Are Learning Differences Superpowers?

When School Stops Feeling Safe

When a child does not feel understood at school, the impact goes far beyond academics. In this episode, Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Joie Laykoff are joined by Jodie Patterson to examine what emotional safety really looks like for students. They discuss how traditional school environments can fall short, especially for students navigating identity, and what it means for a child to feel connected and accepted. The conversation explores how parents can begin to understand behavior as communication, how to support children who are trying to figure themselves out, and how to recognize when a school environment may no longer be the right fit. This episode offers a thoughtful look at how belonging and understanding shape a student’s ability to learn and grow.

Are Learning Differences Superpowers?

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 approach * Practical ways to talk to children about their learning differences with confidence * A clear understanding of executive functioning and how it impacts learning * Strategies to build resilience, independence, and self-awareness in students * Tools to strengthen collaboration between families and schools Don’t risk letting outdated labels limit your child’s potential—learn how to reframe learning differences and unlock what’s truly possible.

Why Personalized Education Works for Students Who Learn Differently

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.

How to Help Neurodiverse Students Through School Transitions

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.

Twice-Exceptional (2e): Supporting Gifted Students with Learning Differences

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.