Dyslexia Journey | Real Stories & Strategies for Thriving with Dyslexia

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In this episode, we dig into the research around the heritability of dyslexia.

Here are our sources for this discussion:

This is the 2021 study in Sweden that showed a heritability of 52%: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/dys.1681

This 2012 study identified 6 candidate genes: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140673612601986

A study from 2020.  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-020-00898-x

An explanation of what we mean by heritability: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/inheritance/heritability/ 

An overview of dyslexia and heritability: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/is-dyslexia-genetic

A 2007 literature review of the genetics of dyslexia: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2597981/

And older (1987) study: https://www.nature.com/articles/329537a0 

We're Sonja and Nick, parents of a dyslexic kid and your guides on this journey. We created Dyslexia Journey because we know how isolating it can feel when your child struggles with reading and school isn't helping. Every episode brings practical strategies, expert interviews with psychologists, educators, and reading specialists, plus real stories from dyslexic adults who've thrived. Whether you're a parent navigating diagnosis, IEPs, and accommodations, or a dyslexic adult looking for community, this show is for you. Got a question or a guest idea? Reach out at [email protected].

You can find complete episode transcripts on our website, as well as a list of Dyslexia Resources and summaries of Dyslexia Research.

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Today we discuss several benefits of cooking with your dyslexic kid and provide three tips for making it a fun and successful experience!

We're Sonja and Nick, parents of a dyslexic kid and your guides on this journey. We created Dyslexia Journey because we know how isolating it can feel when your child struggles with reading and school isn't helping. Every episode brings practical strategies, expert interviews with psychologists, educators, and reading specialists, plus real stories from dyslexic adults who've thrived. Whether you're a parent navigating diagnosis, IEPs, and accommodations, or a dyslexic adult looking for community, this show is for you. Got a question or a guest idea? Reach out at [email protected].

You can find complete episode transcripts on our website, as well as a list of Dyslexia Resources and summaries of Dyslexia Research.

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In this sequel to our popular discussion of ways that dyslexia affects everyday life, we discuss four more ways that dyslexia affects everyday life outside of a school setting.

We're Sonja and Nick, parents of a dyslexic kid and your guides on this journey. We created Dyslexia Journey because we know how isolating it can feel when your child struggles with reading and school isn't helping. Every episode brings practical strategies, expert interviews with psychologists, educators, and reading specialists, plus real stories from dyslexic adults who've thrived. Whether you're a parent navigating diagnosis, IEPs, and accommodations, or a dyslexic adult looking for community, this show is for you. Got a question or a guest idea? Reach out at [email protected].

You can find complete episode transcripts on our website, as well as a list of Dyslexia Resources and summaries of Dyslexia Research.

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In part 2 of our interview with psychotherapist Donna McCutchen, we dig into the mental / behavioral health challenges that can be associated with dyslexia, how best to support the mental health of our dyslexic kids, what warning signs to look out for, and when to seek professional mental health support.

Donna McCutchen is a licensed clinical social worker, experienced psychotherapist, and pediatric mental health specialist with numerous clinical specialities and areas of expertise including dual diagnosis and psychological assessment, among many others. Donna is currently the VP of Program Development at Bend Health (https://www.bendhealth.com/), where she creates and write the evidence-based content and programs.

Dyslexia Journey has conversations and explorations to help you support the dyslexic child in your life. Content includes approaches, tips, and interviews with a range of guests from psychologists to educators to people with dyslexia. Increase your understanding and connection with your child as you help them embrace their uniqueness and thrive on this challenging journey!

We're Sonja and Nick, parents of a dyslexic kid and your guides on this journey. We created Dyslexia Journey because we know how isolating it can feel when your child struggles with reading and school isn't helping. Every episode brings practical strategies, expert interviews with psychologists, educators, and reading specialists, plus real stories from dyslexic adults who've thrived. Whether you're a parent navigating diagnosis, IEPs, and accommodations, or a dyslexic adult looking for community, this show is for you. Got a question or a guest idea? Reach out at [email protected].

You can find complete episode transcripts on our website, as well as a list of Dyslexia Resources and summaries of Dyslexia Research.

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Also check out our YouTube channel!

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In part one of our two-part interview with therapist Donna McCutchen, we explore the concept of radical acceptance as applied to dyslexia, and discover how it can help your dyslexic child thrive, as well as enable you to better emotionally support yourself and your child.

Donna McCutchen is a licensed clinical social worker, experienced psychotherapist, and pediatric mental health specialist with numerous clinical specialities and areas of expertise, including dual diagnosis and psychological assessment, among many others. Donna is currently the VP of Program Development at Bend Health (https://www.bendhealth.com/), where she creates and write the evidence-based content and programs.

We're Sonja and Nick, parents of a dyslexic kid and your guides on this journey. We created Dyslexia Journey because we know how isolating it can feel when your child struggles with reading and school isn't helping. Every episode brings practical strategies, expert interviews with psychologists, educators, and reading specialists, plus real stories from dyslexic adults who've thrived. Whether you're a parent navigating diagnosis, IEPs, and accommodations, or a dyslexic adult looking for community, this show is for you. Got a question or a guest idea? Reach out at [email protected].

You can find complete episode transcripts on our website, as well as a list of Dyslexia Resources and summaries of Dyslexia Research.

Follow us on Instagram!

Also check out our YouTube channel!

Send us Fan Mail

We're Sonja and Nick, parents of a dyslexic kid and your guides on this journey. We created Dyslexia Journey because we know how isolating it can feel when your child struggles with reading and school isn't helping. Every episode brings practical strategies, expert interviews with psychologists, educators, and reading specialists, plus real stories from dyslexic adults who've thrived. Whether you're a parent navigating diagnosis, IEPs, and accommodations, or a dyslexic adult looking for community, this show is for you. Got a question or a guest idea? Reach out at [email protected].

You can find complete episode transcripts on our website, as well as a list of Dyslexia Resources and summaries of Dyslexia Research.

Follow us on Instagram!

Also check out our YouTube channel!

Send us Fan Mail

We're Sonja and Nick, parents of a dyslexic kid and your guides on this journey. We created Dyslexia Journey because we know how isolating it can feel when your child struggles with reading and school isn't helping. Every episode brings practical strategies, expert interviews with psychologists, educators, and reading specialists, plus real stories from dyslexic adults who've thrived. Whether you're a parent navigating diagnosis, IEPs, and accommodations, or a dyslexic adult looking for community, this show is for you. Got a question or a guest idea? Reach out at [email protected].

You can find complete episode transcripts on our website, as well as a list of Dyslexia Resources and summaries of Dyslexia Research.

Follow us on Instagram!

Also check out our YouTube channel!

Send us Fan Mail

Your kid may be diagnosed with dyslexia, but dyslexia is not a disease. It's a brain difference that has implications for learning, and perceiving and interacting with information in the world. So let's shift our mindset to support our dyslexic kids. 

Here's a link to the book we mentioned in this video, The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain by Brock L. Eide, M.D., M.A. and Fernette F. Eide, M.D. ---
https://www.amazon.com/Dyslexic-Advantage-Revised-Updated-Unlocking/dp/0593472233/

We're Sonja and Nick, parents of a dyslexic kid and your guides on this journey. We created Dyslexia Journey because we know how isolating it can feel when your child struggles with reading and school isn't helping. Every episode brings practical strategies, expert interviews with psychologists, educators, and reading specialists, plus real stories from dyslexic adults who've thrived. Whether you're a parent navigating diagnosis, IEPs, and accommodations, or a dyslexic adult looking for community, this show is for you. Got a question or a guest idea? Reach out at [email protected].

You can find complete episode transcripts on our website, as well as a list of Dyslexia Resources and summaries of Dyslexia Research.

Follow us on Instagram!

Also check out our YouTube channel!

Send us Fan Mail

We're Sonja and Nick, parents of a dyslexic kid and your guides on this journey. We created Dyslexia Journey because we know how isolating it can feel when your child struggles with reading and school isn't helping. Every episode brings practical strategies, expert interviews with psychologists, educators, and reading specialists, plus real stories from dyslexic adults who've thrived. Whether you're a parent navigating diagnosis, IEPs, and accommodations, or a dyslexic adult looking for community, this show is for you. Got a question or a guest idea? Reach out at [email protected].

You can find complete episode transcripts on our website, as well as a list of Dyslexia Resources and summaries of Dyslexia Research.

Follow us on Instagram!

Also check out our YouTube channel!

Send us Fan Mail

Today we talk with middle school science teacher Kevin Nugent about his teaching philosophy and approach to teaching kids with dyslexia and other learning differences.

Kevin Nugent has been part of the teaching team at Friends Middle School, in Boulder, Colorado, since its inaugural class. He believes the role of a middle school teacher is to help the learner explore their passions while preparing them for the academic and social emotional opportunities that lie ahead. He “sees” the learner, not only academically, but as a dynamic, perpetually changing and evolving person.

Kevin graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication, and completed the Stanley British Primary Teacher Preparation Program, teaching preschool through 8th grade science and other content areas in numerous capacities ever since.
He also worked at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science where he created a professional development program for elementary teachers (funded by the Colorado School of Mines) on the neurologic benefits of integrating movement-based learning to improve classroom outcomes.
He was also a founding member of the Montessori School of Denver middle school program, presented workshops at GESTEM (Girls Exploring Science Technology Engineering and Math), and was the recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award at the 2016 and 2021 Denver Metro Regional Science Fair (DMRSEF) and also in 2021 at the state level.

And–important to our family– he was our daughter’s science teacher for three years.

Here’s Kevin’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kevinnugent2461

We're Sonja and Nick, parents of a dyslexic kid and your guides on this journey. We created Dyslexia Journey because we know how isolating it can feel when your child struggles with reading and school isn't helping. Every episode brings practical strategies, expert interviews with psychologists, educators, and reading specialists, plus real stories from dyslexic adults who've thrived. Whether you're a parent navigating diagnosis, IEPs, and accommodations, or a dyslexic adult looking for community, this show is for you. Got a question or a guest idea? Reach out at [email protected].

You can find complete episode transcripts on our website, as well as a list of Dyslexia Resources and summaries of Dyslexia Research.

Follow us on Instagram!

Also check out our YouTube channel!