More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child

The Reading and Language Learning Center
More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child

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.

  1. 9 HR. AGO

    Parenting an Anxious Child with Dr. Samantha Sweeney

    In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Samantha Sweeney about Parenting an Anxious Child. Dr. Sweeney is a licensed psychologist in the DC Metro Area. She works with students of all ages at her practice Family Psychological Services of Capitol Hill. Today we will answer these questions: What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety in children? Does it differ based on age? Can anxiety be triggered by something, and if so how do I identify that trigger? Are there things I can do to help my child in an anxious moment? What strategies are there to help me, as the parent, stay calm when my child is anxious? What is a normal level of anxiety for a child to have? How will I know when I need to look into gathering more support for my anxious child?  What are the avenues to get the support that they need? How can I build a safe space at home for my child to work through their anxiety? What strategies can I teach my child to help them work through their anxiety on their own?    Links and Resources: Dr. Sweeney’s practice: https://www.fpsch.com/ Dr. Sweeney’s book Working with Worry: https://www.bullpub.com/workingwithworry.html  Dr. Sweeney’s other services through Culturally Competent Kids https://www.culturallycompetentkids.com/ Find Dr. Sweeney on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058870125391 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthacourtney/   More about Dr. Sweeney   Dr. Samantha Sweeney is a licensed psychologist in the District of Columbia. She has a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Maryland-College Park, where she was also a fellowship recipient.  Dr. Sweeney earned her undergraduate psychology degree from the University of Pennsylvania.    Dr. Sweeney is passionate about education and has worked with students at all grade levels.  She has been a preschool teacher at St. Columba's Nursery School in Northwest, DC, a consultant and researcher in DC Public Schools, and a School Psychologist in Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia.  Dr. Sweeney also taught several undergraduate classes during her time at the University of Maryland-College Park.  Additionally, while in college she headed up an organization that provided college guidance and enrichment to students in the Philadelphia public schools.     Dr. Sweeney has extensive experience working with children and adolescents with significant emotional and behavioral challenges. During her summers in college, Dr. Sweeney worked for the Wediko Children's Services Summer Treatment Program with children and adolescents with significant emotional and behavioral issues.     Dr. Sweeney is very involved professionally within the wider DC area. She was an adjunct professor in Howard University's School Psychology Program, helping to develop new practitioners and leaders within the discipline. Additionally, Dr. Sweeney was the Preschool Screening Team Leader for the Kathy Wilson Foundation in Alexandria, Virginia. The Kathy Wilson Foundation provides resources and support for children and families in Alexandria.    Dr. Sweeney is committed to serving the wider community through media and speaking engagements. She has provided speaking engagements for universities, places of worship, parent groups, and conferences. Please visit the 'Media & Speaking Engagements' page under the Services tab for more information. If you are interested in Dr. Sweeney speaking at your event or for your organization, please contact her directly.   Throughout her entire adult life, Dr. Sweeney has lived in Capitol Hill, DC.  She understands and loves the neighborhood.  She is invested and wants to serve the community that she loves!   Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode! 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

    53 min
  2. 09/04/2024

    Cultivating a Positive Mindset for School with John Thomas

    In today’s episode, we’re talking to John Thomas about Cultivating a positive mindset for going back to school. Mr. Thomas is a former classroom teacher in the northern Virginia area. He specializes in creating positive and fun learning environments to build students up and help them achieve their best potential. John is now a tutor in the area helping students work through their mindset toward school and themselves while mastering tough assignments. Today we will answer these questions:   How does a student work on having a positive mindset around school? How can parents help their children cultivate this positive mindset? How can students & parents cultivate positive relationships with their teachers? What differences do you see when families adopt a positive mindset around school? How can teachers contribute to creating a positive learning environment that supports students' development of a positive mindset towards school? What role can school administrators play in fostering a culture of positivity and support that benefits both students and parents? Links and Resources: John’s email: thomastutoringllc@gmail.com  Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode! 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

    48 min
  3. 06/26/2024

    ADHD in Mothers with Irene Ilachinski

    In today’s episode, we’re talking to Irene Ilachinski about ADHD in Mothers. Irene is a licensed clinical social worker in the Northern Virginia area. She specializes in treating adults with PTSD and High-functioning women with ADHD. Her practice is called Open Bridges Counseling and it’s located in Fairfax, VA. Today we will answer these questions:   What signs do mothers see that lead them to believe they have ADHD? How do mothers get diagnosed with ADHD? What age do adult women often get diagnosed with ADHD? How can this new diagnosis affect the family? What strategies can mothers use to manage their ADHD?  What is it like for someone to find out later in life that they have been masking for ADHD all along? Is it hard for them to get out of habits that they picked up to help them compensate? What’s your biggest piece of advice for a mother who is just finding out she has ADHD? You work also with Acute and Chronic PTSD in adults. How does ADHD affect Trauma?  Conversely, how does Trauma impact ADHD?   Links and Resources: Irene’s website:  www.openbridgescounseling.com Driven to Distraction, by Ned Hallowell and John Ratey (book):  https://a.co/d/0aZML8YF CHADD - https://chadd.org/understanding-adhd/ - organization for children and adults with ADHD.  ADDitude - https://www.additudemag.com/ - online journal with articles, resources by and for people with ADHD ADHD-friendly Ways to Organize Your Life, by Judith Kohlberg and Kathleen Nadeau (book): https://a.co/d/0056etrz The Smart but Scattered Guide to Success by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare (book): https://a.co/d/045sIKML Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode! 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

    50 min
  4. 06/12/2024

    How Schools Identify And Support Students With Dyslexia With Dr. James Siddall

    In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. James Siddall about How Schools Identify And Support Students With Dyslexia. Dr. Siddall is a licensed school psychologist in Northern Virginia. He owns his own practice where he offers psychoeducational services to students of all ages. Today we will answer these questions:   Can you tell us what happens before a student begins the identification process? I know there are acronyms like RTI & MTSS, what exactly does that mean?  IdentificationHow does the identification process work and who is the catalyst, the parents or the school?  Does the school do testing and if so what does that look like? Will they provide a diagnosis if warranted? Do you recommend that parents get outside testing? How does a student qualify for support services? SupportWhat kind of support is available for my child? What’s the difference between special education, Section 504 & IEPs? How do I know which one is best for my child? Links and Resources: Dr. Siddall’s website: http://jdspsychoed.com/ Dr. Siddall’s email: jsiddall@jdspsychoed.com   More about Dr. Siddall: Dr. James Siddall is a Licensed School Psychologist and the owner of JDS Psychoeducational Services. Dr. Siddall obtained his doctorate in School Psychology from the University of South Carolina and completed his internship at Loudoun County Public Schools in Northern Virginia. Dr. Siddall then worked as a practicing School Psychologist in Arlington Public Schools for seven years, working at both the high school and elementary school levels. He is currently a practicing Psychologist at The Child and Family Practice of Washington, DC in addition to his work at JDS Educational Services.   Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode! 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

    1h 21m
  5. 05/22/2024

    Leveraging The Benefits Of Tech To Support Attention, Organization, Literacy And Communication With Joan Green

    In today’s episode, we’re talking to Joan Green about The Benefits Of Tech To Support Attention, Organization, Literacy, and Communication. Joan is an SLP and Inclusive Assistive Technology Specialist in the DMV area. Through her practice, Innovative Speech Therapy, she specializes in assistive tech for individuals of all ages. Today we will answer these questions:   What is assistive technology? What kinds of technology is out there? Are there low-cost vs. high-cost options? Which piece of technology is best suited to the different areas we’re focusing on today?Attention Organization Literacy Communication  Should parents and teachers use their child/student’s technology when working with them, and if so how should they practice with this technology? How has technology improved a child’s life? Academically, socially, home life etc. More about Joan Joan is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, technology consultant, eldertech advocate, mother of four wonderful young adults, and the founder of Innovative Speech Therapy. Her passion is to do all that she can to help families, educators, caregivers, and therapists address a wide variety of communication, cognitive, literacy, and learning challenges. Over her years as a speech therapist, she’s worked to fine-tune her uniquely effective approach to therapy and professional development. Joan believes in empowering individuals, families, and professionals through affordable, cutting-edge technologies that many of us already have in our homes, schools, and workplaces. Over the past 35+ years, Joan developed systems, techniques, and strategies to help others speed toward their communication, cognitive, and learning goals. To do this, Joan combines the use of the latest assistive technology features, online tools, engaging speech and language therapy apps, evidence-based speech therapy techniques, inclusive family-centered communication training, and multiple means of support. In addition to providing customized individual sessions, Joan enjoys speaking at conferences and creating webinars, courses, and online tutorials about using engaging and motivating resources to enhance communication and learning. Joan believes that education should never end, and so she is constantly on the lookout for new, innovative ways to help her clients. Joan received the “Most Outstanding Contribution to the Field” award from the Maryland Speech-Language-Hearing Association, as well as the “Technovator Award” from MATN (Maryland Assistive Technology Network) sponsored by The Johns Hopkins University School of Education for Technology in Education and the Maryland State Department of Education. Joan knows how important it is that you trust and feel comfortable with the person helping you move forward toward your goals so Joan offers a free initial phone consultation. Joan is based in the Washington, DC area but offers the majority of tech advising and coaching sessions online, everywhere.  Along with her one-on-one sessions, Joan also provides video-based courses and often shares her techniques through blog posts, online courses, books, and speaking engagements. Links and Resources: Joan’s practice: www.innovativespeech.com Task breakdown: https://goblin.tools/ Read & Write for Google Chrome: https://www.texthelp.com/products/read-and-write-education/for-google-chrome/   Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode! 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

    46 min
  6. 05/08/2024

    Fostering Independence & Self-Advocacy with Judy Bass

    In today’s episode, we’re talking to Judith Bass about Fostering Independence & Self-Advocacy. Judy is a certified educational planner based in Maryland. She specializes in the field of college and postsecondary placement for students who learn differently. Today we will answer these questions: What is self-advocacy? How do you teach self-advocacy and independence? What are the best ways to encourage independence and self-advocacy at home? Why is it so important to foster strong independence and self-advocacy in a child? What are some of the challenges neurodivergent students face when attempting to self-advocate in school? How can being an independent learner and good self-advocate impact a student's postsecondary education?   More about Judy Judith S. Bass, CEP is an internationally recognized expert in the field of college and postsecondary placement for students who learn differently. For the past 20 years, Ms. Bass has provided comprehensive planning services for students with ADHD, ASD, and other learning differences. Ms. Bass is a contributing author in the recently published book, Navigating the Transition from High School to College for Students with Disabilities. Her articles have appeared in numerous magazines, including Washington Parent and ATTENTION Magazine. Ms. Bass has developed CollegeWebLD, www.collegewebld.com , a one-stop source of information on college disability services at over 400 colleges in the US. She is past Chair of the Commission on Credentialing for AICEP (www.aicep.org) and a past Board Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).  She also serves as a consultant to several independent high schools in the Washington, DC area. Ms. Bass received her undergraduate degree in Education and Spanish from Stony Brook University, earned a Graduate Level Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA and holds the designation of Certified Educational Planner.   Links and Resources: Judy’s practice: https://www.basseducationalservices.com/  Make sure to subscribe and follow us on social media so you never miss an episode! 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

    16 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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.

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