1. Different But Able: A Kandid Chat on Learning Differences! The Kandid Shop Podcast LLC 52:15

On this episode, I sat down for a much-needed chat about learning differences with an amazing guest.
Ms. Choyce Simmons, is an author, certified Grief support specialist, educational therapist, and CEO/Founder of Beautiful Minds LLC.

Key Stats:
● One in five children in the US has learning and attention issues like dyslexia and ADHD.
● Students with learning differences are more than twice as likely to be suspended as those who do not and the dropout rate for students with learning differences is 18.1%, nearly three times the rate of all students.

Key Takeaways:

● Children with learning differences just have differences, not disabilities
● Symptoms of learning differences may include attention issues, poor executive functioning, behavior issues, and difficulty focusing.
● Dyslexia is hereditary, so it’s important to know your family’s medical history
● BIPOC children may be more often mislabeled with ADHD or a learning difference due to cultural and environmental factors, as well as biases in diagnosis and treatment.
● Labels may be necessary to get the services that a child needs, but parents have the right to call meetings and ask for documents to be amended and changed
● Educators and parents should not treat everyone the same because everyone learns differently and has unique strengths and weaknesses.
● Smaller classroom sizes, co-teachers in classrooms, and individualized curriculums can help reach every child.
● Parents should start early in learning how their children learn and advocating for them.

 

Guest Contact Info:

Choyce Simmons:
https://facebook.com/choyce.simmons
beautifulmindsllc@gmail.com

 

About Guest

Choyce Simmons 
Author, CEO, Certified Grief Support Specialist, Educational Therapist, Mother,
Born with a purpose and a plan. It was after the loss of my mother that my purpose was revealed. My name is Choyce Simmons, author of “Live, Learn, Love, Embracing your Inner You,” a book of motivational words and poetry. I am also a co-author of “When Queens Rise,” released Dec. 2023. My chapter “From Grief, Through Pain, To Purpose”, shares how Grief caused me mentally, physically, and emotionally Illness. It gives a message of hope to overcome Grief and find hope after loss; as the CEO/Founder of Beautiful Minds, LLC, an Educational Therapy, Advocacy, and Consulting company that assists children with learning differences and their families to navigate special education in both public/private school sectors with Grief support services both in an individual/group setting and with the extended professional development services provided; educators in Anne Arundel County Public Schools have access to our Grief customized courses. As an expert and Certified Grief Support Specialist, Grief Facilitator with over 7 years of experience and a double  Master’s degree in Human Service Counseling with a concentration in Grief Counseling and a Master’s in Education with a concentration in Educational Therapy; I am grateful to serve families as they overcome Grief to live full lives and navigate Special Education to get their children the services and support they deserve.

 

Intro : “Welcome To The Kandid Shop” by Anthony Nelson aka BUSS

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/buss/252316338

 

 

Kristin McGriff aka “Kandidly Kristin,” Founder & Host of The Kandid Shop Podcast

Kristin is a voice-over actor and Founder & Host of The Kandid Shop Podcast.

She believes we each have a purpose, a path & a platform to candidly share our unique voices with the world if we just tap into it.

Her personal motto is “Don’t let your inner me become your enemy”

When not podcasting or doing voice-over work, Kristin enjoys swimming, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family, especially her 3 grandbabies!