Ep. 96 Spotting Early Learning Differences with Grace: Dyslexia, Autism, Speech/Language, and ADHD with Lisetta Layer

In this episode of Reimagine Childhood, brought to you by the Early Childhood Christian Network, host Monica Healer welcomes Lysetta Layer, a qualified instructor and certified academic language therapist, educational diagnostician, and preschool minister at Park Cities Baptist Church, to discuss early childhood learning differences and how educators can notice and support them without diagnosing. Lysetta explains dyslexia as a neurobiological difference with early indicators (e.g., spelling and word retrieval challenges, inconsistent retention, letter/number reversals), and emphasizes the value of early remediation. The conversation also touches on autism spectrum indicators, speech and language (expressive vs. receptive) concerns, and the limits of identifying ADHD in preschool. They highlight documenting observable facts, partnering with parents compassionately, and using resources like Child Find and Texas Early Childhood Intervention (birth–36 months) and public school evaluations to access support, stressing that all children are made in God's image and can meet their potential with appropriate help.   00:00 Welcome and Mission 00:49 Meet the Expert Guest 06:04 Noticing Without Diagnosing 09:42 Dyslexia and Autism Signs 30:35 Spectrums and Diagnosis 31:53 Speech Language Basics 39:04 ADHD and Early Intervention 45:07 Resources and Closing Charge Lots of resources for this one: ChildFind in Texas: https://www.spedtex.org/resources/child-find-frequently-asked-questions Early Childhood Intervention in Texas - https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services International Dyslexia Association https://dyslexiaida.org Understood – For Learning and Thinking Differences https://www.understood.org/ Stand Up LD: Supporting Learning Differences https://standupld.org/ Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity http://dyslexia.yale.edu/ Autism Speaks https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism Ages & Stages Questionnaire -super helpful — https://agesandstages.com/ ECCN Course Bundle - Support Children with Special Needs and Their Families - https://earlychildhoodchristiannetwork.com/groups/supporting-children-with-special-needs-and-their-families/