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Education

Dyscastia

by Michael Shanahan

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Latest episodes

  • Supporting Adults & Older Students

    June 24, 2026 · 1 hr 3 min

    In this episode, I chat with Dr Shae Wissell. Shae is an award-winning advocate and entrepreneur specialising in dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions. We talk about what happens after students living with learning difficulties…

  • Mental Health Strategies For Parents

    March 27, 2026 · 1 hr 41 min

    In this episode, I'm joined by Brisbane-based psychologist Leanne Tran to talk about how to look after your own mental health as the parent of a child living with disability. We work through the journey as a timeline covering five stages…

  • Five Common Mental Health Challenges For Kids Living With Learning Difficulties

    January 15, 2026 · 1 hr 24 min

    In this episode, I’m joined again by clinical psychologist Valli Jones to talk about the mental health issues she most commonly sees in children and young people living with learning difficulties. We framed the conversation as a “top…

  • Why Maths Word Problems Are So Hard

    November 14, 2025 · 1 hr 21 min

    Why Word Problems Are So Hard In this episode, I talk with intervention teacher Sue Griffith about why word problems in maths are especially difficult for students living with learning difficulties, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD…

  • ADHD Coaching with Sharon Collon

    September 1, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min

    In this episode, I am joined by Sharon Collon from The Functional Family. We discuss ADHD coaching and how it works to support students living with ADHD, their teachers and families. We focus on practical strategies for supporting…

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  • The Safe House Framework with Valli Jones

    August 8, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min

    Full Show Notes available at dyscastia.com   In this episode, I talk with Valli Jones, a clinical psychologist from Queensland, about what it means to create a safe learning environment for students who live with autism, ADHD, dyslexia…

  • The Literacy Support Kit with Sally Andrew

    February 10, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min

    In this episode, Michael Shanahan is joined by experienced specialist dyslexia tutor Sally Andrew to discuss The Literacy Support Kit (LSK)—a comprehensive set of resources designed to support children for whom standard literacy…

  • What high-performing countries are doing in maths. With Liana McCurry

    April 5, 2024 · 1 hr 20 min

    In this episode, we have Liana McCurry back to talk about her Churchill Fellowship findings on what the top PISA performing countries are doing with maths instruction and how we can use that information to improve outcomes for kids living…

  • The Importance Of Daily Review

    January 18, 2024 · 1 hr 14 min

    In this episode, we chat about daily review with David Morkunas, current head of teacher efficacy at Brandon Park Primary School, previously a teacher at Bentleigh West Primary School.   David Morkunas is a primary school teacher from…

  • SLDs And Individual Learning Plans

    November 15, 2023 · 1 hr 38 min

    Sue Griffith Sue is a registered teacher with many years of experience in primary teaching. She has specialist Maths training in programs designed to support students experiencing difficulties or delays in Maths skills, including students…

  • Maths and learning difficulties

    July 21, 2023 · 1 hr 16 min

    In this episode, we chat with math teaching expert Liana McCurry. We delve into best practices for all students when teaching maths. We hope Liana's insights will help create inclusive learning environments where every child can…

  • ADHD and learning difficulties

    May 21, 2023 · 1 hr 56 min

    In this episode, we talk with Psychologist Benita Ranzon about one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized conditions that affect kids and adults - ADHD. About Benita I have been working in private practice at Fullarton House since…

Full episode archive on Apple Podcasts →

About the show

A podcast for parents and educators about the best way to support students living with learning difficulties. Hosted by specialist teacher Michael Shanahan, Dyscastia takes a positive, respectful look at supporting students living with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and associated neurodivergences such as autism and ADHD. Each episode focuses on practical, realistic strategies for reducing barriers to learning and building safe, supportive environments where students can achieve success. Conversations draw on Michael’s teaching experience and lived experience of ADHD, dyslexia, and dysgraphia, along with the perspectives of parents, educators, allied health professionals, and students themselves — all working toward the shared goal of supporting every child to feel understood and supported at school and beyond.