Learning Differently

Learning differences don’t have to define a student’s limits—this episode reveals how an ability-forward approach to learning differences can unlock confidence, growth, and real success. If you’ve ever wondered how to better support a child who learns differently, this conversation delivers practical strategies and a powerful mindset shift. Discover how reframing learning differences can transform not just academic outcomes, but how students see themselves and their future.In this episode of Learning Differently, hosts Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Joie Laykoff sit down with education consultant and author Mary Miele to explore what it truly means to move beyond labels like “disability” and embrace student strengths. Drawing from decades of experience and real-life insights, Mary shares how language, mindset, and executive functioning strategies shape a child’s learning journey—and how parents and educators can create environments where students feel capable, understood, and empowered. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating fear, uncertainty, or frustration around learning differences—and ready to move toward clarity and possibility.What you’ll gain from this episode:How to shift from a deficit-based mindset to an ability-forward approachPractical ways to talk to children about their learning differences with confidenceA clear understanding of executive functioning and how it impacts learningStrategies to build resilience, independence, and self-awareness in studentsTools to strengthen collaboration between families and schoolsDon’t risk letting outdated labels limit your child’s potential—learn how to reframe learning differences and unlock what’s truly possible.

What if school wasn’t something students had to survive, but something designed for who they are?In this episode of Learning Differently, Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang sit down with Joie Laykoff to explore the future of education through the lens of personalization. They unpack what’s working, what’s changing, and what still needs to shift to truly serve students with learning, social, and emotional differences. From one-to-one models to tech-free flexibility, this episode challenges the old assumptions of “what school should be” and paints a picture of what it could become.If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like to build a system around students instead of fitting students into a system…this conversation is for you.

From switching schools to moving up a grade, transitions can be especially challenging for students with learning, emotional, or social differences. Change brings uncertainty and for some kids, that can trigger anxiety, shutdowns, or regression. In this episode of Learning Differently, Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang talk with Shayna Abraham about why transitions are so hard for neurodiverse students and what adults can do to make those moments less overwhelming…and more empowering.

Gifted kids aren’t supposed to struggle, right? That’s one of the biggest myths about twice-exceptional, or 2e, students. These learners may have exceptional talents and also face learning, emotional, or attentional challenges that make school especially hard.In this episode of Learning Differently, hosts Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang sit down with Dr. Dan Peters to explore the misunderstood world of 2e students. They unpack what it means to be both gifted and challenged, why these students often go unnoticed, and what schools can do to help them thrive.

Autistic students often struggle not because they can’t learn, but because schools weren’t built with them in mind. From overwhelming environments to misunderstood behaviors, traditional classrooms can create unnecessary barriers to connection and progress.In this episode of Learning Differently, hosts Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang sit down with Dr. Damon Korb to explore how autism shows up in real classrooms and what parents, educators, and clinicians can do to help students feel seen, supported, and successful.

When students stop showing up, emotionally or physically, it’s rarely about laziness. School avoidance is often tied to anxiety, depression, or past experiences that make school feel overwhelming or unsafe.In this episode of Learning Differently, hosts Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang speak with Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson about why some students shut down and how we can help them re-engage. You'll learn what to look for, how to respond with empathy, and what kinds of school environments support emotional recovery.

Trauma rewires the brain. For many students, the effects show up not just emotionally, but academically and behaviorally, too. They aren’t just distracted. They’re trying to survive.In this episode, Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang talk with Shayna Abraham about how trauma shows up in school, how it’s often misread, and how educators and parents can create environments where healing and learning can happen side by side.

Sensory processing differences can make everyday school experiences overwhelming. Bright lights, loud bells, scratchy clothes: what’s background for most can feel unbearable for some.In this episode of Learning Differently, Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang talk with Joie Laykoff about how sensory issues show up in the classroom, how to spot them, and what adjustments can make school feel safe and supportive for all learners.

School shouldn’t feel like a threat—but for many students, it does. Whether it’s the fear of tests, overwhelming environments, or the pressure to fit in, anxiety can hijack a student’s ability to learn.In this episode of Learning Differently, hosts Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang talk with Dr. Marta Shinn about what school anxiety really looks like, how it disrupts learning, and what can actually help students feel safe and supported again. You’ll walk away with insights that challenge assumptions—and practical tools you can use tomorrow.

Some students aren’t lazy or forgetful. They’re struggling with executive function. From organization and time management to emotional regulation and mental flexibility, executive functioning skills are the foundation of learning success—but they’re rarely taught.In this episode of Learning Differently, hosts Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang talk with Dr. Damon Korb about what executive dysfunction looks like in real classrooms, why traditional systems make it worse, and how to help students build the skills they need to thrive.

Dyslexia isn’t about intelligence—it’s a difference in how the brain processes language. And when schools don’t catch it early, students often internalize shame, anxiety, and frustration.In this episode of Learning Differently, hosts Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang sit down with Dr. Dan Peters to explore the science of dyslexia, how to spot it, and what actually works to support struggling readers. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or clinician, this episode delivers clarity, compassion, and tools that make a real difference.

Some students don’t just struggle with academics. They struggle to connect. Whether it’s due to anxiety, autism, ADHD, or past experiences, social difficulties can leave students feeling isolated and misunderstood.In this episode of Learning Differently, Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang talk with Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson about what social challenges look like in school and how educators and parents can help students build meaningful peer connections.

What does ADHD really look like in the classroom, and how can you actually help a student who’s struggling with focus, organization, or motivation?In this episode of Learning Differently, hosts Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang sit down with Dr. Marta Shinn to explore how ADHD impacts executive function, why traditional strategies often fall short, and what kinds of support truly make a difference. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or clinician, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and leave you with practical strategies that can transform the learning experience for students with ADHD.

When we understand how students learn, we help unlock who they can become.On Learning Differently, Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Michael Wang talk with parents, educators, and experts to explore how students with learning, social, and emotional differences actually learn, why traditional school can be so challenging for them, and what really helps them thrive.We dive into ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, autism, executive function, and more, breaking down the science, sharing real stories, and offering practical tools for the people who support these students every day.