Dyslexia District

Have you ever wondered why so many students with dyslexia also struggle with attention, math, or language? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of comorbidities. That’s when dyslexia shows up with other learning differences. Discover the latest research on why these conditions are often seen together, learn to recognize the warning signs, and get practical, evidence-based strategies for both the classroom and home. Whether you're a parent navigating multiple diagnoses or an educator supporting diverse learners, this episode will help you see the whole child, not just the reading challenge.

RESOURCES:

Quick Tips for Supporting Comorbidities

Symptom Comparison

The Science of Reading explained - why reading can be hard, what research shows, and how the right instruction helps kids succeed.

Resources:

- The National Reading Panel (2000) - https://bit.ly/reading-panel-report

- Dr. Mark Seidenberg - Language at the Speed of Sight - https://a.co/d/0cF6Rujx

- Dr. Louisa Moats - https://louisamoats.com/

- Mississippi Reading Improvements News - https://bit.ly/Mississippi_literacy_gains

- The Lilly Endowment Literacy Brief - https://bit.ly/science-reading-brief

- Georgetown TX Literacy Gains (49%-64%) - https://bit.ly/georgetown_literacy_gains

- Tennessee district literacy case study - https://bit.ly/tn-literacy-boost

- Kentucky structured literacy review - https://bit.ly/ky-literacy

In this episode, we dive into what the research actually says about supporting students with dyslexia so they can thrive academically. We explore classroom practices, instructional methods, mindset shifts, and the most effective assistive technology tools used today for reading, writing, and executive-function support.

This episode is perfect for educators, evaluators, parents, and literacy enthusiasts who want evidence-based strategies they can implement immediately.

REFERENCES & HELPFUL LINKS

👉 Follow Dyslexia District for monthly deep dives into dyslexia, dysgraphia, structured literacy, and equitable classroom practices.

👉 Share this episode with a teacher, parent, or colleague who supports neurodiverse learners.

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Learn the key differences between IEPs and 504 plans and discover research-backed strategies for building positive school partnerships that help students thrive. A clear, compassionate guide for parents, educators, and anyone navigating special education.

RESOURCES

• Overview of IDEA — U.S. Department of Education

• Section 504 overview — U.S. Dept. of Education

• Practical brief: Partnering with Families through Special Education

• Joyce Epstein’s Framework of Six Types of Involvement

• Meta-analyses & reviews on parental involvement & student outcomes

• ⁠Meeting Email Script⁠

• ⁠Meeting Prep Checklist⁠

• ⁠IEP vs 504 side-by-side⁠

Does your child avoid writing assignments, feel frustrated during homework, or struggle with handwriting that’s hard to read? These may be signs of dysgraphia, a learning difference that impacts written expression.

In this episode of Dyslexia District, Kim Smith — educator and diagnostician — takes a deep, practical look at dysgraphia. You’ll hear how it presents in children, what recent research tells us, and what parents, teachers, and schools can do to provide effective support.

Resources

• IDA Dyslexia Handbook: What Every Family Should Know – A comprehensive guide from the International Dyslexia Association for parents and families.

• Dyslexia in the Classroom: What Every Teacher Needs to Know – Practical guidance for educators on identifying and supporting students with dyslexia.

• SAGE Handbook of Dyslexia – Research-based resource for a deeper understanding of dyslexia and related learning differences.

• State Dyslexia Handbooks (for policies, screening, and interventions):

  • Texas Dyslexia Handbook

  • Colorado Dyslexia Handbook

  • Illinois Dyslexia Guide & Toolkit

  • South Carolina Dyslexia Handbook

• Assistive Technology Tools:

  • Speech-to-Text: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, built-in dictation on iOS/Android/Windows

  • Word Prediction: Co:Writer, Ghotit

  • Graphic Organizers & Mind-Mapping: Inspiration, Google Drawings

• Downloadable Handouts:

  • Parent Handout: Supporting Your Child with Dysgraphia

  • Teacher Handout: Classroom Strategies & Accommodations
    

In this episode of Dyslexia District, we explore how to recognize the early signs of dyslexia in children—from preschool through early elementary school. Learn what to look for, how to respond, and why early intervention matters. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode offers practical insights to help every child thrive.

Topics Covered:

• What dyslexia is (and isn’t)

• Early warning signs in young children

• Classroom indicators and teacher strategies

• How parents can advocate for support

• Common myths and misconceptions

Helpful Resources:

• International Dyslexia Association – Dyslexia Basics

• https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/    

• Understood.org – Signs of Dyslexia at Different Ages

• https://www.understood.org/en/search-results?query=signs%20of%20dyslexia 

• Reading Rockets – Helping Struggling Readers 

• https://www.readingrockets.org/helping-all-readers/why-some-kids-struggle 

• National Center on Improving Literacy – Dyslexia Toolkit

• https://www.improvingliteracy.org/dyslexia 

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In today’s episode, we explore the evolving definition of dyslexia, including the current and proposed IDA definitions. We uncover common myths, clarify misconceptions, and spotlight the latest research (2020–2025) on brain networks, genetics, and early detection.

Helpful links:

1. Current IDA Definitionhttps://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics
2. IDA 2002 Definition (Reading Rockets PDF)https://www.readingrockets.org/sites/default/files/guide/IDA-Dyslexia-Handbook-2019.pdf
3. Proposed 2025 IDA Definitionhttps://dyslexiaida.org/idas-revised-2025-dyslexia-definition-now-open-for-public-comment
4. fMRI Findings (Frontiers)https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/computational-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fncom.2021.594659/full
5. Network Connectivity (Nature Communications)https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-023-05499-2
6. Genetic Loci for Dyslexia (Nature Genetics)https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-022-01192-y
7. ScienceDaily summary of genetic studyhttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221020112823.htm
8. New Multivariate Genetic Study (2025)https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-025-03514-0
9. JAMA – Infants at Risk Study https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2797787

Let's take a look at recent research regarding Dysgraphia and what it means for our students.

Instead of focusing on deficits and weaknesses, let's take some time to focus on the strengths students with dyslexia possess.

Ever wonder why students with dyslexia often have difficulty getting organized, prioritizing tasks, or keeping up with their stuff? It may be because of their executive functioning!