My guest is Chris Wegner, the acclaimed 'Speech Dude'. Wegner, a school-based Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) and a nationally renowned presenter helps us unfold the essentials of speech and language therapy and its significance for neurodiverse children. Drawing from his 20 years of educational experience and his personal journey with ADHD, Chris delves into the diverse communication modes of neurodivergent learners and the role of SLPs. Listen as he underlines the need to provide neurodivergent students with the right tools and support, rather than forcing them into conventional molds. This enlightening conversation invites the audience to explore the intricacy of sensory experiences common among neurodivergent learners. Learn why sensory regulation is crucial for effective learning and how settings can be modified to create a conducive environment for language development and social interaction. Discover how to strike a balance between sensory support and language learning for a profound understanding of speech and language pathology in aiding neurodivergent children. Finally, the episode encourages self-advocacy skills in students and embarks on the discussion of the optimal age for children to start advocating for themselves. We advocate for a strengths-based approach and share insights on raising neurodivergent children, emphasizing the need to understand each child's intrinsic goodness. Listen in to foster a better understanding of every child's individual needs without changing their authentic self. For even more insights, feel free to reach out to Speech Dude on Instagram with the word "bananas" for a treasure trove of helpful resources and support. Learn more from Chris Wegner aka SpeechDude: https://www.instagram.com/speechdude/ Links to Resources mentioned in this podcast: Loop Earplugs —--- Topics covered in this episode: The role of SLPs working with neurodivergent kids? Chris’s journey growing up with ADHD? provide neurodivergent students with the right tools and support, rather than forcing them into conventional molds. How sensory therapy supports dysregulation What are loop ears? Support for fidgety kids? When a neurodivergent child should be included in the IEP/504 process? Chris’s words of wisdom for parents raising neurodivergent kids?   —------   Stay connected to Kate at ADHD Kids Can Thrive: ADHD Kids Can Thrive Sign Up   —------ Thank you for listening!    #adhd #adhdkid #adhdparent #adhdkidscanthrive #adhdparentsupport #adhdsupport  #specialed #parenting #ADHDkidhealth #brainhealth #anxiety #depression #learningdisabilities #dyslexia #executivefunctioning #dyslexic #neurodiversity #spl #speechdude