This week on Thriving Kids, I’m joined by actor Orlando Bloom. He talks about growing up with dyslexia, including the challenges he faced paying attention and concentrating in school, and how he developed his own workarounds before many of today’s evidence-based supports existed. We also discuss how movement, mindfulness, good nutrition, and sleep can help kids
(and adults) manage attention and learning challenges — and why every child should discover their area of excellence.
In this episode, we cover:

• Orlando Bloom’s experience growing up with dyslexia
• How learning disabilities can affect confidence and school performance
• Why diagnosis and support matter
• Practical strategies for reading, memorization, and focus
• The role of movement, mindfulness, and routine in mental health
• How parents can help children build resilience and self-belief
• Why neurodiversity includes both challenges and strengths

Further reading from the Child Mind Institute:
• Understanding Dyslexia - https://childmind.org/article/understanding-dyslexia/
• ADHD and Exercise - https://childmind.org/article/adhd-and-exercise/
• The Power of Mindfulness - https://childmind.org/article/the-power-of-mindfulness/

In this Thriving Kids Q&A, Dr. Dave Anderson explains how parents can recognize early signs of dyslexia, ADHD, and learning disabilities, advocate for school support, and protect their child’s self-esteem while they struggle academically. This episode offers practical guidance on evaluations, IEPs and 504 plans, reading intervention, ADHD treatment, and why early support can change a child’s trajectory.

In this episode, we cover:

· Early signs of dyslexia and learning disabilities

· ADHD in kids and why it’s not just about trying harder

· When to ask for a school evaluation

· IEPs, 504 plans, and school accommodations

· The emotional impact of academic struggles

· How early intervention supports confidence and long-term success

· What parents can do when teachers say a child will “grow out of it”

Podcast Links

· Understanding Dyslexia

· Getting Support From Your Child’s School

· Inside an Evaluation for Learning Disorders

What happens when systems built to support kids with learning disabilities change? In this episode, Dr. Dave Anderson sits down with Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, to discuss the state of learning disability support across the country, from early screening and phonics-based reading instruction to IEP protections and the real concerns parents are raising right now about changes at the Department of Education.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone who cares about public education, this conversation is for you.

Mentioned in this episode:

National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) — https://ncld.org/

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) — https://ncld.org/join-the-movement/understand-the-issues/learn-the-law/

Further reading:

· How Kids Learn to Read – Child Mind Institute

· Learning Disabilities and Self-Advocacy – Child Mind Institute

· Quick Guide to Specific Learning Disorder – Child Mind Institute