Dyslexia Journey | Real Stories & Strategies for Thriving with Dyslexia

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In this episode, we respond to some more recent viewer/listener questions.

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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Jake Sussman, Founder of Superpower Mentors, developed one of the world’s most effective online mentoring programs designed to empower youth and young adults with learning differences to confidently succeed in any environment. Jake has perfected his craft on how to best reach the “unreachable” through thousands of hours of personally mentoring neurodiverse youth around the world. His own experiences with learning differences have been his greatest advantage, as Jake utilizes his stories to bridge the gap between those who think differently and those who do not understand. When Jake is not speaking or mentoring kids, he is training for his next triathlon, working on his museum-quality model train set or playing the piano.

[email protected]
https://www.superpowermentors.com/

Hear the complete version of Jake's powerful poem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBcW-T7pAnw 

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!

Send us Fan Mail

In this second interview with developmental psychologist and parenting expert Aletha Solter, Ph.D., we tackle the tricky issues of avoiding resenting, feeling guilty, and parental self-care.

Dr. Aletha Solter is the founder and director of the Aware Parenting Institute and author of six books. For more information: http://www.awareparenting.com/ and https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/423088.Aletha_J_Solter

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

In this video, we discuss the mental fatigue dyslexic people can encounter when doing academic work and provide five tips for counteracting it.

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!

Send us Fan Mail

A discussion of literacy rates has trended recently on social media. The statistic most commonly seen is 21% illiteracy in the United states. Is it true that 21% of Americans can’t read, and how does it relate to dyslexia?

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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Today's discussion is a response to "How the Ivy League Broke America" by David Brooks in the Dec 2024 issue of The Atlantic (published online November 14, 2024): https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/12/meritocracy-college-admissions-social-economic-segregation/680392/ (NB: Paywall)

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

Are you wondering how to get the best education for your dyslexic child? Hear the inside scoop directly from a special education and dyslexia specialist.

Catherine Scholl brings a personal and professional perspective to educational advocacy, with extensive experience in Special Education, IEP, and 504 processes. She has worn many hats as a parent, special education teacher, and advocate, offering a well-rounded approach to helping families. Catherine holds a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master’s in Education. She is also a certified Special Education Teacher and a certified Dyslexia Interventionist. She specializes in conducting academic evaluations and guiding families to ensure students receive the support they need for educational and personal success. Catherine is a member of COPAA and adheres to its Code of Ethics as a non-attorney advocate.

You can reach Catherine at https://www.righttoreadadvocacy.com/ or email her directly at [email protected].

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

In this episode, we discuss ways that dyslexia can affect speaking, as well as accommodations that can help.

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

Are you confused about the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP. Have you heard the term, "Free and Appropriate Public Education" and want to know what it means? Do you want to know your legal rights when interacting with your kid's school? Listen to part 2 of this interview with special education attorney Laura Heneghan to learn about all that and more!

You can find part 1 here: https://dyslexiajourney.buzzsprout.com/2077817/episodes/16095504-dyslexia-legal-rights-ft-attorney-laura-heneghan-part-1

Attorney Laura Heneghan proudly practices solely in the area of special education,
representing children and adolescents with disabilities who are not receiving appropriate services from their public school district. She began practicing in this area after experiencing this process as the parent of a child with disabilities, including a son with dyslexia. She brings this experience, her passion, and her unique collaborative abilities to her clients to change their outcomes for the better.

In addition to her law degree, Laura holds a Certificate in Special Education Advocacy from the PELE Clinic at William and Mary Law School. In order to better serve her clients with dyslexia, she has completed a 60-hour course in Orton Gillingham Plus, an evidence-based program based on the science of reading and approved by the International Dyslexia Association.

She is a Board Member of Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities. She provides Pro Bono legal services to immigrant children seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in Probate Court through Children’s Advocates of Connecticut. Laura previously served on the Board of Directors for the Western Connecticut Center for Human Rights, as a court-appointed Guardian Ad Litem for CASA of SW Connecticut, and as an Educational Surrogate appointed by the Connecticut Department of Education on abuse and neglect cases.

You can find Laura online at https://sped.esq/

Here are some links that Laura recommends:

https://www.smartkidswithld.org/
https://www.copaa.org/
https://www.wrightslaw.com/

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

Are you confused about the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP. Have you heard the term, "Free and Appropriate Public Education" and want to know what it means? Do you want to know your legal rights when interacting with your kid's school? Listen to part 1 of this interview with special education attorney Laura Heneghan to learn about all that and more!

Attorney Laura Heneghan proudly practices solely in the area of special education,
representing children and adolescents with disabilities who are not receiving appropriate services from their public school district. She began practicing in this area after experiencing this process as the parent of a child with disabilities, including a son with dyslexia. She brings this experience, her passion, and her unique collaborative abilities to her clients to change their outcomes for the better.

In addition to her law degree, Laura holds a Certificate in Special Education Advocacy from the PELE Clinic at William and Mary Law School. In order to better serve her clients with dyslexia, she has completed a 60-hour course in Orton Gillingham Plus, an evidence-based program based on the science of reading and approved by the International Dyslexia Association.

She is a Board Member of Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities. She provides Pro Bono legal services to immigrant children seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in Probate Court through Children’s Advocates of Connecticut. Laura previously served on the Board of Directors for the Western Connecticut Center for Human Rights, as a court-appointed Guardian Ad Litem for CASA of SW Connecticut, and as an Educational Surrogate appointed by the Connecticut Department of Education on abuse and neglect cases.

You can find Laura online at https://sped.esq/

Here are some links that Laura recommends:

https://www.smartkidswithld.org/
https://www.copaa.org/
https://www.wrightslaw.com/

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!