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In this episode, Banu and Elisha explore neurodiversity, the challenges within traditional education, and why systemic reform is essential for both students and teachers. They discuss how purpose and genuine interest — the “why” — are powerful motivators for learning, especially for neurodivergent minds, and how behaviors often seen as “problems” are really responses to unmet needs. Alicia also shares a compassionate low-demand, connection-first approach for supporting kids experiencing “school-can’t,” emphasizing safety, trust, and emotional well-being over attendance and performance.

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Happy OT week! In this episode of the Theropod podcast, we welcome Aislinn Pierse, a pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience. Aislinn discusses the nuances of pediatric occupational therapy, emphasizing the importance of understanding a child's unique context and building strong therapeutic relationships. She explores common reasons for referrals, such as handwriting issues and emotional dysregulation, while highlighting that these often mask deeper challenges. Aislinn also shares her approach to assessments, advocating for qualitative observations over standardized scores to truly capture a child's needs. Join us for a thoughtful conversation that offers valuable insights into supporting children and their families through occupational therapy.

For more information on our work follow- @therapodpodcast on instagram @therapod pod on facebook Or email us at therapodpodcast@gmail.com. Thank you for listening

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Banu Balaji, the host and an occupational Therapist chats with Georgie Coney , a dedicated and fully qualified teacher, author, and dyslexia specialist with over two decades of experience. She is passionate about fostering positive learning environments for all children, with a deep understanding of learners with specific learning difficulties.

As a qualified diagnostic assessor of specific learning difficulties in the UK and a specialist teacher, Georgie brings a wealth of expertise to her practice. She serves as a coordinator and dyslexia tutor at the Dyslexia Association of Ireland and runs her own tutoring business, Dyslexia Span.

Georgie has held various teaching roles, including teacher training for parent partners and education, and has worked as an inclusion manager, SENCO, and learning support coordinator in mainstream and special education settings. She has authored several books on spelling and phonological awareness to aid learners with dyslexia and other challenges.

In addition to her teaching work, Georgie co-hosts the "The Long Way Back" podcast on neurodiversity with Timmy Long. She is committed to supporting learners with dyslexia and other learning differences through her teaching, advising, and advocacy efforts.

For more information on our work follow-

@therapodpodcast on instagram

@therapod podcast on facebook

Or email us at therapodpodcast@gmail.com. Thank you for listening!

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In this episode, we go Beyond Dyslexia with a truly fascinating guest: Nellie Nakhel, a successful academic who has navigated the halls of higher education while grappling with dyslexia. Our guest shares their candid journey, from the early frustrations of feeling like an outsider in a system that didn't play to their strengths, to the grit it took to persist and find their own path.

We explore a profound narrative of self-acceptance, uncovering how they came to see their dyslexia not as a limitation, but as a different kind of operating system. We'll dive into the unique cognitive strengths that come with thinking differently—how their brain's unique wiring allowed them to connect disparate ideas, spot hidden patterns, and innovate in their field in ways their peers couldn't.

This is more than a story of overcoming a challenge; it's an exploration of redefining what "academic success" truly means.

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