THE SJ CHILDS SHOW-Building a Community of Inclusion

• Episode 310-Empowering Learners: Multi-Sensory Strategies for Academic Success with Dr. Emily Levy

  Send us a textEver wondered why some brilliant minds struggle with reading, writing, or math? What if the key isn't trying harder, but learning differently?Dr. Emily Levy, founder of EBL Coaching, takes us into the world of multi-sensory learning strategies that transform education for students with diverse learning needs. Drawing from her twenty-one years of experience and childhood immersed in special education (her mother founded a school for students with learning disabilities), Dr. Levy shares how targeted, research-based approaches help students not just overcome challenges but discover their unique strengths."Every child, even if they struggle tremendously in school, has gifts," explains Dr. Levy. Her organization's one-on-one tutoring programs serve students from preschool through adulthood, addressing dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism, and other learning differences. Through success stories—like the severely struggling student now studying engineering at Georgetown—we see how proper support creates life-changing outcomes.Parents will find practical advice for identifying learning challenges early, from difficulties with letter recognition to math fact memorization. Dr. Levy also addresses adult learning needs, explaining how workplace demands often trigger adults to seek help for long-unaddressed learning difficulties. The conversation explores summer learning strategies, from specialized programs to everyday opportunities like baking (measuring teaches fractions) and journaling to maintain skills between school years.This episode offers invaluable insights for parents, educators, and anyone interested in how multi-sensory approaches can transform learning. Whether you're supporting a child who's struggling or looking to enhance your own learning capabilities, you'll discover why building on strengths while addressing challenges creates the foundation for lifelong success.Have you noticed learning challenges in your child or yourself? Explore how the right approach might change everything at eblcoaching.com.Support the show

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• BONUS EPISODE-Finding Your Voice in Faith and Autism for the Summit-with Ron Sandison

  Send us a textWhat does authentic autism advocacy look like when powered by faith? Ron Sandison offers a compelling answer in this thought-provoking conversation from the International Autism Summit. As a mental health professional speaking to over 30,000 people annually across 70 events worldwide, Ron brings a unique perspective shaped by his extraordinary gift—15,000 scriptures memorized word-perfect—and his journey as one of only two openly autistic licensed ministers in the Assemblies of God's 114-year history.Ron takes us behind the pages of his new book, "Adulting on the Spectrum," revealing the critical connection challenges autistic individuals face. "Most of us are like old, 30-year-old Velcro shoes—we don't connect well," he explains, before outlining his three-part framework for building meaningful relationships through mentoring, marketing, and the ability to delight others. Through powerful stories and accessible metaphors, Ron demonstrates how identifying personal strengths while accommodating limitations can transform an autistic person's relationship with both the world and themselves.The conversation tackles persistent misconceptions head-on, particularly the damaging assertion that autism can be "outgrown." Ron eloquently describes how autism's manifestation evolves from childhood meltdowns to adult "neuro-crashes," emphasizing that sensory challenges persist regardless of outward appearance or public speaking abilities. His vision for truly inclusive faith communities goes beyond token participation, advocating for autistic voices in leadership positions where they can influence institutional change. Most powerfully, Ron introduces his concept of developing a "hope complex" through spiritual connection, offering neurodivergent individuals an antidote to the "hopeless complex" that often accompanies autism's social and employment challenges. Whether you're autistic, support someone who is, or simply want to understand neurodiversity through a spiritual lens, Ron's insights will transform your perspective on advocacy, faith, and human potential.Support the show

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• Episode 309-When Strep Attacks the Brain: Ethan Pompeo's 20-Year Battle with PANDAS

  Send us a textWhat happens when a simple strep throat infection triggers a devastating autoimmune response that attacks your brain? At age 13, Ethan Pompeo's life changed overnight when mysterious motor tics, compulsive behaviors, and overwhelming anxiety suddenly appeared, beginning a two-decade journey toward answers and healing.Ethan takes us through the frustrating reality of living with PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neurological Disorders Associated with Strep) – a condition where strep antibodies cross the blood-brain barrier and create inflammation in the basal ganglia. His vivid descriptions of trying to complete simple tasks while battling uncontrollable tics paint a stark picture of the daily challenges faced by those with neurological autoimmune disorders.The path to diagnosis wasn't straightforward. Misdiagnosed with Tourette syndrome, Ethan became what he calls a "pill guinea pig," cycling through over 40 different medications by age 17, with side effects often worse than his symptoms. This experience fostered a deep skepticism of conventional medicine and pushed him toward finding his own solutions.What makes Ethan's story particularly compelling is his holistic approach to recovery. Moving to Colorado to work on an organic farm became a turning point, introducing him to lifestyle changes that would transform his health. His discovery that CBD's anti-inflammatory properties – not the psychoactive effects of cannabis – were addressing the root cause of his brain inflammation led to a comprehensive healing protocol combining anti-inflammatory diet, strategic supplementation, strength training, and cognitive behavioral therapy.Today, Ethan is 95% symptom-free and dedicated to helping others through PANDAS advocacy. His powerful message about accepting his condition rather than hiding it resonates beyond just those with autoimmune disorders: "The day I decided to be open about what I'm dealing with, it's like I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders."Whether you're battling chronic illness or supporting someone who is, Ethan's journey offers practical insights, scientific understanding, and above all, hope. Follow his continued advocacy work on Instagram @ethan_pandas or visit greenvalleynutrition.com to learn more.Support the show

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• Episode 308-Beyond Words: How Music Bridges Neurological Differences with Craig Parks

  Send us a textCraig Parks transforms our understanding of connection with autistic children through the profound language of music. Drawing from his dual expertise as both a professional musician and father to an autistic son, Craig reveals how music became the bridge that helped his non-verbal toddler communicate and eventually thrive as a drummer with perfect pitch.The conversation takes us through Craig's personal journey of receiving his son's autism diagnosis at just 16 months old, facing the uncertainty of whether he'd ever hear his child say "Daddy," and discovering how melody and rhythm created pathways of connection where words couldn't reach. "When he is playing music with other musicians," Craig shares, "in that moment there is no neurotypical, there is no autistic—there's just humans creating energy together."This revelation led Craig to develop his groundbreaking "Parenting A to E" course, teaching parents to master their "affect"—the physical manifestations of emotions through facial expressions, body positioning, and vocal tone—to better connect with children across neurological differences. Through specially crafted songs that transform daily routines like bedtime and hand-washing into meaningful moments of connection, Craig demonstrates how parents can create lasting memories and stronger bonds with their children.Beyond parenting techniques, our conversation explores the creation of truly inclusive spaces where neurodivergent children can be celebrated for exactly who they are. Drawing from his 27 years directing summer camps, Craig shares how compassionate communities can be built where differences aren't just accommodated but embraced. Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone who values human connection across differences, this episode offers practical wisdom for using music to bridge neurological divides and foster relationships built on acceptance and joy.Ready to transform your connection with the children in your life? Email Craig at [email protected] for special access to his Parenting A to E course.Support the show

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• Episode 307-Navigating ADHD in Women: A Conversation with Dr. Gilly Kahn

  Send us a textDr. Gilly Kahn brings a refreshing perspective to our understanding of ADHD, particularly in women, through her dual expertise as both a clinical psychologist and someone with lived experience. Her powerful reframing of ADHD not as an attention deficit but as an "overabundance of attention" challenges conventional thinking about neurodiversity in ways that will resonate deeply with listeners.What makes this conversation particularly valuable is how Dr. Kahn bridges the gap between clinical knowledge and authentic human experience. She vividly describes the ADHD mind as having "a 1920s Great Gatsby party in your brain while trying to do homework" – an image that perfectly captures the overwhelming sensory and cognitive experience many with ADHD navigate daily. This isn't just theoretical understanding; it's rooted in compassion and lived reality.The discussion takes us through several critical topics: misconceptions about ADHD (particularly how hyperfocus on interesting activities doesn't disprove ADHD), the science behind medication options (including fascinating research on neuropromotion), and how neurodivergent brains process information differently as "field-dependent learners." Throughout, Dr. Kahn maintains a balanced approach, acknowledging that while research strongly supports certain interventions, treatment choices remain deeply personal.Perhaps most powerfully, Dr. Kahn shares insights from her upcoming book "Allow Me to Interrupt," which launches September 9th. The Shakespeare-inspired work promises to illuminate the emotional realities of women with ADHD in ways that both validate their experiences and educate others. Her parting advice resonates as both scientific conclusion and profound wisdom: "They don't know you as well as you know yourself." For anyone navigating neurodiversity – whether personally or supporting others – this conversation offers both practical understanding and the courage to trust your own experience despite external judgment or misunderstanding.Support the show

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