What if your teen isn’t ignoring you, but their brain simply can’t keep up with what it’s hearing?

In this episode, Jill Stowell, founder of Stowell Learning Center, joins study skills expert Jessyka Coulter to reveal how weak auditory processing skills can cause students to lose focus, struggle with listening, and be mislabeled as inattentive or lazy. You’ll hear a real auditory processing simulation, learn why sound frequencies affect behavior and motivation, and discover how the brain can be retrained to listen and learn with clarity and confidence.

In this episode:

• What auditory processing disorder (APD) really is and how it differs from ADHD
• Why students who “tune out” or struggle with note-taking may actually be battling sound confusion
• How sound therapy and active auditory training can permanently improve listening, focus, and learning

Resources mentioned:

• Free Auditory Processing Screening Checklist – https://StowellCenter.com/Newsletter
• Learn more about APD – https://StowellCenter.com/APD
• Stowell Learning Center – https://StowellCenter.com
• Jessyka Coulter – https://AceCookieTutoring.com

What schools can—and can’t—do for dyslexia. Jill Stowell explores the limits of RTI and MTSS in schools, the importance of early screening, and why true reading success depends on strengthening underlying processing skills. She shares practical, research-based interventions—like The Listening Program, Enhanced Lateralization, and symbol mastery—that help students become confident, independent readers.

IN THIS EPISODE:

Dyslexia support at school often means extra reading practice or classroom accommodations, but those alone don’t resolve the root challenges.

In this episode, Jill Stowell explains what schools can and can’t do for dyslexic students, why early screening matters, and what kinds of targeted interventions truly prepare students to become confident, independent readers.

• What RTI and MTSS provide in schools—and the structural limits of these supports for dyslexic learners.
• Why underlying auditory, visual, and kinesthetic processing skills must be developed for lasting reading success.
• Examples of effective interventions like The Listening Program, Enhanced Lateralization, symbol mastery, and movement-based activities.

SHOW NOTES

• California Dept. of Education
• Reading Rockets
• Advanced Brain Technologies
• The Listening Program (TLP)
• California CDE: K–2 universal screening begins 2025–26; screening informs instruction, is not a diagnosis/high-stakes measure; districts to adopt from an approved list. California Department of Education
• CDE Approved Screeners (Dec 17, 2024): Amira, mCLASS with DIBELS 8/Lectura, ROAR (gr 1–2), UCSF Multitudes. California Department of Education
• Parent notifications/timelines (CAHelp summary): opt-out and results timelines. cahelp.org
• National MTSS context: Tier 2/3 small-group/intensive supports with progress monitoring; state examples require immediate MTSS after risk flags. Reading Rockets+2Ohio Department of Education+2
• Phonemic awareness prevalence: ~25–30% with deficit in a key component of phonological awareness (Lindamood, 1992).

STOWELL LEARNING CENTER

At Stowell Learning Centers, we help children and adults break free from the constant struggles associated with dyslexia and other learning challenges.

Despite what you might have been told, your child doesn't have to “just live with it” and every day doesn't have to feel like a battle for them or for you.

When you're ready for real, lasting change, give us a call: 877-774-0444

👉 Click StowellCenter.com to schedule a call, or to find information and free resources

Finally, an answer for dyslexia. In this episode, Jill Stowell reveals what dyslexia really feels like, why bright students struggle, and the underlying auditory, visual, and kinesthetic factors that make reading and writing difficult. Real stories show both the challenges and the hidden strengths of dyslexic learners, while parents gain clear steps to recognize the signs, talk openly with their child, and seek real solutions.

IN THIS EPISODE:

Dyslexia isn’t a problem of effort or intelligence—it’s a difference in how the brain processes information.

Jill Stowell explains the lived experience of dyslexia and breaks down the underlying auditory, visual, and kinesthetic factors that make reading and writing hard, while offering clear next steps for parents and teachers.

Real stories highlight both the struggles and the strengths of dyslexic learners.

• What dyslexia feels like day to day, and why bright, creative students may still struggle in school.
• The three core components: auditory processing (sound discrimination/sequence), visual processing and disorientation, and kinesthetic/writing challenges (including dysgraphia).
• Practical guidance for parents: recognize the signs, talk openly with your child, and seek solutions that strengthen underlying skills—not just classroom accommodations.

Show Notes:

• Teri Lawton, Path To Reading - https://pathtoreading.com/

STOWELL LEARNING CENTER

At Stowell Learning Centers, we help children and adults break free from the constant struggles associated with dyslexia and other learning challenges. Despite what you might have been told, your child doesn't have to “just live with it” and every day doesn't have to feel like a battle for them or for you.

When you're ready for real, lasting change, give us a call: 877-774-0444

👉 Click StowellCenter.com to schedule a call, or to find information and free resources