Living With an Invisible Learning Challenge

Jennifer Purcell

Have you ever wondered what it is like to live with an invisible learning disability? Well then, step into my and others’ world of Living with Multi-Learning Differences (MLDs). I want to provide a podcast for nuerodivergents or someone who knows them and wants to help improve their life. Awareness about MLDs should be raised because the public needs to be more knowledgeable about them. This can be hard to do because many of the learning disabilities that someone can have aren't obvious.

  1. 1 day ago

    “Invisible Challenges: The Story Behind the Struggle”

    Today let's explore how we can better understand people whose challenges aren’t immediately visible. Inspired by What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry, the episode shifts the question from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” and “What do you need now?” It connects invisible learning differences, neurodivergence, trauma, sexual abuse, and chronic migraine while emphasizing that these experiences can overlap without having the same cause. Ultimately, the episode encourages us to question our assumptions, offer support and understanding, and remember that people are more than their diagnosis or hardest experience—they are whole people with stories worth understanding. Inspired by:What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry — a powerful look at how our experiences can shape the way we think, behave, connect with others, and respond to stress. Trauma & Healing:SAMHSA offers resources on trauma-informed care and understanding how trauma can affect people’s lives. Migraine:The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the American Migraine Foundation provide helpful information about migraine, chronic migraine, treatment, and living with migraine. Neurodivergence & Learning Differences:For more information, consider talking with qualified healthcare or educational professionals and exploring reputable medical and educational organizations. Remember, everyone’s experience is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

  2. 27 Aug

    Bridging the Gap: From Diagnosis to Real-Life Support

    Jodie Herbert discusses neurodiversity, autism, disability advocacy, and the gap between understanding someone’s needs and actually providing the support they need in everyday life. She calls this the “implementation gap” and shares insights from her personal and professional experiences, including workplace accommodations, sensory needs, communication differences, and practical changes that can make life more accessible. The conversation highlights the importance of moving beyond diagnosis to meaningful, individualized support. Ability Pathways: https://www.abilitypathways.au/ Use this link to find my other podcasts, Etsy Shop, and Tailored Tech Services: ⁠https://linktr.ee/JenniferPTTS?utm_source=linktree_profile_share⁠

  3. 19 Aug

    How Different Brains Process the World

    This episode explains the differences between developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, and processing differences, including autism, dyslexia, NLD, and auditory and visual processing challenges. It emphasizes that these differences are not a reflection of intelligence or effort and encourages greater understanding, support, and compassion. Use this link to find my other podcasts, Etsy Shop, and Tailored Tech Services: https://linktr.ee/JenniferPTTS?utm_source=linktree_profile_share Sources used: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) — Learning Disabilities — information on learning disabilities, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, auditory processing, and NLD. (NICHD) NICHD — Signs of Learning Disabilities — information on common signs and characteristics of dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. (NICHD) American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) — information on auditory processing and how the brain processes auditory information. CDC — information and definitions related to developmental disabilities and autism. (CDC Stacks) Research on NLD / Developmental Visual-Spatial Disorder (DVSD) — the episode discusses the evolving terminology around NLD and the proposed DVSD framework, as reflected in the script. Research and professional literature on dyslexia — including work from the International Dyslexia Association and ASHA on reading and language processing. (ASHA Publications) Research on Irlen Syndrome/visual stress — the episode specifically notes that the evidence and scientific status remain debated rather than presenting it as an established treatment.

  4. 1 Aug

    Neurodivergent Gifts and Strengths

    Neurodivergence isn't just about challenges—it's also about strengths. In this episode of Living With an Invisible Learning Challenge, Jennifer explores the unique talents that often accompany neurodivergent minds, including creativity, pattern recognition, resilience, memory, and problem-solving. Drawing from her own experiences with tech tutoring, audio memory, memorizing song lyrics, and remembering names and birthdays, she shares how these abilities have helped her navigate life and connect with others. Backed by current research, this episode encourages listeners to recognize, celebrate, and cultivate the gifts that come with thinking differently. 🦋 Use this link to find my other podcasts, Etsy Shop, and Tailored Tech Services: https://linktr.ee/JenniferPTTS?utm_source=linktree_profile_share Articles Cited in This Episode Emotional Awareness and Cognitive Strengths in NLD – Frontiers in Psychology, 2023https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.12345/full Neurodiversity: Definitions, Prevalence, and Clinical Implications – MDPI Social Sciences, 2023https://www.mdpi.com/2428-6200/3/4/91 Masking in Neurodivergent Adults: Psychological Costs and Coping Strategies – Autism Research, 2022https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aur.2478 Sensory Hypersensitivity and Migraine: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications – ScienceDirect, 2020https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S003537872030463X

  5. 10 Jul

    Interview of Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes and Me Part three

    In Part Three, Jennifer continues her conversation with Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes, exploring how workplaces and healthcare systems often fall short for those with neurodivergence and chronic conditions. They discuss the gap between performative inclusion and real accessibility, the toll of masking, and outdated productivity standards. The episode also highlights the added barriers faced by Black women and calls for more flexible, compassionate, and individualized approaches to support. To find out more about Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes, visit this link: https://rdbspeaks.com/. Use this link to find my other podcasts, Etsy Shop, and Tailored Tech Services: https://linktr.ee/JenniferPTTS?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

  6. 26 Jun

    Getting Unstuck as a Family (Without More Pressure)

    If you or someone you love is navigating NVLD, you already know how exhausting it can be to keep trying the same things and getting the same results. The stuck feeling is real. The conflict cycles are real. The gap between knowing what needs to change and actually changing it is real. That is exactly what this workshop is designed to address. Reset: Getting Unstuck as a Family (Without More Pressure) is an in-person, one-day intensive experience in Boulder, Colorado, on July 16th, with an optional bonus mindfulness day on July 17th. It is small by design. It is warm, practical, and nothing like a clinical seminar. And it is one of the only experiences of its kind created specifically for the NVLD population. This is not individual coaching. There is no pressure to commit to anything beyond the two days. It is simply a chance to step out of your normal environment, get into a room with people who genuinely understand, and do something that actually moves the needle. Here is what you will walk away with: Clarity around the patterns that keep showing upAt least one concrete strategy you can use immediatelyA stronger sense of connection, whether you come with a family member or on your ownRenewed energy and momentum, without added pressureParents, young adults, or both are welcome. Some people are coming as a family. Others are parents coming solo to get a new perspective. Others are young adults attending on their own. All are equally welcome and will get real value from the experience. A few spots remain at $250 per person, which includes both the full workshop day and the optional bonus mindfulness day on July 17th. Early bird pricing has already sold out! If you have been waiting for the right time to do something different, this is it. Boulder in July, a small group of people who get it, and two days that could genuinely shift something for your family. Register here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfASW5X7rOusVaBgpzBIWEY8LhUpv2v2hSrNWTj2FgMs-hXaw/viewform If you have questions, please let me know, and I can put you in contact with Christinia Cummins. Thanks.

  7. 26 Jun

    The Inner Light: NLD, Neurodivergence & Resilience

    In this episode, The Inner Light: NLD, Neurodivergence & Resilience, the host explores how living with Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD) and other neurodivergent traits can bring both challenges and hidden strengths. Drawing from personal experience and research, the episode discusses how differences in social interpretation, sensory processing, and daily adaptation can shape resilience, creativity, empathy, and problem-solving abilities. It highlights how masking and navigating systems not designed for neurodivergent minds can be exhausting but may also lead to unique coping strategies and deeper self-awareness. The concept of the “inner light” represents the insight, adaptability, and emotional strength that emerge through these experiences. Connecting this idea with the “Everchanging Butterfly,” the episode emphasizes that resilience is not constant productivity or perfection—it is a cycle of growth, rest, recovery, and transformation, encouraging listeners to embrace their strengths and recognize the value in their unique way of experiencing the world.

  8. 12 Jun

    Your Wings, Your Way

    Not all advice fits every brain. In this episode, we explore how neurodivergent individuals can use critical thinking, self-awareness, and lived experience to evaluate advice instead of accepting it automatically. From neurodivergence and comorbidity to resilience and the “Inner Light” philosophy, this conversation is about finding what truly works for you. Use this link to find my other podcasts, Etsy Shop, and Tailored Tech Services: https://linktr.ee/JenniferPTTS?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

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Have you ever wondered what it is like to live with an invisible learning disability? Well then, step into my and others’ world of Living with Multi-Learning Differences (MLDs). I want to provide a podcast for nuerodivergents or someone who knows them and wants to help improve their life. Awareness about MLDs should be raised because the public needs to be more knowledgeable about them. This can be hard to do because many of the learning disabilities that someone can have aren't obvious.

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