Literacy Untangled Podcast

By Jennie SjursenEducation Kids & Family

Literacy Untangled Podcast episodes

February 13#71 Why You Left That IEP Meeting Feeling Like You Got Played And How to Never Let It Happen Again
You know that sinking feeling in your stomach when you walk out of an IEP meeting, drive home, and realize you aren't actually sure what you just agreed to? You aren't imagining it, you aren’t being paranoid, and you definitely aren’t alone. For years, I’ve watched smart, capable parents get talked into "waiting" or backing down. Why? It’s because the system has a very specific playbook designed to protect their budget and their schedule and not necessarily your child’s needs.
Today, I’m exposing the hidden language and tactics used in those meeting rooms. We’re talking about how to spot goals that sound professional but measure absolutely nothing, what to do when your advocacy is labeled as "anxiety," and why the phrase "let’s see how they respond" is often just a delay tactic dressed up as thoroughness.
Trust me, once you see these plays, you can’t unsee them and that is the moment you stop being reactive and start being the strategic advocate your child deserves.
Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!
My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.
Topics Covered:
Why you aren't being paranoid or demanding for asking for the specific interventions your child actually needs [1:52]
How to spot professional terminology that hides a complete lack of meaningful data or growth targets [3:38]
What to do when the school team tries to make you feel like you're overreacting just to avoid addressing your legitimate concerns [4:25]
Why waiting another grading period for in-class interventions is often just a delay tactic the system uses [5:09]
A reminder that you should never feel forced to sign paperwork just because the team has "another meeting" to get to [5:58]
How walking into an IEP meeting recognizing the "plays" before they’re run changes your entire strategy as an advocate [7:29]

Key Takeaways:
If you leave a meeting feeling confused or second-guessing yourself, it’s because the system’s "playbook" is working as intended.
Just because a goal sounds professional doesn't mean it's effective. If it doesn't have a clear baseline and target, it measures nothing.
You are never required to sign paperwork under time pressure. Taking that paperwork home to process it is one of the strongest strategic moves you can make.

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!
Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid.
Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read.
Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to [email protected] or a DM on Instagram.
I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform.

Connect:
- Visit my website
- Sign up for my newsletter
- Follow me on Instagram
- Join me on Facebook
10 min
January 30#70 Series Addiction: Why Your Child Reads the Same Books Over and Over (And Why That's Perfect)
Does it feel like your child has read the same Dog Man book three times, and you’re secretly panicked they’ve hit a plateau? Are you worried that their obsession with a specific series is just a way to avoid a "real" challenge? Today, we’re flipping the script on "series addiction" and looking at why that repetitive reading is actually a dyslexic superpower in disguise.
In this episode, I dive into the fascinating research that shows children are 60% more likely to retain new vocabulary through repeated exposure to familiar stories. We’ll discuss how the "comfort zone" of a series actually frees up your child’s brain to master deep comprehension and critical thinking without the exhaustion of constant decoding. Plus, I’m also tackling how to handle school pushback when teachers insist on "moving up" a level, and more.
It’s time to stop fighting the obsession and start leaning into the growth. Pull up a chair and let’s talk about why your child’s "safe place" series is really the key to building a lifelong reader!
Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!
My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.
Topics Covered:
The "Series Secret" in action and what happens in my clinical sessions when a struggling reader finally discovers a series that "clicks [2:02]
Why series reading is a literal superpower for the dyslexic brain [3:02]
The big reasons you should prioritize your child’s specific interests over arbitrary reading levels [5:16]
How I use these books as high-value incentives in my practice to keep students engaged through the "heavy lifting" of literacy drills [6:33]
What you can do to navigate school pushback and how to handle those frustrating conversations with teachers who claim your child "isn't challenging themselves” [7:16]

Key Takeaways:
Repetition is a retention powerhouse and reading the same series isn't "stalling" - it’s a scientifically proven way to internalize language.
A child's passion for a particular topic provides the "cognitive fuel" needed to tackle text that might otherwise be above their independent reading level.
By using familiar characters, settings, and author styles, dyslexic learners can stop spending all their mental energy on decoding the basics and start focusing on deep comprehension and critical thinking.

Links & Resources Mentioned:
Hilo (Series) by Judd Winick
The Bad Guys (Series) by Aaron Blabey
The Brooklyn Nine by Alan Gratz
Dragon Master (Series) by Tracey West
The Sisters 8 (Series) by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Percy Jackson (Series) by Rick Riordan
Mercy Watson (Series) by Kate DiCamillo
Press Start! (Series) by Thomas Flintham
Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!
Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid.
Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read.
Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to [email protected] or a DM on Instagram.
I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform.

Connect:
- Visit my website
- Sign up for my newsletter
- Follow me on Instagram
- Join me on Facebook
11 min
January 16#69 Why Real Books Are Holding Your Dyslexic Child Back: The Graphic Novel Revolution
Does it feel like you’re constantly defending your child’s reading choices to a well-meaning teacher who insists graphic novels "don’t count"? Are you worried that letting them "just look at the pictures" is actually holding them back? Today, we’re busting the biggest myth in the dyslexia community and looking at why the graphic novel revolution is the breakthrough your struggling reader has been waiting for.
In this episode, I’m sharing the research that proves these books actually pack more sophisticated vocabulary than traditional children's stories - without the "wall of text" that leads to burnout. We’ll talk about why visuals are a total game-changer for comprehension and how they allow your child’s brain to actually process the story instead of just exhausted decoding, plus I’m also giving you the exact scripts to use when you get pushback at school and my personal "no-fail" book list to get your child reading voluntarily.
By the end of this one, you’ll stop stressing over "real books" and start seeing your child finally fall in love with a story!

Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!
My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.
Topics Covered:
What happens cognitively when your child swaps a traditional book for a graphic novel [2:28]
Why visual context and high-level vocabulary in graphic novels actually reduce cognitive load for struggling readers [3:40]
The key reasons reading graphic novels builds sophisticated literacy skills that transfer to every other type of text [5:28]
How to find the perfect high-interest graphic novel to hook your specific reader [6:16]
Simple, fun strategies to incorporate graphic novels into your home routine without it feeling like "schoolwork" [7:41]
What to say when teachers claim graphic novels "don't count" as real reading - plus the research to prove them wrong [8:32]

Key Takeaways:
The ways in which graphic novels are “vocabulary powerhouses.”
For dyslexic readers, illustrations aren't "cheating" but rather visuals that bridge the comprehension gap.
Manageable "text chunks" build stamina and engagement is the gateway to fluency.

Links & Resources Mentioned:
Center of Teaching and Learning (University of Oregon)
Hilo Series by Judd Winick
The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
Bone: The Complete Cartoon Epic in One Volume by Jeff Smith

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!
Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid.
Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read.
Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to [email protected] or a DM on Instagram.
I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform.
Connect:
- Visit my website
- Sign up for my newsletter
- Follow me on Instagram
- Join me on Facebook
12 min
December 19, 2025#68 Holiday Stress SOS: Your Survival Guide for Family Gatherings and School Breaks
Do you ever find yourself dreading the "well-meaning" advice from relatives who just don’t get it? Are you worried that the chaos of school breaks will lead to more meltdowns than magic for your struggling reader? Today, we’re getting real about the sensory overload and academic pressure that often hide behind the festive lights as I bring you your survival guide for family gatherings and school breaks!
In this episode, I share my proven frameworks for shutting down the "they just need to practice more" comments and explaining dyslexia in 30 seconds flat. We’ll dive into which routines are non-negotiable for a dyslexic brain and why I’m giving you full permission to ditch the holiday worksheets entirely, along with so much more.
By the end of this one, you’ll know exactly what you need to do to scout your "quiet zones," recruit family allies, and ensure this season is defined by connection rather than comparison.

Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!
My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.
Topics Covered:
A helpful response framework you can use for handling awkward holiday comments [2:37]
Why you need to find your family allies ahead of time and not go at it all alone [4:11]
Which routines to maintain to keep your child regulated while school is out for the holidays [4:53]
The real reasons why your child needs a true academic break and a reminder that you absolutely can give yourself permission to skip the worksheets [5:54]
Specific signs of sensory overload and social fatigue that often hide behind "bad behavior" during loud, bright, and crowded holiday events [7:15]
How to approach building an emergency strategy and exit plan for gatherings over the holidays [8:19]
Key Takeaways:
That your child will remember feeling supported and understood long after they forget the details of a specific tradition.
Why having an exit plan is a powerful strategy to help protect your child’s nervous system.
How to decouple intelligence from decoding and use a simple mental shift to advocate for your child.

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!
Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid.
Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read.
Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to [email protected] or a DM on Instagram.
I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform.

Connect:
- Visit my website
- Sign up for my newsletter
- Follow me on Instagram
- Join me on Facebook
11 min
December 05, 2025#67 Dyslexic Holiday Hacks: Making Traditions Work for Your Family
December is here, and are you dreading the holiday season because of the stress of thank-you notes, letters to Santa, and required reading? Have you ever watched your dyslexic child struggle with a cherished family tradition and wondered how to make it genuinely joyful? This episode is your essential guide to transforming high-stress, reading-heavy Christmas and holiday activities into meaningful moments.
Today, we dive deep into practical, age-appropriate adaptations and you’ll learn how to curate solutions for all age groups, discover empowering cultural traditions from around the world, and get an immediate action plan to implement low-stress changes this week.
The secret to a truly magical season is adapting the tradition to fit your family’s strengths, not forcing your child to fit the tradition. Listen today and unlock new ways to create joyful, lasting memories for the whole family!

Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!
My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.
Topics Covered:
Creative and practical alternative solutions to address the most common holiday challenges that will ultimately work well for every member of your family [2:03]
How to seamlessly curate age-appropriate adaptations for holiday activities across a wide range of age groups [3:38]
A look at different cultural celebrations and how they offer unique opportunities for empowering and engaging adaptation and learning [5:15]
An action plan you can use this week to confidently prepare and implement new or old family traditions that genuinely work for everyone, and reduce holiday stress [8:02]
Key Takeaways:
Stop forcing traditions to fit your child; adapt traditions to fit how their brain works.
The holiday season is the perfect time to lean into your dyslexic child's natural abilities.
Traditions from other cultures teach us that the goal is shared story time and connection, not decoding struggles.

Links & Resources Mentioned:
#65 Beyond Phonics: The New Science of Reading Comprehension and What It Means for Dyslexic Students

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!
Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid.
Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read.
Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to [email protected] or a DM on Instagram.
I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform.

Connect:
- Visit my website
- Sign up for my newsletter
- Follow me on Instagram
- Join me on Facebook
11 min
November 21, 2025#66 When Your Teen Says “I’m Done”: Navigating Service Refusal in Adolescence
Your teenager just told you they don't care if they fail because they're ditching their accommodations. Sound familiar? If you're watching your child choose struggle over support, you are absolutely not alone. This episode tackles the toughest part of the dyslexia journey: when adolescents flat-out refuse the services that help them succeed.
We peel back the layers to understand why this happens, and trust us, it’s not just teenage defiance. It’s about identity, development, and the crushing social cost of being different in middle school, among other things which you’ll hear about today.
If you’d like to stop fighting the compliance battle and learn the proven strategy of collaboration, this episode will show you how to swap control for connection, turning service refusal into a powerful pivot toward self-advocacy. The best part? This is a valuable skill they need for college and life, so press play now and let’s move from frustration to true engagement!

Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!
My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.
Topics Covered:
Why your teen refuses help and the difference between defiance and developmental changes in adolescents with dyslexia [1:38]
The middle school accommodation crisis and the reasons that service refusal peaks between fifth and seventh grade [2:10]
An exploration of the "shame spiral" where dyslexic teens would rather fail authentically than succeed with help [2:59]
Why tools that worked in elementary school can undermine a teenager's need to assert independence and capability [4:05]
How refusing services becomes a powerful way for adolescents to assert autonomy and agency after years of adults making educational decisions [4:35]
The value of collaboration over compliance and an example from my experiences helping a particular student that demonstrates how you can reframe tools for buy-in [6:05]
Why the ultimate goal should be self-advocacy and shifting your focus from managing compliance to teaching essential life skills [7:49]

Key Takeaways:
When your adolescent refuses accommodations, understand they are prioritizing their social identity and asserting control, and are not being intentionally defiant.
Forcing services only builds resentment and you should instead focus on collaboration for buy-in.
Ditch scripted advocacy and teach your teen the language to explain how their brain works and what they need in a conversational way.

Links & Resources Mentioned:
#65 Beyond Phonics: The New Science of Reading Comprehension and What It Means for Dyslexic Students

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!
Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid.
Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read.
Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to [email protected] or a DM on Instagram.
I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform.
Connect:
- Visit my website
- Sign up for my newsletter
- Follow me on Instagram
- Join me on Facebook
11 min
November 07, 2025#65 Beyond Phonics: The New Science of Reading Comprehension and What It Means for Dyslexic Students
Your dyslexic child can finally decode words, but are they still struggling to understand what they read? Have you taught the phonics, but you’re now wondering where is the comprehension? For decades, reading instruction focused almost exclusively on decoding, but the latest research is forcing a massive shift. In this episode, we dive into the Simple View of Reading and explain why decoding is only half the equation.
Today, you’ll discover the true foundation of comprehension: knowledge!
The good news is that many dyslexic students possess strong reasoning and listening abilities, meaning they are perfectly positioned to build this crucial background knowledge when we provide them with the right access. Understanding this research empowers you to ask better questions and ensure your child's learning plan is truly comprehensive. By focusing on both systematic decoding and rich content exposure, we can help them bridge the gap and become the knowledgeable, confident readers they are meant to be.

Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!
My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.
Topics Covered:
How the massive research shift in reading instruction is here and why we need to stop focusing only on phonics [1:37]
Decoding isn’t enough and the reasons that comprehension requires more than just sounding out words [2:21]
Why building background knowledge is the new foundation for literacy [2:59]
A look at how science and social studies topics are now key for struggling readers [3:17]
What to understand about prosody and why fluency is not just speed [4:53]
How your child needs both systematic phonics and rich content exposure to truly thrive at reading [6:25]
The red flags to watch for with reading interventions and what you can do to identify gaps in instruction that are holding your child back from knowledge [6:48]
The action plan and immediate steps to take to ensure your dyslexic child accesses grade-level material [8:31]

Key Takeaways:
Reading comprehension requires knowledge, not just skills and decoding ability is only half the battle.
Use listening to build the knowledge base.
Fluency is about expression, not just speed: true reading fluency involves prosody.

Links & Resources Mentioned:
The Simple View of Reading (Formula)

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!
Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid.
Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read.
Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to [email protected] or a DM on Instagram.
I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform.

Connect:
- Visit my website
- Sign up for my newsletter
- Follow me on Instagram
- Join me on Facebook
11 min
October 24, 2025#64 The Dyslexia Screening Revolution: How New Laws Are Changing Everything for Parents
Are you living through the BIGGEST change in dyslexia identification in decades? For years, parents have fought exhausting battles just to get their child evaluated, but new state legislation is finally shifting that burden from your shoulders to the schools. Today, I break down the universal dyslexia screening laws sweeping the nation, from California to Texas and reveal what you need to know.
But here’s the reality check: implementation is messy, and not all screening laws are created equal. You need to know what you need to do to ensure your child isn't screened without receiving the follow-up intervention they deserve.
You’ll learn the three most important questions to ask your school right now and how to use those screening results as powerful evidence for the support your struggling reader needs, along with a whole lot more - so let’s get started.
Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!
My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.
Topics Covered:
Why schools are facing new legislation requirements for student evaluations and support right now [1:37]
The ways in which screening is not the same as an evaluation or a diagnosis [2:18]
A closer look at what screening entails under the new guidelines and mandates [2:33]
How these changes represent a significant shift in responsibility for identifying student needs [2:47]
The reasons that identification matters so much for long-term student success and intervention [3:50]
How implementation can vary drastically across states and districts, leading to inconsistent results [4:11]
What you need to do now to comply with the new policies and successfully support your students [5:20]

Key Takeaways:
The new universal screening laws represent a game-changing shift in burden and responsibility from parents to schools.
Early intervention is both crucial and time-sensitive.
Despite over 40 states having some form of legislation, the strength of the laws and their implementation vary dramatically and local implementation requires parental oversight.

Links & Resources Mentioned:
DIBELS 8th Edition Materials
Acadience Learning

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!
Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid.
Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read.
Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to [email protected] or a DM on Instagram.
I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform.

Connect:
- Visit my website
- Sign up for my newsletter
- Follow me on Instagram
- Join me on Facebook
9 min
October 10, 2025#63 The Hidden Price Tag of Dyslexia: What No One Tells You About the Real Costs
The cost of a school evaluation might be zero, but what about the years that follow? Are you prepared for the financial reality of raising a dyslexic child? Whether you're just starting your journey and trying to budget for that first private evaluation, or you're years into it and wondering if you're spending your money on the right things, this is for you.
Today, we pull back the curtain on the expenses nobody warns you about and I share why middle-class families are often hit the hardest. Plus, you’ll learn why the cost actually increases as your child gets older, and you’ll hear the strategy successful families use to "spend smart," maximize school services, and find hidden scholarships to get their kids the help they need without going broke in the process.
Don't let the financial anxiety overwhelm you! This episode will help you navigate the impossible choices and get the best outcome for your child.
If you’d like to learn more about Step Up For Students, the organization I mention in this episode that empowers families to pursue and engage in the most appropriate learning options for their children, you can do so at www.stepupforstudents.org/
Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!
My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.
Topics Covered:
How the real financial journey of raising a dyslexic child begins after the "free" school evaluation and some of the costs that can quickly pile up [1:00]
Why middle-class families are often hit the hardest and the way in which they can often fall into a gap that exists [3:40]
What the significant long-term costs of delaying intervention are [4:20]
How to get a better return on your investment by learning to "spend smart" [4:50]
How financial relief can be obtained through certain programs and the importance of having an actual financial plan throughout this process [5:34]

Key Takeaways
Financial burdens for dyslexic support tend to increase as a child moves into middle school and high school.
The guilt of choosing between a child's essential dyslexia intervention and normal family expenses is a significant, hidden emotional and financial cost for many parents.
The most successful families don't spend the most, they "spend smart" by learning to strategically use school services to reduce the need for private, out-of-pocket expenses.

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!
Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid.
Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read.
Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to [email protected] or a DM on Instagram.
I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform.

Connect:
- Visit my website
- Sign up for my newsletter
- Follow me on Instagram
- Join me on Facebook
8 min
September 26, 2025#62 The Forgotten Family Members: How Dyslexia Affects Siblings Who Don't Struggle
Has your family life been taken over by one child's learning differences? Do you worry about the invisible impact on your other children who seem to be "the easy ones"? We often pour so much energy into supporting our dyslexic children that we forget about their siblings. Today, we're talking about the overlooked family members in the dyslexia journey: the brothers and sisters who might feel invisible, confused, or even resentful.
In this episode you’ll discover why they may feel guilty about their own success, take on adult responsibilities, or struggle with a feeling that their needs always come second. This is a conversation that will help you learn how to navigate these complex family dynamics, talk about learning differences in an age-appropriate way, and ensure every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated for who they are.
Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!
My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.
Topics Covered:
Why siblings of children with dyslexia often feel overlooked and resentful, and what you can do to help them feel seen [1:03]
The ways dyslexia can affect the entire family system, and the unexpected impact it has on typically developing siblings [1:31]
How a child's role as the "easy one" can lead to them taking on inappropriate responsibilities and hiding their own academic success [1:52]
What resentment and perfectionism in adulthood can reveal about the lasting impact of growing up with a dyslexic sibling [3:06]
Strategies for giving appropriate attention to each child by understanding the difference between equal and fair [4:09]
How open communication and celebrating each child's unique strengths can build a balanced and supportive family [5:30]
Key Takeaways
Dyslexia affects the entire family, not just the child who has it.
It’s important to understand that the "easy" child has needs, too.
The key to a balanced family isn't giving every child the exact same amount of attention, but rather giving each child the appropriate attention and support they need as an individual.
When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!
Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid.
Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read.
Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to [email protected] or a DM on Instagram.
I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform.
Connect:
- Visit my website
- Sign up for my newsletter
- Follow me on Instagram
- Join me on Facebook
7 min

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Does your child struggle with reading and writing? Do you suspect they have dyslexia? Real world answers to all your questions about dyslexia and ways to help your child is exactly what your get when…

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