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The Label Debate w/ Heather Quintero

The Label Debate w/ Heather Quintero

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In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett are joined by Heather Quintero to discuss the pros and cons of getting your children diagnosed with learning differences or “labels.”

  • NPR article Susanna mentioned: Younger children in a grade are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.
  • Other studies referenced:
    • A 2025 study on diagnostic labels found that students labeled with a learning disability were seen as “lower in academic competence,” which led to lower performance expectations.
    • A 2025 qualitative analysis found that labels can lead to negative self-perception.
  • Rethinking School by Susan Wise Bauer
  • (00:00) - Intro with Heather Quintero
  • (00:43) - Talking about labels
  • (04:37) - Medical label vs school plan
  • (05:53) - Why this is important
  • (09:28) - Why are there hesitations to get labels
  • (15:34) - Natural differentiation and over diagnosis
  • (26:49) - Break
  • (27:49) - What a diagnosis can unlock
  • (40:48) - Think about the gut check
  • (49:10) - Rule out vision and hearing issues
  • (53:48) - Distress is not a moral failing
  • (54:34) - Outro
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