Conversations With Dr. John

We curated a video library for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone curious about the neurodivergent mind. Here, you’ll find videos and resources that help explain ADHD, autism, dyslexia, depression, and other ways of thinking, feeling, and learning differently.

Introduction to Understanding Exceptional

Welcome to Understanding Exceptional, a space created to go beyond labels, challenge outdated systems, and truly understand how minds work.

In this introductory video, Dr. John explains what Understanding Exceptional (UE) is, why it was created, and who it’s for. This channel exists to question surface-level explanations, unpack complex topics in accessible ways, and advocate for children, families, and adults who learn and think differently.

Special Education Categories

Once a child reaches school age, meaning they are in kindergarten or any grade beyond, there are 13 different categories of special education they can qualify for. Most parents are unaware of these categories and their actual meanings. One challenge parents face is that the educational diagnostic system differs from the clinical system. Therefore, an outside evaluator like a psychologist or speech pathologist might state that a child has a diagnosis, but the school may contend that this diagnosis does not transfer into the school system. It's important to understand these categories and the clinical conditions associated with them so you can be informed when advocating for your child.

In this video, Dr. John explains the 13 eligibility categories, their related clinical conditions, and how parents can ensure that schools understand the overlap between clinical conditions and educational diagnoses.

What Is Autism?

Diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder have soared in the last decade, raising questions about what’s driving the increase and what misconceptions may be fueling the controversy. In this video series, Dr. John offers a fresh perspective on ASD—one that highlights both its challenges and its potential as a source of remarkable brain power. He breaks down common theories, encourages open discussion, and invites viewers to rethink what autism truly is. By exploring new possibilities, we can better support those with ASD and help prevent it from becoming a growing developmental concern.

What Is An MET?

If you believe that your child is not learning to their full potential and that the school could do more to support their learning, you have the right to request an evaluation. However, this must be done in a specific manner, as educational law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), requires schools to follow certain processes and procedures when conducting these evaluations. The school must hold what is called a Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team meeting, or an MET. You need to request an MET if you want the school to evaluate your child. 

In this video, Dr. John explains what an MET is, who is involved, and what to expect when attending this type of meeting.

Movement

Movement isn’t just good for the body, it’s medicine for the brain.

In this conversation, Dr. John explains how physical activity directly impacts brain regulation, attention, learning, and emotional well-being. From improving focus to stabilizing mood, movement plays a critical role in how the brain functions—especially for neurodivergent individuals.

How the Brain Diagnosis Actually Works

The human brain is complex, dynamic, and deeply individual yet the diagnostic system often reduces it to categories, checklists, and labels. What happens when these two realities don’t align?

In this video, Dr. John breaks down how the brain actually works and contrasts it with how the diagnostic system functions. He explains why diagnoses can be helpful tools—but also why they can fall short when they replace understanding.

What is ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a term everyone knows. Many of us have been diagnosed with some form of ADHD. So, what is it really? Why is it that those with ADHD can go all out when engaged in activities they enjoy, yet struggle to start and complete other, less complicated activities? Here again, the issue lies in the diagnosis itself, and understanding the realities of ADHD will help you identify tools that may lead to success. Dr. John explores a variety of topics related to ADHD.

What Do I Do If My Request Is Denied?

The reality is that public and charter schools may try to deny a parent's request for an evaluation. However, to deny a parent's request, the school must provide very specific information, which they often do not supply to parents. In this video, Dr. John discusses what to do if your request for an evaluation is denied and how to communicate with the school in a way that holds them accountable and likely results in them following through with your request for an evaluation. There is a sample letter in the Resources section of the website.

The Regulatory Continuum

Behavior is communication and regulation exists on a continuum.

In this video, Dr. John explores the regulatory continuum, explaining how giftedness, sensory system sensitivity, and brain regulation shape a person’s lived experience. When sensory systems are hyperactive, the brain may struggle to stay regulated, leading to behaviors that are often misunderstood or mislabeled.

Rather than viewing behaviors as problems to fix, this conversation reframes them as clues to how a brain is processing reality.

I.D.E.A.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the foundation of special education but for many families, it feels confusing, overwhelming, and hard to navigate.

In this video, Dr. John breaks down IDEA in plain, practical language, focusing on what parents truly need to know to advocate effectively for their child. Rather than legal jargon, this conversation centers on understanding rights, responsibilities, and how the law is meant to support students—not systems.

Spirituality and Neuropsychology

There appears to be a movement toward spirituality in American society, especially as various social constructs have created divisions among people. More individuals are turning inward for answers. The truth is, many answers can be found by looking inside. In this video, Dr. John discusses how spirituality and science do not have to be mutually exclusive. He explores the idea that a spiritual framework can have a deeply positive effect on a person's psychology or human experience.

The Diagnostic Dilemma

With over 500 mental-health diagnoses, many people receive conflicting labels and little lasting improvement from traditional treatments. In this video, Dr. John explains why the current diagnostic system often fails by focusing on symptoms instead of how the brain naturally functions. He breaks down why experts disagree on conditions like ADHD, autism, anxiety, and dyslexia, and explores natural methods that can reduce or even eliminate the need for psychiatric medication.

What is Neurodivergence?

The term “neurodivergence” has become commonplace in modern society and within the behavioral sciences, and rightfully so. However, what does “neurodivergence” mean? If you asked 10 different individuals on the street to explain what neurodivergence means to them, how similar would their answers be? In this video, Dr. John discusses the concept of “neurodivergence“. Check out this video and see if you agree!

What is Neuropsychology?

Have you ever questioned the behavior of a table, a rock, or a shoe? Of course not because without a brain, they can’t behave. Yet for years, psychiatry and psychology have focused only on behavior rather than the brain that drives it. Neuropsychology recognizes that every thought, feeling, memory, and action begins in the brain and behaviors are simply symptoms of how the brain is functioning. To truly support someone we love, we must first understand how their brain develops and works, uniquely to them.

Parents/Student Rights in Schools

Do you feel like your child isn't reaching their potential at school? Are you worried that the school isn't providing enough support for your child's learning? It’s important to understand that parents and students have rights that require public and charter schools to provide an appropriate education. 

In this video, Dr. John discusses parent and student rights regarding fair access to learning and what to do if you believe that the school may not be doing everything they should to support your child’s education.

Private Evaluations Given to Schools

Did you know that even if the school conducts an evaluation, you have the right to request that they pay for a second, private evaluation? Parents have the right to obtain an objective or outside perspective on their child’s educational performance and instructional needs. This is called an Independent Educational Evaluation or an IEE, and it is a right granted to all parents in any public or charter school setting. 

In this video, Dr. John explained what an independent educational evaluation is, how parents can request one, and what happens after making this request.

What is Diagnosis Shopping?

In private practice, a clinician often encounters the idea that parents are “diagnosis shopping” or trying to find a diagnosis for their child. The rise in psychiatric diagnoses is real and cannot be ignored. But why would a parent seek or want their child to have a clinical disorder diagnosis? The answers might surprise you. Dr. Mather explores the concept of “diagnosis shopping,” offering provocative and thought-provoking insights into the truths behind this trend.

Defining Behavior and Diagnosis

Should having a diagnosis or being neurodivergent excuse our behavior? Does a diagnosis mean we shouldn’t have to put effort into achieving our goals, or that we no longer need to follow the rules?  

Success in life requires that we identify ways to take control of behaviors and guide our experiences. But to achieve this, we must first acknowledge the undeniable role of the brain in shaping our thoughts, actions, feelings, learning, and more.  

In this video, Dr. John discusses the fact that our brain is the source of all our experiences, and our behaviors are therefore the outcome of symptoms of what is happening in our brains. Once we understand the source of a behavior, we can identify methods to change it for the better.

IEP Vs. 504

In my experience, I am often asked about the differences between an IEP and a 504 Accommodation Plan. While they share some similarities, they are distinct processes for supporting individuals who learn differently. Understanding these differences is essential. In this video, Dr. John explains the key distinctions between an IEP and a 504 plan so you can decide which might be best for your child before attending a school meeting.

The Brain and Diagnostic Deception

The human brain is far more complex and far more fascinating than most of us were ever taught. It cannot be reduced to test scores, diagnoses, or checklists.

In this video, Dr. John explores the human brain through a neuropsychological and human centered lens, explaining how differences in brain development shape learning, behavior, emotions, and identity. Rather than focusing on deficits, this conversation highlights how brain diversity influences the way each person experiences the world.

Dr. John's Passion Behind Understanding Exceptional

In this powerful and personal video, Dr. John shares the passion behind the Understanding Exceptional project and the journey that led him here. From his own experiences with neurodivergence to decades of professional work in schools and neuropsychology, Dr. John explains why labels alone are never enough and why true understanding must come first.

What Is Dyslexia?

Most of us have heard of dyslexia, and many have an idea of what it entails. Some were told it involves reversing letters when reading or writing, or that it relates to visual perception problems, and so on. There is a lot of misinformation about learning disabilities, much of which has been spread by educational systems and so-called “experts.”

This videos explore the realities of differences in reading, writing, and math resulting from brains that function differently. Many with learning disabilities are very bright; however, these individuals are not always successful with teaching methods designed for neurotypical brains. Come learn from Dr. Johns’ more than 20 years of experience and expertise in learning disabilities to gain a true understanding of these conditions and how to support them. 

15 Min. Reading Intervention

Is your child having difficulty with reading? Have they told you they're not a confident reader? Have they gone through different reading programs and still aren't seeing much progress?

 

In this video, Dr. John talks about a reading intervention or method that depends on the power of internal motivation to improve a child’s reading ability.

Keys To Unlocking Learning For Your Child: The Motivation Equation

Learning isn’t just about intelligence, effort, or instruction it’s about how the brain is wired, supported, and motivated.

In this video, Dr. John breaks down what learning truly is from a neuropsychological perspective and introduces the motivation equation a framework that helps parents understand why some children thrive while others struggle, even when they want to succeed.

Math Made Easier and Maybe Fun

Math can be difficult for many students, so when does frustration with math turn into a learning disability or dyscalculia? There is a lot of misinformation about learning disabilities, much of which has been spread by educational systems and so-called “experts.”

Many with learning disabilities are very bright; however, these individuals are not always successful with teaching methods designed for neurotypical brains. Come learn from Dr. Johns’ more than 20 years of experience and expertise in learning disabilities to gain a true understanding of these conditions and how to support them.

Writing Made Easier and Maybe Fun

Dysgraphia is often misunderstood and rarely discussed. It is not just messy handwriting or a lack of effort, but a learning difference that affects writing, spelling, and the ability to organize thoughts on paper. Many parents wonder when writing frustration becomes something more and how to recognize dysgraphia amid the widespread misinformation still taught by educational systems and so-called experts.

These videos explore the real writing challenges that come from brains that function differently. Many individuals with dysgraphia are highly intelligent but struggle with traditional teaching methods designed for neurotypical learners. Learn from Dr. Johns’ more than 20 years of experience to gain a clear understanding of dysgraphia and how to better support writers who learn differently.