Episode Details

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here.

I am so excited to share this conversation with Dr. Paul Beljan, a pediatric neuropsychologist who is doing incredible work pushing our field forward. This episode is a deep dive into why we need to move past the outdated discrepancy models of the 1990s and start looking at the actual neurology of how kids learn. Paul and I talk about the “learn and lose” phenomenon, why math disorders are so frequently missed in schools, and the critical role of the cerebellum in procedural learning. We also get into the weeds on how to write reports that parents actually want to read and how to give feedback to a child in a way that is empowering rather than pathologizing. This is a must-listen for anyone who feels like the standard way of identifying learning disorders just isn’t capturing the full picture of the kids sitting across from them.

• 00:32: The importance of accuracy in pediatric diagnosis and the weight of professional responsibility.
• 03:39: A critique of the discrepancy model and the “wait to fail” problem in schools.
• 07:34: Why math learning disorders are rarely diagnosed and the role of procedural consolidation.
• 11:32: Distinguishing between phonological and orthographic dyslexia through error analysis.
• 15:04: The “hook and ladder” fire truck analogy for the dual-tiered model of executive functioning and the cerebellum.
• 30:48: The failure to consolidate fundamentals versus conceptual understanding in dyscalculia.
• 45:13: Reforming neuropsychological report writing using the Stephanie Nelson model.
• 59:08: How to conduct an “awareness meeting” feedback session with children.

Cool Things Mentioned

• Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists
• Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists
• Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists
• Paul’s practice website: www.beljanpsych.com 
• The FAM and the FAR (Feifer Assessment of Math/Reading): www.parinc.com
• Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes: www.lindamoodbell.com
• Orton-Gillingham Academy: www.ortonacademy.org 
• The Executive Brain by Elkhonon Goldberg: www.amazon.com/Executive-Brain-Frontal-Lobes-Civilized/dp/0195156012
• Neuro Summary Sheet
• The Wisdom Paradox by Elkhonon Goldberg: www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Paradox-Your-Mind-Stronger/dp/1592401872
• Dr. Stephanie Nelson (The Peer Consult): www.thepeerconsult.com
• Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults: www.giftedbooks.com
• Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz: www.dyslexia.yale.edu 

Featured Resources

TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code