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 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 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.

Laurie and Abbey welcome Anna Popp. Anna shares her journey into advocacy, discusses the importance of understanding children's rights in the education system and offers guidance on how parents can ensure their children receive the support they need.

Laurie and Abbey discuss important tips for getting ready for the new school year. They cover reviewing accommodation plans, communicating with teachers, and how students can begin advocating for their own needs as they grow older and enter college.

Laurie and Abbey take a break from their parenting series to discuss summer programs with Melody O'Neil from Landmark School in Massachusetts. Melody shares details about the school’s summer programs for students in grades 2 through 12, focusing on literacy, math, study skills, and executive function.

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.

Laurie and Abbey welcome back Suzette, a 504 coordinator, to discuss 504 accommodations for learning disabilities like dyslexia, ADHD, dysgraphia, and anxiety. They highlight the importance of tailoring accommodations to each student's unique needs for the best support.

Laurie and Abbey meet with Suzette, a 504 Coordinator, to dive into the ins and outs of Section 504. Suzette explains the history, purpose, and how a 504 plan can best serve individuals with learning disabilities.

Laurie and Abbey break down the differences in evaluations, who can order or conduct them, and what the approval process looks like, including the typical timeline for getting things done.

Laurie and Abbey discuss key tips for getting ready for the new school year, including reviewing accommodation plans and communicating with teachers. They also talk about how students can start advocating for their own needs as they grow older and head into college.

Laurie and Abbey continue their ‘Intervention series’ with Lindsay Hollmuller from Dallas Integrated Counseling.

Lindsay explores the widespread issue of test anxiety, explaining how the Test Edge program helps individuals conquer this challenge—whether it’s linked to a learning disability or a concern on its own sharing practical strategies for tackling anxiety and boosting performance.

Laurie and Abbey continue the ‘intervention series’ in an interview with Rachel Erickson from Breakaway Test Prep, a service available to students across the country for help with standardized testing.

Laurie and Abbey continue the intervention series with part 2 of their conversation with Melanie Florsheim from Gateway Growth.

Melanie dives deeper into the impact of Dyslexia Therapy, discussing why consistency is key, the importance of pairing it with other supplemental curriculums, and the crucial role early intervention plays in a child’s success.

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey sit down with Tim Niermeyer from Next Step College to Career Coaching.

Tim shares how his program helps college students prepare for the workforce by offering one-on-one résumé coaching and career prep. He explains how they guide students in landing their dream job in their desired field after college.

In this episode, Laurie and Abbey explore intellectual developmental disorders (intellectual disabilities), discussing how individuals are diagnosed and evaluated. They also cover what educational settings look like for students with intellectual disabilities and what services are available, both during their school years and after transitioning out of the public education system.