTES
Jamie Roberts
ⓘ Instagram: @neurodivergenttherapist
-
🌐 Equilibrium Counseling Services
🌐 NeuroPebble – Professional Training for Supporting Neurodivergent Youth
ⓘ Instagram: @neuropebble
-
📕 Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety – A compassionate, practical guide to helping teens manage stress and overwhelm
Available on Amazon
-
▶️ Jamie Roberts on the LD Expert Podcast: Teen Anxiety
 
⸻
 
CONNECT WITH US
🌐 https://stowellcenter.com/
📞 877-774-0444
📞 https://stowellcenter.com/call/
 
The challenges associated with dyslexia or other learning disabilities can actually be dramatically improved when we stop using Band-Aid approaches and start strengthening the underlying skills that are missing or lagging. Contrary to popular belief, your child doesn’t have to “just live with it” for the rest of their life. Every day doesn’t have to be a battle.

LDE 81: Study Skills Tips for Back-to-School Success - Jessyka Coulter

Starting strong this school year isn’t about being a “good student”—it’s about learning how to learn.
In this episode of the LD Expert Podcast, Jill Stowell is joined by study skills coach Jessyka Coulter to share practical strategies that help middle and high school students feel more confident, organized, and in control of their learning.
 
You’ll hear:
Why study skills matter more than subject content
When and how to start teaching kids how to study
The top 3 skills teens need now: note-taking, time management, and goal setting
Tips for customizing study habits based on learning style
How to handle unmotivated students—or unhelpful teachers
 
Jessyka’s “Love to Learn” method has helped countless students build the structure and mindset they need to succeed in school and beyond. If your child resists help or feels overwhelmed, this episode is packed with tools you can start using today.
 
2025 *Learn It* FREE Back-To-School Virtual Event Info and RegistrationJessyka Coulter🌐 Website: AceCookieTutoring.comⓘ Instagram: @acecookietutoringⓕ Facebook: @acecookietutoringJessyka Coulter on the LD Expert Podcast▶️ "Smart but Struggling" - What Does it Mean? - Jessyka Coulter, Love to Learn 2023▶️ How to Support Your Dyslexic Teen - Jessyka Coulter, Fall into High School & Beyond 2024
 
 
CONNECT WITH US
🌐 https://stowellcenter.com/
📞 877-774-0444
📞 https://stowellcenter.com/call/ 
 
The challenges associated with dyslexia or other learning disabilities can actually be dramatically improved when we stop using Band-Aid approaches and start strengthening the underlying skills that are missing or lagging. Contrary to popular belief, your child doesn’t have to “just live with it” for the rest of their life. Every day doesn’t have to be a battle.

LDE 80: Rediscover Joy: Parenting Beyond the Struggle - Cherie Francis-Boegeman

When parenting feels like a daily battle, there’s usually more going on beneath the surface. This episode explores how behavior is communication—and how understanding sensory needs can bring peace, connection, and joy back into your home.
 
In this heartfelt episode, occupational therapist Cherie Francis-Boegeman joins Jill Stowell to explore how sensory needs, emotional safety, and connection can bring calm and joy back to your parenting journey. This conversation is real, validating, and full of hope.
 
In this episode:
✅ Why “bad behavior” is often a sign of lagging sensory and emotional skills
✅ The power of unstructured play and 3D movement in child development
✅ Practical ways to reduce meltdowns and reconnect as a family
 
 
SHOW NOTES
Cherie Francis-Boegeman
🌐 Launch Pad Therapy for Kids
📷 Instagram
📘 Facebook
 
Books Mentioned
📖 Sensory Integration and Learning Disorders – A. Jean Ayres
📖 Balanced and Barefoot – Angela J. Hanscom
 
Collaborative Problem Solving
🧠 About CPS and upcoming classes
▶️ What is CPS?
▶️ CPS episode with Stuart Ablon
▶️ CPS episode with Debra Ann Afarian
 
 
Connect with Stowell Learning Center
🌐 Visit our website
📞 Talk to a Learning Specialist
📞 877-774-0444
 
 
The challenges that come with dyslexia and learning differences don’t have to last a lifetime. When we stop using Band-Aid approaches and start strengthening the root skills that are missing, real, lasting change is possible—for your child and your family.
 
 
 

LDE 79: The Freedom Scholar Podcast: Eliminate Learning Disability Accommodations - Kami Wanous

What if your child’s learning challenges could actually be eliminated—not just accommodated?
In this powerful conversation from The Freedom Scholar Podcast, host Kami Wanous and Jill Stowell uncover why smart kids struggle in school—and how learning disabilities like dyslexia, ADHD, and auditory processing issues don’t have to be lifelong. You’ll learn what’s really going on beneath the surface, why accommodations fall short, and what it takes to actually change the brain for lasting success.
🎧 In this episode:
Why many bright students still struggle in school
How underlying processing skills affect attention, learning, and confidence
What it takes to correct—not just cope with—learning challenges
Download the free Learning Skills Continuum to better understand what skills your child needs to succeed → Download it here
Want to talk to a learning specialist about your child?Schedule a free call