Diverse Thinking Different Learning Ep. 257: Helping Kids with Dyslexia and ADHD Build Confidence Through Stories with Lynn Greenberg
We are so excited to have Lynn Greenberg join us for this edition of the show. Lynn has devoted her life to being an advocate for children as a trained attorney specializing in family law and pro bono work. When her youngest son, Jonathan, was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, she stepped into the role of being his advocate, using her expertise to help carve a path toward his success. The experience inspired her to support neurodivergent children more broadly, and she discusses how co-writing the children's book Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure with Jonathan became a natural next step, allowing her to create characters in whom neurodivergent children can see themselves.
We talk about how storytelling can help children recognize that learning differences are not flaws but are meaningful parts of who they are, one of Lynn's goals in writing two books with her son, and she reflects on her journey into advocacy. She discusses how teachers struggled to understand why a bright, curious kid like her son Jonathan, a boy who could memorize them in their entirety, had trouble reading stories. Eventually, he was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, diagnoses that answered some questions while also opening doors to new challenges such as finding the right educational environment, understanding how Jonathan's brain processed language, and helping him see his differences as strengths rather than weaknesses.
Lynn reflects on what those early years were like for her family, including the frustration of encountering teachers who lacked training in dyslexia and the relief of discovering a specialized school that finally taught Jonathan in a way that worked for him. That experience reshaped how Lynn viewed education, advocacy, and the importance of listening closely to what children actually need.
In our conversation, Lynn talks about why storytelling can reach children in ways that traditional educational resources often can't and how thoughtful design choices (such as dyslexia-friendly fonts) make books more accessible. She also discusses why representation matters so deeply for kids who rarely see themselves reflected in stories, and she offers some encouragement for parents who are beginning their own journeys after a diagnosis.
Show Notes: [2:50] - Lynn reflects on how Jonathan's delayed milestones led to dyslexia and ADHD diagnoses. [5:39] - Hear how, after inadequate school support, a specialized program truly transformed Jonathan's confidence and reading ability. [8:31] - Lynn explains how listening to children's needs and celebrating differences helped inspire creating a dyslexia-centered children's book. [11:09] - Hear why storytelling was chosen - to help neurodivergent children feel seen, understood, and represented. [14:02] - Stories and accessible design can help kids embrace differences with understanding, empathy, and pride. [15:08] - Lynn asserts that accessible design and engaging characters help readers embrace differences as strengths and superpowers! [18:32] - Hear how classroom readings spark meaningful conversations, helping children feel seen and hopeful about their differences. [21:12] - Parents should embrace their child's individuality and seek community support. [23:25] - Lynn asserts that progress requires patience, but support and perseverance lead to growth, success, and brighter futures! [25:10] - Hear how Lynn can be reached!
Links and Related Resources:
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Lynn & Jonathan Greenberg - Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure
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Lynn & Jonathan Greenberg - Suzy the ADHD Taxi and the Sightseeing Adventure
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