Ep. 5 - Understanding Dyslexia, ADHD, and Executive Functioning with Heather Thompson

In this episode of Untangled, Dr. Priti Kothari welcomes longtime collaborator Heather Thompson, a master's-level special education teacher and tutor with over 30 years of experience in the field. Together, they break down what parents need to know once a child is identified as struggling in school — from psychoeducational evaluations and IEPs/504 plans to the specific interventions available for dyslexia and other learning disabilities.Heather walks through the differences between three well-known approaches to dyslexia — Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, and Lindamood-Bell — and explains which students benefit most from each. Dr. Kothari brings the clinical perspective, discussing how medication for ADHD fits alongside (not instead of) educational and executive functioning support, and why the rising rates of ADHD diagnoses reflect both greater awareness and increasing academic pressure on kids.The conversation moves beyond academics into executive functioning as a life skill — time management, organization, daily routines, and self-regulation — and the emotional toll that undiagnosed or unsupported learning differences can take, including low self-esteem, rejection sensitive dysphoria, and depression. Dr. Kothari and Heather close with a heartfelt discussion on why patience, unconditional support, and helping kids find and pursue their genuine passions matter more than chasing a "perfect" major or career path.A must-listen for parents navigating a new diagnosis, and for anyone curious about how clinicians and educators work together to support the whole child.