Understanding Learning Differences

In this episode, Tyla explains what learning differences are and reassures kids that a different way of learning doesn’t mean they aren’t smart. She gives clear examples like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, and describes how these differences can show up at school. The episode highlights common strengths among learners with different brains, suggests helpful supports and accommodations (such as audiobooks, extra time, and visual aids), and encourages kindness, patience, and consideration of how everyone learns best.

In this episode, Tyla explains what an assessment is, why someone might have one, and what happens during the process. The episode explains why you might need an assessment and that assessments are about understanding your strengths and needs, not judging or labelling. Tyler describes typical assessment activities, who might be involved, and possible outcomes, and offers calm, practical advice for kids and families preparing for an assessment. The episode closes with a reassurance that different doesn’t mean broken and that assessments are an incredibly helpful tool in understanding your brain!

Hi friends! Welcome to Season Two of Explain My Brain with Tyla, a psychologist who helps kids (ages 4–10) and the grown-ups who care for them understand how different brains learn, feel, and grow. This season goes deeper into brain styles like dyslexia and other learning differences, what different parts of the brain do, and how our brains affect emotions and behaviour. Short and gentle episodes explore learning, regulation, communication, school, home, friendships, and what helps brains feel calm, confident, and understood. Listeners are invited to share questions or topic ideas - because every brain belongs and we can learn together.

Stimming is short for self-stimulatory behaviour, which is movements or sounds like rocking, hand-flapping, humming, or tapping that help people feel calm, focused, or joyful. Everyone stims sometimes, but autistic and other neurodivergent people often stim more because their brains experience the world more intensely. Stimming is a natural way to regulate feelings and communicate needs. Support means accepting safe stims, asking kindly if unsure, and helping swap unsafe stims for safer options. Stimming is not something to hide - it helps people feel safe, calm, and happy.

Psychologist Tyla explains how autistic children experience social interaction and communication, dispels the myth that they don’t want friends, and shows that autistic kids often connect in different but meaningful ways. The episode provides examples of social and communication differences, highlights the strengths that autistic kids bring to friendships, and offers simple ways for neurotypical children to be patient, inclusive, and supportive of them.

Tyla explains autism as a neurotype, covering common traits such as sensory sensitivities, stimming, intense routines, special interests, and various ways of communicating. The episode highlights autistic strengths (memory, pattern recognition, creativity) and invites reflection and conversation; the next episode will look more closely at social interactions and communication differences.

In this episode of Explain My Brain, join psychologist Tyla as she dives into the often overlooked concept of internal hyperactivity. While ADHD is commonly associated with visible hyperactivity, internal hyperactivity manifests as a whirlwind of thoughts and ideas constantly buzzing in the mind. Tyla explores how this inner activity can be especially prevalent in girls, often leading to misunderstandings and delayed support. Discover how creative and imaginative this type of brain can be, and learn strategies to harness its potential effectively. Through relatable examples and insights, Tyla offers a fresh perspective on recognising and embracing the unique strengths of an internally hyperactive brain.

Welcome to another episode of Explain My Brain with Tyla, a psychologist who values the uniqueness of every brain. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of verbal hyperactivity, a type of ADHD where the brain's craving for communication manifests as enthusiastic talking. Tyla explains that this isn't just an issue of being "chatty," but a fast-paced brain that is full of creativity and emotion. We uncover how verbal hyperactivity often goes unnoticed, especially in girls and quieter individuals, due to their ability to mask these behaviours. Join this insightful conversation, embracing those who might interrupt to finish sentences, enjoy storytelling, or express themselves through a rapid flow of words. Learn strategies to manage verbal energy and recognise the strengths that accompany a fast-talking brain.

Welcome to Explain My Brain! In this episode, host Tyla, who is both a psychologist and someone familiar with ADHD, dives into the complexities of hyperactive and impulsive ADHD. Discover how this type of ADHD manifests, from fast-paced thoughts to restless behaviours, and learn why it's not about being 'too much' but about having a vibrant, lively brain. Explore how this energy translates into daily life at school and home, and the challenges and gifts that come with it. Understand the brain's executive functioning and why impulsivity and hyperactivity occur, and get advice on what can help manage these traits. Join Tyla as she celebrates the accomplishments of historical figures with similar minds, and open your heart to the beauty of a brain that speaks louder and dreams bigger.

Welcome back to Explain My Brain with Tyla, your guide to the fascinating functions of the brain. In this episode, we delve into the often overlooked world of inattentive ADHD, characterised by a brain that drifts quietly in multiple directions. Discover how this serene type of ADHD affects both children and adults, influencing their ability to focus, complete tasks, and navigate daily routines. Explore what inattentive ADHD looks like at school and home, and understand the challenges faced by those living with it. Learn how executive functioning, the brain's control centre, can feel impaired, making organisation and task completion difficult. Get practical tips on supporting inattentive ADHD with strategies like breaking tasks into smaller steps and using reminders. This episode emphasizes the importance of understanding and the need for different kinds of support, highlighting that having inattentive ADHD doesn’t equate to being lazy or uncaring.