What if students with learning disabilities are capable of far more than many people realize?

On The Mark Swartzberg Show, educational specialist Margaret Walsh shared how a Catholic understanding of the human person is transforming the way educators can support children with learning differences. Rather than accepting a fixed mindset that assumes students will always struggle in the same ways, Walsh encourages families and teachers to recognize each child's God-given potential for growth.

Walsh explained that many learning disabilities – including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and some forms of autism – stem from difficulties in processing information rather than a lack of intelligence. Every student is uniquely created by God, she said, and deserves an individualized approach that helps develop strengths instead of merely working around weaknesses.

Drawing on the philosophical insights of Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas, Walsh described how learning begins with our senses before information is processed by the intellect. Modern educational interventions, she noted, often align remarkably well with this timeless understanding of the human person. By strengthening foundational skills such as auditory processing, visualization, and conceptual thinking, students can make significant academic gains and become more confident learners.

The conversation also explored ADHD, which Walsh described as a complex condition involving working memory, attention, and information processing. While medication can be helpful for some students, she encouraged families to consider a holistic approach that also examines habits, nutrition, learning strategies, and targeted interventions designed to strengthen cognitive skills.

Above all, Walsh emphasized that Catholic education should never settle for simply accommodating a child's limitations. Instead, educators are called to help students grow toward the fullness of their God-given abilities, enabling them to pursue truth more effectively and live out their vocations with greater confidence and freedom.

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What if students with learning disabilities are capable of far more than many people realize?
On The Mark Swartzberg Show, educational specialist Margaret Walsh shared how a Catholic understanding of the human person is transforming the way educators can support children with learning differences. Rather than accepting a fixed mindset that assumes students will always struggle in the same ways, Walsh encourages families and teachers to recognize each child's God-given potential for growth.
Walsh explained that many learning disabilities &ndash; including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and some forms of autism &ndash; stem from difficulties in processing information rather than a lack of intelligence. Every student is uniquely created by God, she said, and deserves an individualized approach that helps develop strengths instead of merely working around weaknesses.
Drawing on the philosophical insights of Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas, Walsh described how learning begins with our senses before information is processed by the intellect. Modern educational interventions, she noted, often align remarkably well with this timeless understanding of the human person. By strengthening foundational skills such as auditory processing, visualization, and conceptual thinking, students can make significant academic gains and become more confident learners.
The conversation also explored ADHD, which Walsh described as a complex condition involving working memory, attention, and information processing. While medication can be helpful for some students, she encouraged families to consider a holistic approach that also examines habits, nutrition, learning strategies, and targeted interventions designed to strengthen cognitive skills.
Above all, Walsh emphasized that Catholic education should never settle for simply accommodating a child's limitations. Instead, educators are called to help students grow toward the fullness of their God-given abilities, enabling them to pursue truth more effectively and live out their vocations with greater confidence and freedom.
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The best way to listen to the&nbsp;Best of the Week&nbsp;is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out&nbsp;<a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

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Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.