61 episodes

Neuroversity provides a space to educate ourselves and others about neurodiversity, to elevate the experiences of the neurodivergent, to be a source of support for members and allies of this community, and to help move the culture towards valuing and including diverse neurological conditions. This is a space where questions are welcomed and encouraged and honoring individual experiences is the number one rule.

Neuroversity Jessica Kidwell

    • Health & Fitness
    • 5.0 • 26 Ratings

Neuroversity provides a space to educate ourselves and others about neurodiversity, to elevate the experiences of the neurodivergent, to be a source of support for members and allies of this community, and to help move the culture towards valuing and including diverse neurological conditions. This is a space where questions are welcomed and encouraged and honoring individual experiences is the number one rule.

    SLD 101: Auditory Processing Disorder and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities

    SLD 101: Auditory Processing Disorder and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities

    This is the second of a two part series where I will introduce you to the most common types of specific learning disabilities or SLDs.

    Part two is about Auditory Processing Disorder and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
    Auditory processing disorder, APD for short, is when the brain has trouble interpreting sounds or language.  It is a central nervous system process as opposed to a deficit within the ear’s ability to hear.  APD impacts the brain’s ability to process sounds, which can cause confusion in words that are heard, mix similar words up, and make it especially difficult to distinguish sound in noisy environments.  Non Verbal learning disorders, also known as NVLD or NLD, refers to a set of issues that are not solely associated with reading or writing and contribute to the difficulty for a child to learn.  A child with NLD may have trouble understanding spatial concepts, but have good language skills. Non verbal learning disorders impair a person’s life skills and affects his or her social, academic, professional and emotional experiences. It is not currently a distinct diagnosis, so it is often misunderstood or missed altogether.  Part one was about Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia.
    Listen to find out the signs for each and what types of supports and accomodations can help.

    Resources for this episode:
    General facts about learning disabilities
    https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/factsheets/learningdisabilities
    https://www.ldonline.org/getting-started/ld-basics/what-learning-disability 
    Link to Neuroversity Dyslexia Episode
    https://www.neuroversitypod.com/episodes/episode/4ced2263/a-beginners-lesson-on-dyslexia-with-lorraine-hightower-certified-dyslexia-advocate-and-consultant

    Auditory Processing Disorder resources:
    https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/understanding-auditory-processing-disorders-in-children/
    https://childmind.org/article/what-is-auditory-processing-disorder/
    https://childmind.org/article/help-for-kids-with-auditory-processing-disorder/  
    Non verbal Learning Disorder Resources:
    https://nvld.org/does-my-child-have-nvld/
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    • 13 min
    SLD 101: Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia

    SLD 101: Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia

    This is the first of a two part series where I will introduce you to the most common types of specific learning disabilities or SLDs.

    Part one is about Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia.
    Dysgraphia is a learning disability that impacts writing abilities.  And we’re not talking about just having poor handwriting, this goes well beyond that.  Dysgraphia can also impair spelling, and getting thoughts onto paper.  Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects the part of your brain that processes number information and therefore impacts your ability to do mathListen to find out the signs for each and what types of supports and accomodations can help.

    Resources for this episode:
    General facts about learning disabilities
    https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/factsheets/learningdisabilities
    https://www.ldonline.org/getting-started/ld-basics/what-learning-disability 
    Link to Neuroversity Dyslexia Episode
    https://www.neuroversitypod.com/episodes/episode/4ced2263/a-beginners-lesson-on-dyslexia-with-lorraine-hightower-certified-dyslexia-advocate-and-consultant
    Dysgraphia facts:
    https://www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/writing-spelling/what-dysgraphia
    https://childmind.org/article/understanding-dysgraphia/
    https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/articles/dysgraphia-101-introduction-and-strategies-5327#:~:text=The%20five%20different%20types%20are,phonological%20dysgraphia%2C%20and%20lexical%20dysgraphia.
     Dyscalculia Facts:
    https://childmind.org/article/how-to-spot-dyscalculia/
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23949-dyscalculia
    https://www.additudemag.com/what-is-dyscalculia-overview-and-symptom-breakdown/
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    • 12 min
    Inclusion 101 with Tim Villegas

    Inclusion 101 with Tim Villegas

    "We don't need a handful of people doing inclusive education perfectly, we need millions of people doing it imperfectly." - Tim Villegas

    According to the Oxford Dictionary, inclusion is the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or intellectual disabilities and members of other minority groups. And specifically when it comes to education, inclusion is the act or practice of including students with disabilities with the general student population.

    And yet, what does true inclusive education look like in a public school setting?
    In this episode, Tim Villegas, the Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education and founder of their podcast and blog, Think Inclusive, joins me to provide a beginning lesson on inclusion.

    You will learn
    The history of the IDEAHow belief in inclusive education does not equate implementing inclusive education practicesThe difference between placement and belonging when talking about inclusive practicesThe importance of storytelling in moving the cultural acceptance of inclusionResources cited:
    A summary of the evidence on inclusive education
    The relationship between special education placement and high school outcomes

    About Tim Villegas:
    Tim Villegas is the Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education and founder of their podcast and blog, Think Inclusive. He spent 16 years in public education, where he advocated for the full and authentic inclusion of learners with disabilities in general education, even those with more extensive support needs. 
    MCIE: 
    Website: https://www.mcie.org/

    Email List: https://bit.ly/MCIE-Email-List

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkInclusive/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/think_inclusive/

    Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/think_inclusive

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThinkinclusiveUs

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-education/
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    • 46 min
    How to ADHD with Jessica McCabe

    How to ADHD with Jessica McCabe

    In this episode of Neuroversity, host Jessica Kidwell chats with Jessica McCabe, the brains behind the "How to ADHD" YouTube channel and author of "How to ADHD: An Insider's Guide to Working With Your Brain, Not Against It." 
    Jessica started her channel as a way to understand her own diagnosis and it quickly became apparent that the information she was learning was helpful to a whole lot of other people too -over 1.6 million other people!
    In this episode we:
    Understand the unique challenges of ADHD in women and how to navigate them effectively.Gain practical tips for managing ADHD symptoms and improving overall well-being.Discover effective strategies for overcoming the challenges of time management with ADHD.Learn about the importance of self-diagnosis and how it can lead to better understanding and support.Explore the impact of dopamine and estrogen on ADHD symptoms and how to leverage this knowledge for better management. About today's guest:
    Jessica McCabe is the brain behind How to ADHD, a popular YouTube series that regularly releases easily accessible, research-based content providing a toolbox of strategies and deeply felt understanding and acceptance to ADHD brains, as well resources and education for the people who love them. The channel focuses on teaching people how to be themselves and work with their brains, rather than against them, and has garnered the support of over 1.6 million subscribers.  Her new book, How to ADHD: An Insider's Guide to Working With Your Brain (Not Against It), came out in January 2024
    Buy the book here!
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    • 47 min
    Engage Their Senses and Minds: Sensory-Based Learning for Preschoolers

    Engage Their Senses and Minds: Sensory-Based Learning for Preschoolers

    From glitter bottles to yoga cards: here are some tips to stimulate all EIGHT senses. Yes, I said eight.Join me as I explore the world of sensory processing and share tips on creating a sensory-friendly classroom for preschool-aged children. Understanding the eight senses is crucial for enhancing the educational experience and well being for all children.
    In this episode, you will be able to:
    Understand the benefits of sensory-friendly classrooms for preschoolers.Review the importance of the eight senses in early childhood development.Find engaging sensory activities for preschool-aged children.Connect with me here:
    https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/neuroversitypodwww.neuroversitypod.comhttps://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/neuroversitypodhttps://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/neuroversity/The resources mentioned in this episode are:
    Check out episodes 32, 33, and 34 in season one of Neuroversity from September 2022 to learn about sensory processing disorder and basic terminology related to sensory needs. https://www.neuroversitypod.com/episodes/episode/797698a5/sensory-processing-disorder-spdStatistics for US preschool enrollment: https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/08/preschool-enrollment.html#:~:text=The%20percentage%20of%203%2Dto,new%20U.S.%20Census%20Bureau%20report.Statistics for Norway preschool enrollment: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1312718/share-children-preschool-norway/#:~:text=In%20Norway%2C%20a%20high%20majority,reaching%2093.4%20percent%20in%202022.For a tutorial on making a glitter bottle: https://kidzcraftcorner.com/sensory-bottles/Discover 100 ideas for what to put in your sensory bin on https://happytoddlerplaytime.com/21-amazing-sensory-bins-for-toddlers-preschoolers/Listening Lotto Sounds on the Farm: https://www.amazon.com/Listening-Childrens-Auditory-Matching-Learning/dp/1933052392/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?crid=14B6M44T4DJ3I&keywords=listening+lotto&qid=1704320770&sprefix=listening+lotto%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-9Yoga Pretzels https://www.barefootbooks.com/yoga-pretzels-deck

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    • 15 min
    Navigating Social Media Safely: Dr. Devorah Heitner’s Expert Advice for Neurodivergent Kids

    Navigating Social Media Safely: Dr. Devorah Heitner’s Expert Advice for Neurodivergent Kids

    The digital world allows our children the opportunity to connect with people all over the place and all of a sudden they have a community. But how do we help our children find the line of privacy and how do we help ourselves find the line of privacy for our children? - Dr. Devorah Heitner
    Do you want your neurodivergent child to feel empowered and stay safe while navigating the digital world? Join me as I welcome my guest, Devorah Heitner, who will be sharing valuable insights and strategies to empower neurodivergent children and ensure they have safer online experiences. 
    In this episode you can:
    Discover effective strategies for parenting in the digital age, ensuring our children's safety and well-being online.Understand the difference between monitoring and surveilling our children and which one builds more trust.Learn the importance of media literacy and how to help our children, and ourselves, to critically analyze digital content.Uncover practical tips for navigating the digital world with neurodivergent children.Understand the unique challenges and benefits of growing up in the digital era, equipping yourself with tools to support our children effectively.Dr. Devorah Heitner is a leading authority in helping neurodivergent children navigate the digital landscape. With her books, Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World and Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive and Survive in the Digital World, she has become a trusted resource for parents seeking practical advice. Her work has been featured in major publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN Opinion, solidifying her credibility and expertise. With a deep understanding of neurodiversity and the challenges it presents in the digital realm, Dr. Heitner offers valuable insights and strategies for creating safer and more empowering online experiences for neurodivergent children. Parents can trust her guidance to help their children thrive in today's digital world.
    Find more about Dr. Heitner here:
    https://devorahheitner.com
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/06/10/my-mother-struggled-with-learning-disabilities-smartphone-would-have-helped-her-find-her-way/
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/parenting/2023/09/15/teens-overshare-social-media/
    Listen to her episode on We Should Talk About That:
    https://www.westatpod.com/episodes/episode/7e49c6bc/we-should-talk-about-our-childrens-privacy-the-internet-and-growing-up-in-public-with-author-devorah-heitner-phd
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    • 36 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
26 Ratings

26 Ratings

KGRarr ,

Informative podcast!

I appreciate the information provided in every episode of this podcast. I had not heard of many of these Neuroveristy topics, and Jessica summarizes them beautifully, allowing me to use this information in my own life!

bethhammy8 ,

Open your mind!

I love the way this podcast teaches me something every time I listen to it. Jessica imparts information in a very engaging and interesting way. I highly recommend this podcast!

Sally Tierney ,

So informative!

Thank you for teaching me about the 8 senses. I’m wondering if the ability to process changes over time. Mine seems to be shifting and the information you’re providing is calming to me.

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