Ep. 105 - Is It a Learning Disability, a Skill Gap, or Something Else? How to Tell the Difference // Dr. Amy Moore & Sandy Zamalis

Your child is struggling, and you don't know if it's a content gap, a skill gap, or something deeper. Should you change curriculum? Hire a tutor? Get a diagnosis? In this episode, homeschool expert and 20-year education veteran Christy-Faith sits down with Dr. Amy Moore (cognitive psychologist and ADHD mom) and Sandy Zamalis (cognitive skills specialist and former homeschool mom) from LearningRx to give you a clear framework for figuring out what's really going on—and what to do next.If you've ever said, “I don't understand why you don't remember this—I taught this to you last week,” this episode is for you.🎁 Free Resource: The New Homeschooler RoadmapEverything you need to start homeschooling — 8 steps, mapped out, ready to follow.👉 christy-faith.com/the-new-homeschooler-roadmapIn this episode, you'll learn:How to tell if your child has a content gap, a skill gap, or a true learning disabilityWhen to change curriculum vs. when to call in a professionalShould you get a diagnosis? The real pros, cons, and costsWhich specialist to see first when your child is struggling (and which ones to skip)Sudden behavior change vs. lifelong struggle: how to tell if it's medical (like PANDAS) or developmentalWhy learning styles are a myth—and what working memory, automaticity, and prior knowledge actually predictWhy “they'll catch up eventually” is bad advice, based on research with 5,000+ struggling readersWhat cognitive skills training is and why neuropsychologists keep recommending itSponsors:BJU Press Homeschool✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level👉 Visit bjupresshomeschool.com/christyCTC Math✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you!👉 Visit CTC MathLovevery Reading Skill Set✔ 98% of kids improved their reading scores in 6 weeks✔ Follows the science of reading with fun, game-based learning👉 Visit lovevery.com/christyfaith — use code CHRISTY10 for 10% offSummit Healthshare✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans👉 Visit summithealthshare.comResources mentioned:LearningRx — Cognitive skills training centers nationwide: learningrx.comThe Brainy Moms Podcast (Dr. Amy Moore & Sandy Zamalis): learningrx.com/brainy-moms-podcastThe Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.comThrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thriveAbout our guests:Dr. Amy Moore is a cognitive psychologist, the Director of Psychology and Research for LearningRx, and co-host of the Brainy Moms podcast. She has a master's in early childhood education, a PhD in cognitive psychology, and is an ADHD mom who has ADHD herself.👉 amymoorephd.comSandy Zamalis is a cognitive skills specialist and owner of two LearningRx centers. She is a former homeschool mom who homeschooled from preschool through high school and is part of LearningRx's Homeschool Partnership Program.👉 thebrainymoms.comConnect with Christy-Faith:Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschoolTikTok: @christy_faithWebsite: christy-faith.comBook: Homeschool Rising🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us!