Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities

In Episode 142 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie speaks with John Gassner, an ADHD-certified life coach with the practice Order Out of Chaos, who runs their ADHD Athlete Coaching Academy. The conversation centers on how ADHD intersects with competitive sports for student athletes — the struggles, the benefits, and coaching strategies that help kids thrive in both arenas.Resources:Order Out Of Chaos Website: https://www.orderoochaos.comContact Order Out Of Chaos: [email protected] info for the podcast: [email protected] Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eDiaglearning/Twitter: @diaglearningLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/Instagram: @diaglearning

In Episode 141 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie speaks with math tutor Heide Putt, founder of Mathtastic, about the three main categories of math struggle she sees in students: knowledge gaps, dyscalculia (a true math learning disability), and math anxiety. Heide shares how her background in Montessori and IB education -- both rooted in individualized, inquiry-based learning -- shaped her approach, and how specialized dyscalculia training transformed the way she teaches.Resources:Mathtastic Website: https://mathtastic.tutorbird.comContact info for the podcast: [email protected] Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eDiaglearning/Twitter: @diaglearningLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/Instagram: @diaglearning

In Episode 140 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie revisits her conversation with Dr. Sandra Elliott of Touch Math, a multi-sensory math program using touch points to help struggling learners connect abstract numbers to physical objects. She explains the science behind dyscalculia and how Touch Math's structured approach bridges concrete and abstract thinking for students who find math challenging.Resources:TouchMath Website - https://touchmath.comDyscalculia Screener - https://dysctest.comContact info for the podcast: [email protected] Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eDiaglearning/Twitter: @diaglearningLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/Instagram: @diaglearning

In Episode 139 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie continues explaining school voucher programs. While school voucher/ESA programs offer flexibility, families of students with disabilities should be cautious - IDEA's strongest protections only apply in public schools. Once a child moves to a private school, IEPs are no longer legally enforceable and services become limited, leaving families with far fewer rights and recourse if their child's needs aren't met.Resources:ESA and Voucher Handout: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHAq1wGjXI/UDGoMY_q217FyQ8ZiXDNgw/view?utm_content=DAHAq1wGjXI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h22d7b693b0Contact info for the podcast: [email protected] Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eDiaglearning/Twitter: @diaglearningLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/Instagram: @diaglearning

In Episode 138 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie and Sydney explore the newly launched school voucher programs, specifically Texas's Education Freedom Account (EFA), which opens for applications in February 2026.Resources:ESA and Voucher Handout: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHAq1wGjXI/UDGoMY_q217FyQ8ZiXDNgw/view?utm_content=DAHAq1wGjXI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h22d7b693b0Contact info for the podcast: [email protected] Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eDiaglearning/Twitter: @diaglearningLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/Instagram: @diaglearning