In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Stress-Free IEP, host Frances Shefter welcomes Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein—a certified educational therapist, executive functioning coach, and founder of With Dr. Lauren—to talk about the intersection of neurodiversity, late diagnoses, systemic challenges, and holistic educational support. Dr. Lauren shares her personal and professional journey with candor, compassion, and hope.
From Struggle to Self-Awareness: Dr. Lauren’s Story
Dr. Lauren’s work today is rooted deeply in her own lived experiences. Despite years of academic struggles, countless hours of tutoring, and a diagnosis that didn’t come until her senior year of college, she had often been dismissed as merely a “social butterfly” or seen as unfocused. But it wasn’t until she sat in an abnormal psychology class that she finally saw herself reflected in a textbook description of ADHD.
That diagnosis opened a door, but not without challenges. Medication helped her focus, but it muted her personality and hurt her athletic performance as a Division I track star. Ultimately, she stopped the meds and dove into the world of special education. It wasn’t until 2023—more than 15 years later—that she truly began addressing her own neurodiversity with the support she needed. This late-blooming self-awareness now fuels her passion for helping others navigate their own journeys, particularly Black women and other women of color who often go undiagnosed or misunderstood.
With Dr. Lauren: A Holistic Approach to Learning and Life
Formerly operating under Dyslexia Green Book and Resilience Unlimited, Dr. Lauren now works simply under “With Dr. Lauren”—a fitting name that reflects the personal, integrative nature of her services. Her work includes:
Orton-Gillingham-based dyslexia intervention
Executive functioning and ADHD coaching
Support for adults, especially Black women navigating neurodiversity
Educational therapy that blends academic skills with emotional support
She emphasizes that her practice goes far beyond “tutoring”—it’s about meeting each person where they are, with compassion and the tools to help them thrive.
Speaking Up, Breaking Stigmas
Frances and Dr. Lauren delve into the deep stigma around neurodivergent diagnoses in communities of color, particularly among Black families. Mistrust of medical systems, historical trauma, and cultural norms often lead to delays in recognizing or acknowledging learning differences. Many families hear phrases like “he’ll grow out of it” or “just focus harder”—statements that keep kids from getting the support they need.
Dr. Lauren highlights how these barriers often lead to misdiagnoses, especially emotional disturbance (ED) labels for Black boys. Both she and Frances reflect on how often behavior is misread, when in reality it’s a communication tool—signaling boredom, anxiety, or difficulty with tasks that haven’t been properly supported.
Diagnosis Is Not Destiny
Both women share personal reflections on how late diagnosis shaped their self-perception. Frances opens up about her own journey from thinking she “wasn’t smart enough” for law school to ending up on law review. Similarly, Dr. Lauren didn’t truly feel smart until earning a 4.0 in her doctoral program. These stories highlight how traditional education systems often fail neurodiverse students—not because they aren’t capable, but because the system doesn’t recognize or nurture their strengths.
The key takeaway: intelligence isn’t defined by standardized tests or spelling grades. Every child is smart, and it’s our job to uncover how.
Mental Health, Adults, and Life Beyond the Classroom
Dr. Lauren also speaks about the intersection of neurodiversity and adult life. Many of her adult clients face underemployment or unemployment due to struggles with executive functioning. She provides not just organizational support, but also life coaching grounded in emotional wellness—sleep, nutrition, self-talk, and more.
She notes that neurodivergent adults often turn to substances like cannabis to quiet their minds, a form of self-medicating that points to broader issues around mental health access and support.
Passion Projects: From Candles to Community
Dr. Lauren recently launched a line of luxury candles designed to support emotional regulation through scent. With calming and grounding fragrances, these eco-friendly candles reflect her belief in holistic wellness. As she puts it, not everyone needs academic support—but everyone can benefit from calming their nervous systems.
Her brand, Candles with Dr. Lauren, now lives alongside her educational services under the broader With Dr. Lauren umbrella.
Closing Thoughts: Advocacy, Access, and Acceptance
This episode ends with both Frances and Dr. Lauren emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy, early diagnosis, and truly individualized education. Labels are necessary under current laws—but they should never limit a child’s potential. Every student is unique, and success looks different for each one.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or neurodiverse adult yourself, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone—and that understanding and support can make all the difference.
Learn more about Dr. Lauren:
Connect with Dr. Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-mcclenney-rosenstein-ed-d-et-p-a-oga-6a06002a
Visit Dr. Lauren’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thedrlauren/featured
Visit Dr. Lauren’s ADHD website: https://sites.google.com/resilienceunlimited.us/resilienceunlimited/home
Visit Dr. Lauren’s Dyslexia website: https://dyslexiagreenbook.com
Follow Dr. Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedrlauren
Follow Dr. Lauren on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_drlauren
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need.
Understanding Dyslexia & ADHD in the Black Community with Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein
Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 91
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Stress-Free IEP, host Frances Shefter welcomes Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein—a certified educational therapist, executive functioning coach, and founder of With Dr. Lauren—to talk about the intersection of neurodiversity, late diagnoses, systemic challenges, and holistic educational support. Dr. Lauren shares her personal and professional journey with candor, compassion, and hope.
From Struggle to Self-Awareness: Dr. Lauren’s Story
Dr. Lauren’s work today is rooted deeply in her own lived experiences. Despite years of academic struggles, countless hours of tutoring, and a diagnosis that didn’t come until her senior year of college, she had often been dismissed as merely a “social butterfly” or seen as unfocused. But it wasn’t until she sat in an abnormal psychology class that she finally saw herself reflected in a textbook description of ADHD.
That diagnosis opened a door, but not without challenges. Medication helped her focus, but it muted her personality and hurt her athletic performance as a Division I track star. Ultimately, she stopped the meds and dove into the world of special education. It wasn’t until 2023—more than 15 years later—that she truly began addressing her own neurodiversity with the support she needed. This late-blooming self-awareness now fuels her passion for helping others navigate their own journeys, particularly Black women and other women of color who often go undiagnosed or misunderstood.
With Dr. Lauren: A Holistic Approach to Learning and Life
Formerly operating under Dyslexia Green Book and Resilience Unlimited, Dr. Lauren now works simply under “With Dr. Lauren”—a fitting name that reflects the personal, integrative nature of her services. Her work includes:
She emphasizes that her practice goes far beyond “tutoring”—it’s about meeting each person where they are, with compassion and the tools to help them thrive.
Speaking Up, Breaking Stigmas
Frances and Dr. Lauren delve into the deep stigma around neurodivergent diagnoses in communities of color, particularly among Black families. Mistrust of medical systems, historical trauma, and cultural norms often lead to delays in recognizing or acknowledging learning differences. Many families hear phrases like “he’ll grow out of it” or “just focus harder”—statements that keep kids from getting the support they need.
Dr. Lauren highlights how these barriers often lead to misdiagnoses, especially emotional disturbance (ED) labels for Black boys. Both she and Frances reflect on how often behavior is misread, when in reality it’s a communication tool—signaling boredom, anxiety, or difficulty with tasks that haven’t been properly supported.
Diagnosis Is Not Destiny
Both women share personal reflections on how late diagnosis shaped their self-perception. Frances opens up about her own journey from thinking she “wasn’t smart enough” for law school to ending up on law review. Similarly, Dr. Lauren didn’t truly feel smart until earning a 4.0 in her doctoral program. These stories highlight how traditional education systems often fail neurodiverse students—not because they aren’t capable, but because the system doesn’t recognize or nurture their strengths.
The key takeaway: intelligence isn’t defined by standardized tests or spelling grades. Every child is smart, and it’s our job to uncover how.
Mental Health, Adults, and Life Beyond the Classroom
Dr. Lauren also speaks about the intersection of neurodiversity and adult life. Many of her adult clients face underemployment or unemployment due to struggles with executive functioning. She provides not just organizational support, but also life coaching grounded in emotional wellness—sleep, nutrition, self-talk, and more.
She notes that neurodivergent adults often turn to substances like cannabis to quiet their minds, a form of self-medicating that points to broader issues around mental health access and support.
Passion Projects: From Candles to Community
Dr. Lauren recently launched a line of luxury candles designed to support emotional regulation through scent. With calming and grounding fragrances, these eco-friendly candles reflect her belief in holistic wellness. As she puts it, not everyone needs academic support—but everyone can benefit from calming their nervous systems.
Her brand, Candles with Dr. Lauren, now lives alongside her educational services under the broader With Dr. Lauren umbrella.
Closing Thoughts: Advocacy, Access, and Acceptance
This episode ends with both Frances and Dr. Lauren emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy, early diagnosis, and truly individualized education. Labels are necessary under current laws—but they should never limit a child’s potential. Every student is unique, and success looks different for each one.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or neurodiverse adult yourself, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone—and that understanding and support can make all the difference.
Learn more about Dr. Lauren:
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Stress-Free IEP®:
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need.
Watch more episodes of Stress-Free IEP®:
Connect and learn more from your host, Frances Shefter:
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