Autistic students often struggle not because they can’t learn, but because schools weren’t built with them in mind. From overwhelming environments to misunderstood behaviors, traditional classrooms can create unnecessary barriers to connection and progress.

In this episode of Learning Differently, hosts Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang sit down with Dr. Damon Korb to explore how autism shows up in real classrooms and what parents, educators, and clinicians can do to help students feel seen, supported, and successful.

When students stop showing up, emotionally or physically, it’s rarely about laziness. School avoidance is often tied to anxiety, depression, or past experiences that make school feel overwhelming or unsafe.

In this episode of Learning Differently, hosts Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang speak with Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson about why some students shut down and how we can help them re-engage. You'll learn what to look for, how to respond with empathy, and what kinds of school environments support emotional recovery.

Trauma rewires the brain. For many students, the effects show up not just emotionally, but academically and behaviorally, too. They aren’t just distracted. They’re trying to survive.

In this episode, Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang talk with Shayna Abraham about how trauma shows up in school, how it’s often misread, and how educators and parents can create environments where healing and learning can happen side by side.

Sensory processing differences can make everyday school experiences overwhelming. Bright lights, loud bells, scratchy clothes: what’s background for most can feel unbearable for some.

In this episode of Learning Differently, Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang talk with Joie Laykoff about how sensory issues show up in the classroom, how to spot them, and what adjustments can make school feel safe and supportive for all learners.

School shouldn’t feel like a threat—but for many students, it does. Whether it’s the fear of tests, overwhelming environments, or the pressure to fit in, anxiety can hijack a student’s ability to learn.

In this episode of Learning Differently, hosts Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang talk with Dr. Marta Shinn about what school anxiety really looks like, how it disrupts learning, and what can actually help students feel safe and supported again. You’ll walk away with insights that challenge assumptions—and practical tools you can use tomorrow.

Some students aren’t lazy or forgetful. They’re struggling with executive function. From organization and time management to emotional regulation and mental flexibility, executive functioning skills are the foundation of learning success—but they’re rarely taught.

In this episode of Learning Differently, hosts Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang talk with Dr. Damon Korb about what executive dysfunction looks like in real classrooms, why traditional systems make it worse, and how to help students build the skills they need to thrive.

Dyslexia isn’t about intelligence—it’s a difference in how the brain processes language. And when schools don’t catch it early, students often internalize shame, anxiety, and frustration.

In this episode of Learning Differently, hosts Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang sit down with Dr. Dan Peters to explore the science of dyslexia, how to spot it, and what actually works to support struggling readers. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or clinician, this episode delivers clarity, compassion, and tools that make a real difference.

Some students don’t just struggle with academics. They struggle to connect. Whether it’s due to anxiety, autism, ADHD, or past experiences, social difficulties can leave students feeling isolated and misunderstood.In this episode of Learning Differently, Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang talk with Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson about what social challenges look like in school and how educators and parents can help students build meaningful peer connections.

What does ADHD really look like in the classroom, and how can you actually help a student who’s struggling with focus, organization, or motivation?In this episode of Learning Differently, hosts Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Mike Wang sit down with Dr. Marta Shinn to explore how ADHD impacts executive function, why traditional strategies often fall short, and what kinds of support truly make a difference. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or clinician, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and leave you with practical strategies that can transform the learning experience for students with ADHD.

When we understand how students learn, we help unlock who they can become.

On Learning Differently, Lynna Martinez-Khalilian and Michael Wang talk with parents, educators, and experts to explore how students with learning, social, and emotional differences actually learn, why traditional school can be so challenging for them, and what really helps them thrive.

We dive into ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, autism, executive function, and more, breaking down the science, sharing real stories, and offering practical tools for the people who support these students every day.