Your child’s inner voice can make school feel easier or impossible, and most kids never learn how to use it in a way that actually supports learning and confidence.

In this episode of the LD Expert Podcast, Jill Stowell breaks down five simple and science based self talk tools that can strengthen executive function, improve emotional regulation, and help kids shift from “I can’t” to “I’m capable.”

You will learn how language shapes the brain, why certain phrases shut kids down, and how small changes in the way children speak to themselves can create big changes in motivation, follow through, and resilience.

These strategies are powerful for kids with dyslexia, ADHD, auditory processing challenges, and executive function weaknesses, and they are just as effective for teens and adults who have spent years feeling defeated by school or daily tasks.

Parents who have tried everything will finally understand why motivation and confidence seem fragile, why their bright child struggles more than expected, and what tools actually build lasting change instead of temporary coping.

If you want your child to feel capable, calm, and confident, this episode gives you practical, brain based tools you can start using today.

When your child is still struggling despite endless effort, tutoring, accommodations, or reminders, real answers are available. At Stowell Learning Center we strengthen the weak underlying learning and executive function skills that keep capable kids stuck. If you are ready for real and lasting change, schedule a free consultation at https://stowellcenter.com/call.

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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🌐 Equilibrium Counseling Services

🌐 NeuroPebble – Professional Training for Supporting Neurodivergent Youth

ⓘ Instagram: @neuropebble

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📕 Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety – A compassionate, practical guide to helping teens manage stress and overwhelm

Available on Amazon

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▶️ Jamie Roberts on the LD Expert Podcast: Teen Anxiety

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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.