Dyslexia Uncovered

This episode takes a unique approach to understanding dyslexia by using AI-generated voices driven by Google’s Gemini language model to unpack Tim’s recent review article, The Gift of Dyslexia: What is the Harm in it? Through an engaging, AI-generated conversation using NotebookLM, we explore the complexities of the “gift” narrative, the neurodiversity movement, and how framing dyslexia as a strength can sometimes have unintended effects. Join us for this experimental and whimsical deep dive as AI voices break down myths, challenge assumptions, and highlight the importance of viewing dyslexia with nuance and empathy, all generated and powered by Google’s NotebookLM.

Access the article here: The Gift of Dyslexia: What is the Harm in It?

In this special Dyslexia Awareness Month episode, Tim answers a thoughtful question from high school students about what it was like to grow up with dyslexia. Sharing personal stories from his teenage years, Tim reflects on the limitations that come with dyslexia and coming to understand them on his terms, the power of self-expression through art and music, and the journey of surviving obstacles that emerge with dyslexia through perseverance. He also explores the meaning behind the DYSLEXIC AF pins he created as a form of defiance and celebration of what it means to be dyslexic.
 

Theme song. Paranoia Sax I by The Strange Word of A.J. Kaufmann. The source of the song is the Free Music Archive, the license type NC. The song was edited to create a shorter intro and transition. The song is played in full as the outro to the episode. 

In this episode of Dyslexia Uncovered, Tim shares a deeply personal story from his childhood. Titled "Rules of Engagement," this story of dyslexia explores the assumptions, challenges, and silent struggles many face as they navigate early experiences with testing and schooling without being told or fully understanding what is happening around them. From the confusion of IQ tests to the harsh reality of being underestimated by his teachers, Tim reflects on how these moments shaped his journey with dyslexia. As we honor Dyslexia Awareness Month, this story reminds us of the resilience and strength that people with dyslexia often must summon from a young age.


Theme Song
Unnamed song composed and played by Mona Odegard. It's a filler until we come up with something else. Enjoy!

In this special Dyslexia Awareness Month episode, we sit down with Josh Clark to talk about his lifelong commitment to promoting neurodiversity and the science of reading. Josh shares insights from his journey as an educator, his work with global organizations like the International Dyslexia Association, and how schools can better support students with language-based learning disabilities. Join us as we explore how Josh’s efforts are shaping educational reform and driving positive change for students with dyslexia. Don’t forget to wear red and show your support this month!

Josh Clark is a dedicated educator and advocate for neurodiversity in education, currently serving as Head of Landmark School and Executive Director of Landmark Outreach. With a focus on promoting the science of reading, Josh has led schools like The Schenck School in Atlanta and The Bodine School in Memphis, both known for their support of students with dyslexia. As Chair of the International Dyslexia Association, co-founder of the Association of LD Schools, and contributor to Made by Dyslexia and Microsoft Education, Josh champions the cause of language-based learning disabilities (LBLD) worldwide, sharing his expertise in supporting students with dyslexia and advancing educational reform.

Theme Song
Unnamed song composed and played by Mona Odegard. It's a filler until we come up with something else. Enjoy!

In this episode of Dyslexia Uncovered, Tim shares a deeply personal story from his early days of working with individuals with dyslexia. Through his experiences with a young student named Jenny and her mother, he explores the complexities of intervention, the unexpected challenges that arise, and the profound impact of learning alongside those he seeks to help. "Hard Lessons" is a heartfelt reflection on the realities of supporting individuals with dyslexia and the moments that teach us the most.

Theme Song
Sound of Home, composed and performed by Jens Koch and recorded at Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park. All rights to the recording and song are reserved by Jens Koch. Find him on Spotify.

In this heartfelt episode of 'Dyslexia Uncovered,' Tim shares a recent experience with two young girls who, like him, have dyslexia. Through an art project using liquid paint, they explore the concept that "there are no mistakes." As they paint, Tim reflects on the powerful lessons learned from this simple yet profound activity, where the girls express their realities in a way that's beyond words. The story touches on the struggles, the self-criticism, and the moments of self-acceptance that come with living with dyslexia. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful lessons come from unexpected places.

Annals of Dyslexia Special Collection on the Definition of Dyslexia
Read the Intro to the Special Collection here

Theme Song
Sound of Home, composed and performed by Jens Koch and recorded at Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park. All rights to the recording and song are reserved by Jens Koch. Find him on Spotify.

For our final Big Sky conversation, we sit down with Dr. Julie Washington from UC Irvine to explore how language, dialect, and poverty intersect in literacy. Dr. Washington brings her wealth of experience as a speech-language pathologist to discuss the unique challenges of identifying reading disabilities in African American children, dialect's role in learning, and how systemic biases impact educational outcomes. It's an eye-opening conversation highlighting the critical need to understand and support students from all linguistic backgrounds.

Julie Washington, Ph.DS., CCC-SLP. Dr. Julie Washington is a professor at the School of Education at the University of California – Irvine (UCI) and a fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, she directs the Learning Disabilities Research Innovation Hub, funded by NICHD, and the Dialect, Poverty, and Academic Success Lab at UCI. She also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the language section of the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. Dr. Washington's research explores the intersection of literacy, language variation, and poverty, focusing on understanding the role of language dialects in assessing and identifying language and reading disabilities in African American children. She also focuses on improving methods to develop oral language and written language skills in children growing up in poverty. 

Theme Song
Sound of Home, composed and performed by Jens Koch and recorded at Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park. All rights to the recording and song are reserved by Jens Koch. Find him on Spotify.

In this episode of Dyslexia Uncovered, we get to hear the next Big Sky Conversation. Dr. Julie Wolter, Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Gonzaga University, shares her expertise in linking oral and written language development in children, particularly those with developmental language disorder (DLD) and dyslexia. The discussion spans the challenges of labeling disorders, the translation of research into practice, and how implementation science can bridge the gap between research and practice. The episode also highlights the importance of addressing systemic barriers, and if you listen to the end, you can hear some behind-the-scenes shenanigans.

Julie Wolter, PhD, CCC-SLP, is the Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Gonzaga University and an internationally recognized expert in language-literacy development. With nearly 25 years of experience in both academic and clinical settings, Dr. Wolter has served in leadership roles at the University of Montana and Utah State University. Her research focuses on the assessment and intervention of developmental language disorder (DLD) and dyslexia in young children, and she is currently leading a National Institutes of Health-funded study in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital and the Royal Holloway University of London. Dr. Wolter is deeply committed to enhancing education and clinical training for health professionals, particularly in underserved communities, and has secured significant funding to support students in rural and American Indian tribal areas.


Theme Song
Sound of Home, composed and performed by Jens Koch. Recorded live at Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park. All rights to the recording and song are reserved by Jens Koch. Find him on Spotify. 

In this episode of Dyslexia Uncovered, we get to hear the first of our Big Sky Conversations. Dr. Tiffany Hogan from the MGH Institute shares her expertise in linking oral and written language development in children, particularly those with developmental language disorder (DLD) and dyslexia. The discussion spans the challenges of labeling disorders – such as dyslexia and DLD, the translation of research into practice, and how implementation science can bridge the gap between research and practice. The episode also highlights the importance of addressing systemic barriers, and if you listen to the end, you can hear some behind-the-scenes shenanigans.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Margaret Goldberg, a dedicated literacy coach in a large urban district in California and co-founder of The Right to Read Project. Margaret has an extensive background in education, having served as a classroom teacher, curriculum developer, district early literacy lead, site-based literacy coach, and reading interventionist.

 We explore Margaret's journey from teacher to advocate, delving into her commitment to aligning classroom instruction with the latest reading research. Our conversation touches on the challenges she has faced in promoting equitable literacy practices and the impactful work she continues to do through The Right to Read Project.

 Margaret and I discuss the importance of integrating teacher voices in conversations around the Science of Reading and how aligning instruction with research can transform educational outcomes. We also examine the initiatives and goals of The Right to Read Project, highlighting their efforts to support schools and districts in improving literacy education.

 This conversation sheds light on the intersection of research and practice, the significance of community and teacher involvement in literacy advocacy, and the ongoing journey toward educational equity.

 Whether you're an educator, an individual with dyslexia, a parent, a researcher, or someone with an interest in literacy, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for advancing literacy education.

 Margaret and I share a passion for supporting educators and ensuring every child succeeds in reading and writing. Join us for this compelling conversation filled with expertise, personal stories, and a shared commitment to making a difference.

 Learn more about the Right to Read Project.