October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. What is dyslexia, really? Far beyond “seeing letters backwards,” dyslexia is a lifelong learning difference as a result of how the brain processes language, making reading, spelling, and decoding more challenging. Dyslexia affects 1 in 5 people and is often misunderstood, yet with the right tools, strategies, and grace, students can thrive.

In this episode, I sit down with my son, Ethan Sakata, who was diagnosed with dyslexia at the end of fifth grade. Together, we reflect on his journey, including three years of intensive tutoring through the Barton Reading and Spelling System, the challenges of learning to read, and the victories that came with persistence, mistakes, and grace.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

If you’re a parent, teacher, or student with questions about dyslexia, or if you’ve ever felt like you don’t learn like everyone else, this conversation is for you. Ethan’s story reminds you that even when grace feels hard to come by, God is at work, strengthening and shaping you along the way.

“There wasn't anything about decoding words that came naturally to me. I had to think about every single part of the proccess."

“Less is more when it comes to words for dyslexics.”

"Mistakes helped me identify either places I needed more practice for that tool or a new tool altogether."

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."

🌿Barton Reading and Spelling System

Sophia’s Fight SongYouTube created by a 5th-grade girl with dyslexia

Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz

Ep. 50 5 Grace Takeaways that Still Stick | Jennifer Sakata

🎁 My FREE gift to you: Prayers That Change Us