Keynotes and workshops

Clinical neuropsychologist, podcast host, and founder of ChildNEXUS, Dr. Wilson speaks to parent groups, educators, and professionals at national conferences.

Dr. Karen Wilson, Clinical Neuropsychologist✳ Speaker and podcast host
A little about

Dr. Karen I. Wilson

Dr. Karen Wilson is a Clinical Neuropsychologist, Director of West LA Neuropsychology, and host of the Diverse Thinking, Different Learning podcast. She specializes in the assessment of children and adolescents with learning and thinking differences, and she has extensive experience evaluating children, adolescents, and adults who present with developmental, neurocognitive, and social-emotional difficulties. She is also the founder of ChildNEXUS, a digital platform she built for parents whose kids struggled with learning or mental health challenges.

A sought-after expert speaker, Dr. Wilson has shared her expertise in a broad range of media outlets: television, radio, podcasts, print, and online. She has been invited to address a multitude of audiences, including parenting groups, educators, and professionals attending national conferences. California State University, Dominguez Hills recognized her as an exceptional scholar and educator who is among the most distinguished experts in her field. She has a caring approach, and she is personable, insightful, informative, and engaging. She is available for consultation as an expert on a range of psychological and neuropsychological issues.

Children who can’t read, write, or focus long enough to learn are wired differently. Once we understand why they are struggling, we can help them become more resilient and achieve more social and academic success.
Dr. Karen Wilson, Clinical Neuropsychologist, host of the Diverse Thinking, Different Learning podcast
Speaking topics

Talks and workshops she offers

  1. 01Social and emotional factors that impact learning
  2. 02Identifying learning disabilities and processing disorders in children and adolescents
  3. 03Supporting your child's developing brain: from language to executive functioning
  4. 04Understanding the adolescent brain
  5. 05Executive functioning in children and adolescents
  6. 06How understanding brain development can help guide the transition to college
  7. 07The assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders in children & adolescents
  8. 08Neuropsychological assessment of children & adolescents
  9. 09Helping children transition from preschool to elementary school
  10. 10How to Support Neurodivergent Youth
  11. 11How to Thrive with ADHD
From colleagues and event organizers

What others are saying

You are a wonderful speaker! Your presentation was met with great enthusiasm and appreciation. Your contribution helped to make this year’s conference a great success. Your topic resonated with everyone who attended your session ~ and your message was such an important one. The feedback has been terrific!
Barbara Firestone, PhDPresident, CEO and founder of The Help Group
I was fortunate to work with Karen Wilson when she presented a workshop at our annual conference for parents of children with disabilities. Her presentation on the importance of evaluations and assessments was incredibly informative. Karen's workshop was so popular with parents that we had to keep bringing in chairs to seat more participants who wanted to attend. After her presentation, parent participants approached me and asked if we could have her return to give future workshops. Multiple parents commented that they felt that they gained so much valuable information, and that it gave them a new understanding of the evaluation process. I highly recommend her as a public speaker and presenter. We look forward to scheduling more workshops in the future!
Carmen ReynagaNonprofit Program Manager
Karen Wilson is a highly accomplished clinician, educator, and researcher. I have worked with Karen for several years. We have collaborated on the care of mutual clients, and on the organization of professional networking events. Karen is a joy to work with. She is enormously skilled at her work and has an extraordinary capacity to bring colleagues together. Karen has done an outstanding job setting up and running ChildNEXUS. It is a privilege to work with Karen.
Daniel Franklin, PhD, BCETAuthor of Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities
We want Karen to know that her presentations were excellent. She struck an important chord with people, which explains the long lines of Forum attendees who waited to speak with her after her presentations. Specifically, she provides important information to teachers from a clinical, factual, and authoritative point-of-view, while keeping the focus on serving children and families in an effective and timely way.
Katie DiazExecutive Assistant, ACSI California/Hawaii Region
Dr. Wilson, You were absolutely incredible (I’m so grateful that I attended on day two!) Thank you so much for your professional, thoughtful and science-based presentation. I’ll be reaching out very soon to connect. I learned so much but I was also validated as to why and how I support students with diverse learning profiles, manage parent expectations, all within an independent school environment. Thank you!
Catie R. Chase, M.A.College Consulting & Director of Learning Services at The Archer School for Girls
Karen's work is groundbreaking and creating critically-important inclusion for our learners. PLEASE find out more about ChildNEXUS. Our children and parents need access to more of this creativity, synergy, and collaboration!
Maureen O'Shaughnessy, EdDMicro-School Expert & Administrator, Founder of Education Evolution
Dr. Karen Wilson gave a comprehensive, intelligent, and engaging presentation to my CHADD group (children/adults with ADHD) on the topic of executive function challenges. Reading the Zoom room “chat” comments from 45 ADHDers was a gratifying experience - so much of Dr. Karen's words, graphics, and exercises resonated with this highly creative and smart audience. The information was accessible and transparent, and Dr. Karen does a wonderful job explaining and offering solutions; she's a gifted speaker who really, really knows her stuff.
Regina F. Lark, Ph.D.aclearpath.net
Your presentation offered a wealth of knowledge and inspiration that will resonate with our participants long after the event. Your passion and commitment to supporting neurodivergent individuals significantly enriched our program. Through your participation, you helped to advance our mission of strengthening our community of parents and professionals. We truly appreciate your involvement in this important effort.
Susan BermanPresident & CEO, The Help Group
Media and past engagements

Hear Dr. Wilson in conversation

Podcast episodes, interviews, keynotes, and conference appearances over the years. Where a recording or episode is still online, the card links to it.

Unstitching ADHD: insights from a neuropsychologist, with Dr. Karen WilsonUnstitching ADHD: insights from a neuropsychologistUrban Ed Talks, YouTube You can care for yourself and find resources for your neurodiverse child, with Dr. Karen WilsonYou can care for yourself and find resources for your neurodiverse childMom's Hierarchy of Needs
Supporting Neurodivergent and Unique Black Learners, with Dr. Karen WilsonSupporting Neurodivergent and Unique Black LearnersParent Connections panel, 2025
ADHD2025 International Online Conference, with Dr. Karen WilsonADHD2025 International Online ConferenceSpeaker, March 2025
What to do when kids are feeling depressed or anxious, with Dr. Karen WilsonWhat to do when kids are feeling depressed or anxiousThe Opportunity Gap, Understood.org Social and Emotional Factors that Impact Learning, with Dr. Karen WilsonSocial and Emotional Factors that Impact LearningLearning Differences Conference keynote, 2025 Does My Child Need An Assessment? (and What Comes Next?), with Dr. Karen WilsonDoes My Child Need An Assessment? (and What Comes Next?)Flourish Summit Supporting Executive Function: Tools for Neurodivergent Learners, with Dr. Karen WilsonSupporting Executive Function: Tools for Neurodivergent LearnersThe Help Group Summit 2024, slides (PDF) What were they thinking? An expert on teenage brains explains, with Dr. Karen WilsonWhat were they thinking? An expert on teenage brains explainsIn It podcast, Understood.org Neuropsych vs. Psycho Ed Assessments, with Dr. Karen WilsonNeuropsych vs. Psycho Ed AssessmentsLearn Smarter podcast, Ep 325 How Can Formal Assessment Improve Play Therapy Effectiveness?, with Dr. Karen WilsonHow Can Formal Assessment Improve Play Therapy Effectiveness?Interview with Cathi Spooner The Youth Anxiety Crisis: how parents can advocate at schools, with Dr. Karen WilsonThe Youth Anxiety Crisis: how parents can advocate at schoolsForget What You Learned podcast
Why a Comprehensive Assessment is Essential, with Dr. Karen WilsonWhy a Comprehensive Assessment is EssentialMAC Conference 2023
Adulting and executive function skills: how to help your child thrive after high school, with Dr. Karen WilsonAdulting and executive function skills: how to help your child thrive after high schoolIn It podcast, Understood.org The Difference Between School Evaluations and Private Evaluations, with Dr. Karen WilsonThe Difference Between School Evaluations and Private EvaluationsThe Autism ADHD Podcast How (and When) to Tell Kids About Their Diagnosis, with Dr. Karen WilsonHow (and When) to Tell Kids About Their DiagnosisTilt Parenting podcast Diagnosing Dyscalculia, with Dr. Karen WilsonDiagnosing DyscalculiaMade for Math, Ep 5 Crucial Conversations about Cognitive Diversity, with Dr. Karen WilsonCrucial Conversations about Cognitive DiversityBridges 2e Media webcast
Pediatric Assessments: Social Justice Issues in the Identification and Treatment of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, with Dr. Karen WilsonPediatric Assessments: Social Justice Issues in the Identification and Treatment of Neurodevelopmental DisordersLACPA 2022 CE Program
The Mental Health Needs of Early Adolescents and Teens, with Dr. Karen WilsonThe Mental Health Needs of Early Adolescents and TeensJanis Black Warner Series, NAMI Westside LA All About Pediatric Assessments, with Dr. Karen WilsonAll About Pediatric AssessmentsInclusive Education Project podcast How to Talk to Kids about Learning Disabilities, with Dr. Karen WilsonHow to Talk to Kids about Learning DisabilitiesHow to Talk to Kids About Anything podcast
Global Early Intervention panel, with Dr. Karen WilsonGlobal Early Intervention panelLive panel, August 2021
Social and Emotional Factors that Influence Academic Performance, with Dr. Karen WilsonSocial and Emotional Factors that Influence Academic PerformanceFusion Academy presentation
Tech Panel on Mental Health and the Future of Work, with Dr. Karen WilsonTech Panel on Mental Health and the Future of WorkNAMI Westside LA, Facebook Live
How Assessments Help Identify Challenges and Improve Outcomes in Kids with Learning Differences, with Dr. Karen WilsonHow Assessments Help Identify Challenges and Improve Outcomes in Kids with Learning DifferencesPacific Preparatory webinar, recording
Social and Emotional Factors that Influence Academic Performance, with Dr. Karen WilsonSocial and Emotional Factors that Influence Academic PerformanceREACH Speaker Series, Rolling Hills Prep
Making the MOST of It with Jennifer Morgan, with Dr. Karen WilsonMaking the MOST of It with Jennifer MorganPodcast interview, Ep 1 CHADD of Westside Los Angeles, with Dr. Karen WilsonCHADD of Westside Los AngelesCommunity talk Looking at How Kids are Wired, with Dr. Karen WilsonLooking at How Kids are WiredEducation Evolution podcast, Ep 25 Brave Bold Beyond Live Virtual Summit, with Dr. Karen WilsonBrave Bold Beyond Live Virtual SummitSpeaking Your Brand, 2020 The Help Group's Virtual Summit 2020, with Dr. Karen WilsonThe Help Group's Virtual Summit 2020Speaker When do I Need a Neuropsychological Assessment?, with Dr. Karen WilsonWhen do I Need a Neuropsychological Assessment?disABLED + Empowered podcast Technology Supports for ADHD, Dyslexia, and Language-Learning Disorders, with Dr. Karen WilsonTechnology Supports for ADHD, Dyslexia, and Language-Learning DisordersTalking With Tech podcast
Does Your Struggling Student Need an Assessment?, with Dr. Karen WilsonDoes Your Struggling Student Need an Assessment?The Money, Career and Motherhood podcast
How to Know if Your Child is Ready for the Transition to Elementary School, with Dr. Karen WilsonHow to Know if Your Child is Ready for the Transition to Elementary SchoolTilt Parenting, Ep 192 Education and Support in the Age of COVID-19, with Dr. Karen WilsonEducation and Support in the Age of COVID-19Constant Chaos podcast
IDA-LA Language and Learning Conference, with Dr. Karen WilsonIDA-LA Language and Learning ConferenceInternational Dyslexia Association, Los Angeles
Panel Discussion: Kids Mental Wellness, with Dr. Karen WilsonPanel Discussion: Kids Mental WellnessSoCal Wellness Retreat, 2020
INS 2019 Annual Meeting, New York City, with Dr. Karen WilsonINS 2019 Annual Meeting, New York CityInternational Neuropsychological Society
Learning Differences Symposium 2019, with Dr. Karen WilsonLearning Differences Symposium 2019Northern and Southern California
Local Professionals series with Dr. Karen Wilson, with Dr. Karen WilsonLocal Professionals series with Dr. Karen WilsonLearn Smarter podcast, Ep 61
Understanding the Adolescent Brain, with Dr. Karen WilsonUnderstanding the Adolescent BrainThe Scholarship Shark podcast, Ep 112
LTLD College Planning and Transition Conference 2019, with Dr. Karen WilsonLTLD College Planning and Transition Conference 2019CSU Dominguez Hills
Evaluation of Children and Adolescents: Why a Neuropsychological Assessment?, with Dr. Karen WilsonEvaluation of Children and Adolescents: Why a Neuropsychological Assessment?TIGER Town Hall, East Los Angeles College
Getting the Right Evaluation, with Dr. Karen WilsonGetting the Right EvaluationSpecial Needs Podcast with Gilda Evans
Innovate 2019 Professional Development Forum, with Dr. Karen WilsonInnovate 2019 Professional Development ForumACSI, Anaheim
The Help Group's Summit 2019, with Dr. Karen WilsonThe Help Group's Summit 2019Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles
Vision and Leadership 2e Symposium 2019, with Dr. Karen WilsonVision and Leadership 2e Symposium 2019Creating environments for growth and success
Diverse Thinking, Different Learning podcast cover art, with Dr. Karen Wilson 260+ episodes
The podcast

Diverse Thinking, Different Learning

Practical conversations for parents raising kids who learn differently, hosted by Dr. Wilson.

Across more than 260 episodes, Dr. Wilson and her expert guests turn the science of learning and thinking differences into guidance families can act on, from dyslexia and ADHD to executive functioning, anxiety, and school support.

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