More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child Podcast Por The Reading and Language Learning Center arte de portada

More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child

More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child

De: The Reading and Language Learning Center
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More Than Words is for parents and people working with children who notice that their child is struggling to keep up with their peers, be it academically, socially, or emotionally. In each episode, we share resources, guidance, and a sense of assurance on the path to helping your child.Copyright 2021 All rights reserved. Crianza y Familias Relaciones
Episodios
  • SLPs Talk Dyslexia: Myths, Gaps, and What They Wish They Learned

    SLPs Talk Dyslexia: Myths, Gaps, and What They Wish They Learned
    Dec 10 2025
    Episode Summary

    In this powerful episode, we’re unpacking what Speech-Language Pathologists really know, and wish they knew, about dyslexia. After interviewing dozens of SLPs and graduate students at the 2024 ASHA Convention, we discovered clear themes: misinformation, missing training, personal stories of struggle and resilience, and a deep desire for better tools to support dyslexic learners.

    Joined by Susan (RLLC Owner) and Maggie (RLLC Therapist), host Tristen dives into what today’s SLPs are experiencing in the field: everything from misconceptions like “letters flipping” to the reality that most grad programs barely touch structured literacy or dyslexia at all. We explore what this means for families, how SLPs fit into the dyslexia landscape, and why specialized language-based literacy training is more important than ever.

    This episode is honest, validating, and packed with insight for parents, educators, and clinicians who want to understand dyslexia through a truly language-based lens.

    In This Episode, We Discuss:
    • The top myths SLPs reported hearing about dyslexia
    • Why dyslexia is not a visual issue, but a language-based learning difference
    • The nationwide training gap in graduate programs
    • Emotional stories from SLPs who personally have dyslexia
    • System-level challenges around screening and assessment
    • Why SLPs are the right professionals to support dyslexia — when properly trained
    • Practical questions SLPs are asking: identification, intervention, evaluation, bilingual learners, and more
    • How training, clarity, and a structured literacy framework can transform SLP confidence
    ✨ Professional Development for SLPs & Educators

    If this episode left you thinking, “I want to learn this, I just never got the training.” you’re not alone. And we can help.

    RLLC now offers several professional development courses, including:

    • Orton–Gillingham Spelling Rules — practical and immediately applicable
    • How to Test for Dyslexia — evaluation guidance for SLPs and educators

    And coming soon:

    Sounds2Print™ Structured Literacy Cohort

    Our signature structured literacy training is now IDA Accredited at the Accreditation Plus level, the highest recognition IDA offers. This program provides the tools you need to become a:

    • Certified Structured Literacy Teacher
    • Structured Literacy Specialist
    • Structured Literacy Interventionist

    Join the interest list or explore current courses at: 👉 www.readingllcenter.com/professional-development

    Connect with Us

    The Reading & Language Learning Center

    Website: http://www.readingllcenter.com

    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/readingllcenter

    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/readingllcenter

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWlbl8Ea8DJFADaNU9ZK1Vw

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reading-and-language-learning-center

    If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review as it helps more families and clinicians find this content!
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    22 m
  • Supporting Independent Learners with Karyn Ewart

    Supporting Independent Learners with Karyn Ewart
    Dec 3 2025
    In this episode of More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child, Tristen sits down with Karyn Ewart, licensed clinical psychologist and Founder of The Sycamore School, for a rich conversation about what it really takes to raise independent, resilient learners. Drawing from decades of experience as a school psychologist, therapist, clinical director, and head of school, Karyn unpacks the habits, mindsets, and family dynamics that shape a child’s ability to take ownership of their learning and their life. Karyn explains what it means to be an independent learner, emphasizing curiosity, self-awareness, and the ability to access and evaluate resources. She discusses why independence starts much earlier than most people think—even in toddlerhood—and how scaffolding, household routines, and even simple chores build the foundation for lifelong competence. Together, Tristen and Karyn explore why today’s parents often struggle with “doing too much,” how oversupervision can limit growth, and why unstructured time is essential for creativity and problem-solving. Karyn offers practical frameworks like “I do, we do, you do” and shares humorous and heartfelt stories from raising her own children, illustrating how mistakes, natural consequences, and even messy science projects become powerful learning moments. The discussion also tackles modeling independence through adult behavior, navigating developmental differences, fostering self-advocacy—especially for kids with learning differences—and helping teens prepare for real-world expectations like jobs, deadlines, and college-level support systems. Grounded in compassion, practicality, and real-life parenting wisdom, this episode offers families concrete tools to support independence while preserving connection, trust, and mental health. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What an “independent learner” truly is—and why curiosity and self-awareness matterHow early independence begins and why toddlers often show the first signsThe importance of scaffolding and letting children make (safe) mistakesWhy household chores are foundational skills—not punishmentsThe developmental benefits of unstructured time and boredomThe risks of oversupervision and how to gradually remove “guardrails”How to balance stepping in vs. stepping back when kids struggleWhat the “I do, we do, you do” teaching model looks like in real familiesHow modeling behavior (not just lecturing) shapes children’s independenceWhy natural consequences—even uncomfortable ones—build resilienceHow to support students with learning differences through accurate diagnosis, self-advocacy, and clarity about what they needWhen (and why) parents should not be their child’s academic tutorStrategies for helping kids transition from small tasks to complex responsibilitiesThe role of self-advocacy in high school, college, and beyondHow to identify your child’s temperament and match expectations accordinglyWhy part-time jobs can be transformative learning experiencesThe importance of boundaries—for kids and parentsWhat it really means to accept your child “with clear eyes” and let them forge their own path About Karyn Ewart Karyn Ewart, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Founder and Head of School at The Sycamore School in Arlington, Virginia. With a career spent in schools—as a therapist, clinical director, school psychologist, and head of school—Karyn brings a deep whole-child perspective to her work. She is passionate about supporting neurodiverse learners, helping families cultivate independence, and empowering students to understand themselves, advocate for their needs, and build meaningful life skills. Known for her clear, compassionate communication, Karyn bridges clinical insight with real-world parenting wisdom to help kids grow into capable, confident adults. Learn more at: thesycamoreschoolva.org Resources & Links The Sycamore School Website: https://thesycamoreschoolva.org The Reading & Language Learning Center Website: http://www.readingllcenter.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/readingllcenterInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/readingllcenterYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWlbl8Ea8DJFADaNU9ZK1VwLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reading-and-language-learning-center Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!
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    52 m
  • The Power of Structure & Movement for Kids with ADHD with Dr. Lisa Bennett

    The Power of Structure & Movement for Kids with ADHD with Dr. Lisa Bennett
    Nov 19 2025

    In this episode of More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child, Tristen sits down with Dr. Elizabeth (Lisa) Bennett, clinical psychologist at MindWell Psychology, to explore why many children with ADHD thrive when their days include intentional structure, movement, and supportive scheduling.

    Dr. Bennett explains ADHD in accessible language—describing executive function as the brain’s “manager” and using memorable analogies to illustrate both hyperactive and inattentive presentations. Together, she and Tristen unpack the phrase “keep ’em busy,” revealing its neurological basis and how movement, motor activity, and the right “gear” help children regulate and succeed.

    The conversation also explores research supporting structured activities, including the well-known Iceland Model, which demonstrated dramatic improvements in teen outcomes when communities increased access to supervised extracurriculars. Dr. Bennett and Tristen discuss what this means for younger children, particularly those with ADHD who benefit from consistent, growth-promoting routines.

    Blending research, clinical expertise, and personal reflection—including Dr. Bennett’s experience raising a highly active child—this episode offers compassionate, realistic tools for parents seeking balance between structure and overscheduling, as well as thoughtful guidance for families hesitant about ADHD medication.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • What ADHD truly is and why executive function can be thought of as the brain’s “conductor”
    • How understanding your child’s “gear” helps you match activities to their energy and attention needs
    • The benefits of structured, supervised activities for children’s regulation, mental health, and safety
    • How movement-based programs like Taekwondo, swimming, drumming, and performing arts build confidence and focus
    • What research tells us about overscheduling vs. healthy involvement
    • How parents can identify signs of burnout or overwhelm when schedules become too demanding
    • A compassionate framework for thinking about ADHD medication options
    • What to do when the “perfect” schedule falls apart — and how those moments still support growth
    About Dr. Elizabeth (Lisa) Bennett

    Dr. Elizabeth (Lisa) Bennett is a licensed clinical psychologist at MindWell Psychology in Chantilly, Virginia. With a professional background that spans preschool education, school psychology, and clinical psychology, she brings a holistic, whole-child perspective to her work with children and adolescents. Dr. Bennett specializes in ADHD, emotional regulation, developmental support, and helping families understand the individualized needs and strengths of their children. Known for her clear analogies and compassionate approach, she empowers families to create structure, balance, and routines that support healthy development.

    Resources & Links

    MindWell Psychology: https://mindwell.us

    Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode!

    The Reading & Language Learning Center

    • Website: http://www.readingllcenter.com
    • Website: http://www.readingllcenter.com
    • Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/readingllcenter
    • Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/readingllcenter
    • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWlbl8Ea8DJFADaNU9ZK1Vw
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reading-and-language-learning-center
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    43 m
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