LD Expert

LDE 77: How to Support Your Dyslexic Teen - Jessyka Coulter

"The real problem for learning disabilities and dyslexia lies in weak or inefficient underlying skills. When we identify and develop those skills, everything changes."– Jill Stowell
Discover how to address dyslexia and learning challenges at their root with Jill Stowell, founder of Stowell Learning Centers. In this episode, Jill shares why dyslexia isn’t a permanent condition, the skills critical for overcoming learning struggles, and practical tips for parents to support their children.
 
Takeaways include:✅ Why strengthening underlying skills transforms learning outcomes.✅ How to identify and improve key skills like auditory and visual processing.✅ Actionable strategies to help kids thrive in school, college, and beyond.
 
Sign up for our newsletter to access free resources, including:➡️ Dyslexia Accommodations: Temporary classroom supports for your child.➡️ Free eBook: At Wits’ End: A Parent’s Guide to Ending the Struggle, Tears, and Turmoil of Learning Disabilities.➡️ Executive Function Cheat Sheet: Tools to help build critical executive skills.
 
📞 Speak with a learning specialist: https://stowellcenter.com/learning-specialist-call/🔗 Register for free resources: https://stowellcenter.com/newsletter

LDE 76: Holiday Harmony: Keeping Kids Regulated and Connected

The holidays can be a magical time of year, but for many kids, the change in routine, extra excitement, and new faces can lead to overwhelm and dysregulation.
 
In this episode of the LD Expert Podcast, Jill shares seven simple, effective tips for helping kids stay calm, regulated, and connected during the holiday season.
 
From maintaining a predictable routine to creating a “safe zone” for breaks and focusing on connection over perfection, these strategies are designed to make the holidays enjoyable for everyone.
 
Whether you’re a parent of a neurodivergent child or simply looking for ways to reduce holiday stress, these practical tips will help your family find peace amidst the festivities.
 
7 Tips to Keep Kids Calm During the Holidays:
Stick to a predictable routine
Use visual schedules
Prepare for visitors with a “safe zone”
Incorporate movement for energy release
Monitor sugar intake
Model calm behavior
Focus on connection over perfection
 
📍 If you would like to speak with a Learning Specialist (for free!) about your child, give us a call at (877) 774-0444 or click https://stowellcenter.com
 
MORE RESOURCES
Newsletter: Stay connected! A couple times a month, you'll get a message from Jill and we'll highlight essential resources that you can use now at home and in the classroom. When you sign up for our newsletter, you'll get instant lifetime access to all of our free downloadable guides.Free Dyslexia and Learning Disability Quiz: Do you suspect that you or someone you know has dyslexia, or a learning and attention challenge?Take our free quiz to find out in less than 10-minutes.If dyslexia or a learning and attention challenge is detected, you'll receive recommendations on the best next steps to resolve these challenges.

LDE 75: Tips for Dysgraphic Learners

Does your child find writing frustrating or exhausting?
In this episode, Jill gives some essential (and actionable) tips to help students with dysgraphia develop stronger writing skills and more confidence.
You'll learn:
How to help your child turn writing prompts into questions to spark ideas
Strategies to support spelling and vocabulary without overwhelming your child
Simple techniques to improve letter formation and writing ease
Writing doesn't have to be a constant struggle. With the right support, your child can learn to write with confidence and clarity.
If you’d like to speak with a learning specialist (it's free), give us a call at 877-774-0444 or click here.
 
 
SHOW NOTES & RESOURCES
Alphabet 8's Demonstration Video: This is a technique to improve letter formation by integrating both hemispheres of the brain.
Handwriting Without Tears Paper
Learn more about it here.
Or get it on Amazon here.
Take the Stone Out of the Shoe by Jill Stowell - Chapter 7: Recognizing Challenges With Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, and Basic Academics.
Newsletter: Stay connected! A couple times a month, you'll get a message from Jill and we'll highlight essential resources that you can use now at home and in the classroom. When you sign up for our newsletter, you'll get instant lifetime access to all of our free downloadable guides, including: - Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and ADHD: Key Characteristics and Strategies to Support
Dyslexia and Learning Disability Quiz: Do you suspect that you or someone you know has dyslexia, or a learning and attention challenge? Take our free quiz to find out in less than 10-minutes. If dyslexia or a learning and attention challenge is detected, you'll receive recommendations on the best next steps to resolve these challenges.

LDE 74: Dyslexia and Imposter Syndrome - Jill Stowell

"Imagine just how stressful it is to go to school every day knowing that today might be the day that you get embarrassed by being called to read in class or everyone sees your low test score."
-Jill Stowell
 
IN THIS EPISODE
✅ The significant impact of dyslexia on self-esteem, identity, and mental health.
✅ How dyslexic individuals often mask their difficulties, leading to misdiagnosis and increased stress.
✅ The importance of understanding and addressing the root causes of dyslexia for effective intervention and improved outcomes.
 
DYSLEXIA AND IMPOSTER SYNDROME
How dyslexia impacts self-esteem and identity, often leading to imposter syndrome
 
Dyslexic students frequently hide their struggles, which can be mistaken for laziness or ADHD. These masking behaviors can cause significant emotional stress and anxiety.
 
Despite the challenges, dyslexic individuals often possess unique strengths and talents.
 
Understanding and addressing the root causes of dyslexia can lead to significant improvements and help students thrive.
 
DYSLEXIA FAQ ANSWERED
Is dyslexia a permanent condition?
What does brain science say about dyslexia?
How do I know if my child has dyslexia?
Should I get my child tested for dyslexia?
Will the school test for dyslexia?
Is dyslexia when students reverse letters or read backwards?
Is there more than one kind of dyslexia?
What are common symptoms of dyslexia?
 
SHOW NOTES
➡️ Dyslexia Quiz: Do you suspect that you or someone you know has dyslexia, or a learning and attention challenge?
Take our free quiz to find out in less than 10-minutes.
If dyslexia or a learning and attention challenge is detected, you'll receive recommendations on the best next steps to resolve these challenges.
 
➡️ Dyslexia Info + Free Resources: Take a deep dive into definitions, symptoms, testing and treatment + free downloadable resources.
 
➡️ Newsletter: Stay connected! A couple times a month, you'll get a message from Jill and we'll highlight essential resources that you can use now at home and in the classroom.
When you sign up for our newsletter, you'll get instant lifetime access to all of our free downloadable guides, including:
7 Types of Dyslexia Defined
Dyslexia Accommodations
Dyslexia Screening Tool
5-Minute Power Writing Strategy
Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and ADHD: Key Characteristics and Strategies to Support
 
➡️ Take the Stone Out of the Shoe: A Must-Have Guide to Understanding, Supporting, and Correcting Dyslexia, Learning, and Attention Challenges - by Jill Stowell

LDE 73: 40 Years of Unlocking Potential - Jill Stowell

With 40 years of experience and the brain research to back it up, Jill Stowell's basic premise has always remained the same:
Struggles associated with dyslexia and learning disabilities CAN be changed.
 
Kids do well when they CAN. Not "when they want to," but when they CAN.
 
In this episode, Jill Stowell explains that when kids aren't doing well, whether that's in school or with behavior, there's something deeper at the root of the challenge.
 
You'll learn what that looks like and what can be done about it as Jill shares stories of past students and digs into the Learning Skills Continuum.
 
SHOW NOTES
Learning Skills Continuum - Free Download: Get your free copy of the Learning Skills Continuum developed by Jill Stowell, including a list of skills at each level of the continuum.
Take the Stone Out of the Shoe: A Must-Have Guide to Understanding, Supporting, and Correcting Dyslexia, Learning, and Attention Challenges - by Jill Stowell
Retained Reflexes and Core Learning Skills: Take a deep dive into definitions, symptoms, testing and treatment
Dyslexia: Take a deep dive into definitions, symptoms, testing and treatment
Executive Function: Take a deep dive into definitions, symptoms, testing and treatment
Auditory Processing: Take a deep dive into definitions, symptoms, testing and treatment
 
➡️ Click https://stowellcenter.com to schedule a free call with one of our Learning Specialists today.
 

LDE 72 - Part 2: Advocating For Your Child With Confidence – Julie Cole, Jolee Hibbard, Alexa Chilcutt

In Part 2 of this episode of the LD Expert Podcast, Jill Stowell is joined by the authors of “The Language of Advocacy” - a workbook for parents who are in the midst of the emotional journey of advocating for their special needs children.
 
Episode Highlight
“You are the expert at your child, and your opinion and your input is just as valid as anybody else’s.”
- Julie Cole
 
In Part 2 of this episode:
Empowering parents to create a collaborative IEP environment (as opposed to an intimidating power struggle)
Diagnoses and qualifying for an IEP
What to expect from the IEP process
"The Language of Advocacy" workbook: a step-by-step guide for parents navigating the IEP process
 
▶️ Watch Part 1 here
 
SHOW NOTES
Language of Advocacy: Speak for Your Child with Confidence: Advocating for a Neurodivergent Child
Episode Resources and Transcript
Julie Cole: Educational Consultant
Jolee Hibbard: Hibbard Psychological Services, PC
StowellCenter.com
 
 
Want to speak directly to a learning specialist about your child? Click here to schedule a call now.

LDE 72 - Part 1: Advocating For Your Child With Confidence – Julie Cole, Jolee Hibbard, Alexa Chilcutt

In Part 1 of this episode of the LD Expert Podcast, Jill Stowell is joined by the authors of “The Language of Advocacy” - a workbook for parents who are in the midst of the emotional journey of advocating for their special needs children.
 
Learn:
The emotional piece of advocating for your child
Communication strategies to help parents feel confident about crafting their message to the school or IEP team
Issues about triggers that impact your emotions as a parent and impede communication
 
Episode Highlight
"Parents of kids that struggle can have vicarious experiences.
Parents feel as though their children are extensions of themselves.
Parents will have the same kind of neural responses as if they had gotten some sort of feedback about themselves when they get feedback about their kid."
- Jolee Hibbard
 
 
In Part 1 of this episode:
Factors that affect you as the parent of a neurodivergent child
Barriers you are facing and strategies for effective communication with the IEP team
Communication skills that help you get your message across for the best outcome for your child
Informed advocacy: How parents can get educated and prepare for an IEP
 
SHOW NOTES
Language of Advocacy: Speak for Your Child with Confidence: Advocating for a Neurodivergent Child
Episode Resources and Transcript
Julie Cole: Educational Consultant
Jolee Hibbard: Hibbard Psychological Services, PC
StowellCenter.com
 
 
Want to speak directly to a learning specialist about your child? Click here to schedule a call now.

LDE 71: Ronnie Gardiner Method for Building Social Connection, Executive Function, and Attention

“I could see so many applications for increasing awareness of self and others, self-regulation, and mental flexibility.”
- Jill Stowell, on the Ronnie Gardiner Method®
 
In this episode of the LD Expert Podcast with Jill Stowell:
✅ What is the Ronnie Gardiner Method® (RGM)
✅ How RGM uses rhythm as brilliant, fun way for people of any age to improve their thinking, energy, attention, social connection, and executive function
⭐️ NEW - First ever Young Adult Executive Function & Social Skills RGM Groups in California - starting at Stowell Learning Centers in February and hosted by Jill Stowell
⭐️ Click here for Info + Registration
 
Combining rhythm, music, color, language, and movement, RGM is designed to benefit:
➡️ Individuals with neurological conditions, such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injuries
➡️ Seniors aiming to maintain cognitive and motor agility
➡️ Children with developmental challenges
➡️ People with ADHD
➡️ People with Dyslexia
➡️ And even healthy adults seeking a novel approach to mental and physical stimulation
 
▶️ Watch the video version of this episode on our website to see the demonstration at the end!
(You'll find episode resources and transcript here, too!)

LDE 70: The IEP – What Parents Need To Know – Dina Kaplan

Special needs attorney and mom of a special needs child, Dina Kaplan, joins Jill Stowell for a live Q and A to help parents navigate the IEP process and ongoing services for their children and young adults with learning challenges.
 
Learn crucial things you need to know about:
✅ The assessment process
✅ IEP and 504 Plan basics
✅ How to educate yourself and navigate school and life with special needs kids
 
SHOW NOTES
Episode Resources Webpage
Dina C. Kaplan, Esq., Vanaman German
The KEN Project Parent Support Group: Email Dina Kaplan: dkaplan@vanamangerman.com 
Special Education Rights and Responsibilities
Otter AI - Voice Meeting Notes and Real-Time Transcription
SLC Mom Squad - A private Facebook Group for parents of children with learning and attention challenges
P.E.A.C.E. - Monthly in-person parent learning workshop, support group, and live Q&A
Stowell Learning Center Virtual Information Session - Have questions about SLC services? Get them answered!
Self-Determination Program
 
➡️ Want to speak to a learning specialist? Call 877-774-0444 or click https://stowellcenter.com/learning-specialist-call/

LDE 69: Embracing Differences and Building Social Emotional Health - Suzanne McClure

"I don’t want kids to have to spend their life compensating for their learning challenges and so we don’t teach them to manage or to cope. We really identify and develop the underlying skills that are actually at the root of the problem in order to remove the roadblocks to reading and to learning."
-Jill Stowell
 
Jill Stowell and Suzanne McClure - Head of School at MUSE Global Schools in Calabasas - discuss ways to help our kids embrace and value their own differences:
✅ How to invite kids' passions into the classroom to help them feel more engaged
✅ When kids are part of the process, they build executive function skills
✅ How neurodivergent kids can make and keep friends
 
--
 
➡️ MUSE highly values passion and the idea of allowing students to merge their interests, curiosities, and passions with their academic life.
➡️ As parents and educators, whenever we can help kids see that what they're learning in school actually relates to their real life, especially something they're really good at or passionate about, the learning becomes so much more meaningful.
➡️ When parents and teachers engage with students around their interests and passions, students develop a sense of confidence and autonomy and ownership.
➡️ When students and teachers work together, the students are able to build executive function skills around self-management and self-control.
➡️ Encouraging your child's passion may also lead to him finding and keeping friends who have similar interests.
➡️ Jill and Suzanne also dig into why the nontraditional approaches to education that both MUSE and Stowell Learning Center take are a key component to the future success of our neurodivergent kids. Teaching kids how to "cope" with their learning challenges will not open the door to possibility the way that getting to the root of the problem will.
 
--
 
SHOW NOTES:
➡️ Episode Resources and Transcript: https://stowellcenter.com/2023/09/01/episode-69-embracing-differences-and-building-social-emotional-health-suzanne-mcclure/
➡️ Speak to a Learning Specialist for Free: https://stowellcenter.com/contact 
 
Suzanne McClure & MUSE Global School
🌐 MUSE Global School
ⓕ MUSE on Facebook
ⓘ MUSE on Instagram
ⓣ MUSE on Twitter
📕 The OMD Plan - by Suzy Cameron