Literacy Untangled Podcast

By Jennie SjursenEducation Kids & Family

Literacy Untangled Podcast episodes

September 12, 2025#61 - When One Parent Says 'Just Give It Time' and the Other Is Researching Dyslexia at Midnight
Ever found yourself down a late-night research rabbit hole about dyslexia while your partner is sound asleep, completely unbothered? Do you feel like you're fighting this battle alone, trying to advocate for your child's reading struggles while your partner says, "Just give it time"? If this sounds familiar, you're not alone, and this episode is for you.
I want to show you why this divide happens and, more importantly, give you a path forward. So, instead of arguing, discover how to shift the conversation and get on the same page.
Remember, this isn’t about winning an argument; it’s about getting both parents on the same team, fighting for your child's future, not with each other. Tune in and let's get you a united front.
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 ways in which reading instruction has changed over the past 20 to 30 years, and why this means that old methods just don't work anymore [1:53]
How your child is developing a story about themselves based on their struggles and the feelings this can lead to [2:08]
The Matthew Effect explained: why children who fall behind in reading tend to fall even further behind over time [2:30]
Specific questions to ask your child about how they perceive reading to shift the conversation from a problem to a deeper understanding of their unique brain [3:22]
Why allowing children to articulate their experience in their own words can be such a powerful tool [4:18]
A look at the framework for approaching a resistant partner using a strategic approach that moves from emotion to curiosity, and from confrontation to collaboration [4:34]

Key Takeaways
Waiting until the end of third grade to address reading difficulties can be highly detrimental.
Shifting the conversation from arguing about a "problem" to being curious about your child's experience can be a game-changer.
A reminder that the goal isn't to win an argument, but to create a united front.

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.
7 min
August 15, 2025#60 Summer Rewind Series: Are We There Yet - How Long Does A Dyslexia Remediation Really Take?
Summer has arrived, and I’m taking a moment to look back at some of the most impactful episodes to date! I know this season brings a mix of relaxation and planning, especially for families navigating dyslexia. That's why I wanted to bring you our "Summer Rewind" series, a curated selection of previously aired episodes packed with valuable insights, practical strategies, and empowering advice to help you support your child's literacy journey through the warmer months and beyond. This episode, Are We There Yet - How Long Does A Dyslexia Remediation Really Take?, originally aired back in December of 2022, and I hope you enjoy listening to it again (or for the first time)!
In this episode, I explore the different factors that go into your child’s success with an interventionist. Your child’s age, individual needs, and the intensity of their instruction all play major roles in their ability to make meaningful progress.
My go-to answer when parents ask how long dyslexia remediation takes is that this process is a marathon, not a sprint. You should anticipate challenges and celebrate milestones along the way.
Listen in to learn more about what to expect when it comes to predicting and tracking your child’s progress!
My Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP course walks you through every step of the identification and support process. I offer two options: the course itself, which gives you all the tools and templates you need to advocate for your child, or the course paired with a comprehensive literacy evaluation. Either way, you'll have a roadmap to follow instead of trying to figure everything out on your own, and you can learn more and apply now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/continuethejourney!
My brand-new 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 there's no quick fix for dyslexia remediation and you have to beware of promises for rapid-level grade jumps [1:00]
The key factors influencing dyslexia remediation and the reasons that it's such a complex equation [1:43]
How the intensity of specialized instruction significantly impacts progress [2:49]
The "Matthew Effect" in reading and how the longer you wait for dyslexia intervention, the harder it becomes for your child to catch up [3:51]
Why dyslexia instruction progresses a multi-year journey beyond the foundational skills [5:25]

Key Takeaways
Dyslexia remediation is a highly individualized and long-term process and there's no one-size-fits-all timeline.
Early and consistent specialized instruction is crucial for managing dyslexia.
Dyslexia intervention is comprehensive and it extends beyond just basic phonics.

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again!
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
August 01, 2025#59 Summer Rewind Series: Prepping Your Dyslexic Child for the New School Year: 8 Steps to a Smooth Start
Summer has arrived, and I’m taking a moment to look back at some of the most impactful episodes to date! I know this season brings a mix of relaxation and planning, especially for families navigating dyslexia. That's why I wanted to bring you our "Summer Rewind" series, a curated selection of previously aired episodes packed with valuable insights, practical strategies, and empowering advice to help you support your child's literacy journey through the warmer months and beyond. This episode, Prepping Your Dyslexic Child for the New School Year: 8 Steps to a Smooth Start, originally aired in August of 2023, and I hope you enjoy listening to it again (or for the first time)!
In this episode, I explore eight tools that help students build their confidence and self-advocacy skills. I share ways to collaborate on goal-setting and building effective habits that help students address any challenges they may have experienced in previous years. Plus, I highlight my top tip for all parents who are preparing for a new school year – it’s simple, but very effective!
My Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP course walks you through every step of the identification and support process. I offer two options: the course itself, which gives you all the tools and templates you need to advocate for your child, or the course paired with a comprehensive literacy evaluation. Either way, you'll have a roadmap to follow instead of trying to figure everything out on your own, and you can learn more and apply now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/continuethejourney!
My brand-new 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 reviewing their IEP or 504 accommodations is crucial for building self-confidence and vital self-advocacy skills for the classroom [2:42]
Unlocking the power of assistive technology through readily available tools often built into everyday apps your child already uses [3:06]
How involving your child in setting realistic academic and personal goals gives them ownership and drives their success throughout the year [4:01]
What you can do to help your child master the homework battle by implementing a consistent routine in this area [4:29]
Practical organization strategies that will help your child immensely throughout the entire school year [5:03]
How you, as the parent, hold the key to their success as the ultimate support system [5:48]

Key Takeaways
Parents can significantly reduce back-to-school stress for dyslexic students by proactively implementing an 8-step plan that covers everything from reviewing past performance to exploring assistive technologies.

Fostering a dyslexic child's self-confidence and self-advocacy skills is paramount, and can be achieved through open discussions about their IEP/504 accommodations and actively involving them in goal-setting and routine development.

Consistent routines, practical organizational strategies, and unwavering emotional support are crucial elements that empower dyslexic students to manage their time, reduce anxiety, and thrive academically and personally throughout the school year.

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again!
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
July 18, 2025#58 Summer Rewind Series: 7 Ways to Help the Dyslexic in Your Life Find and Give Themselves Grace
Summer has arrived, and I’m taking a moment to look back at some of the most impactful episodes to date! I know this season brings a mix of relaxation and planning, especially for families navigating dyslexia. That's why I wanted to bring you our "Summer Rewind" series, a curated selection of previously aired episodes packed with valuable insights, practical strategies, and empowering advice to help you support your child's literacy journey through the warmer months and beyond. This episode, 7 Ways to Help the Dyslexic in Your Life Find and Give Themselves Grace, originally aired in March of 2024, and I hope you enjoy listening to it again (or for the first time)!
We’ve all heard that pesky little voice in our heads say something like, “Well, you should’ve done XYZ, but you didn’t.” Many dyslexics experience negative self-talk. I know I have! Reminding ourselves to be graceful in these moments, while sometimes easier said than done, is the only way through it. Today, I’m sharing 7 ways that you can help the dyslexic in your life give themselves grace.
My Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP course walks you through every step of the identification and support process. I offer two options: the course itself, which gives you all the tools and templates you need to advocate for your child, or the course paired with a comprehensive literacy evaluation. Either way, you'll have a roadmap to follow instead of trying to figure everything out on your own, and you can learn more and apply now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/continuethejourney!
My brand-new 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 giving yourself grace is crucial, especially for neurodivergent individuals [1:32]
The key reasons that educating your child about dyslexia is the first and most important step [2:32]
How parents can celebrate their child's unique talents and find activities where they truly shine, fostering confidence beyond academic challenges [4:12]
Normalizing mistakes as a valuable perspective for both students and parents on embracing errors for growth [5:32]

Key Takeaways
It is crucial for both adults and dyslexic children to practice self-compassion and give themselves grace, understanding that struggles and mistakes are a normal part of life and learning.
Educating dyslexic children about their unique way of thinking, focusing on their strengths, and normalizing mistakes are fundamental steps in empowering them and building their self-esteem.
Parents and educators can significantly support dyslexic individuals by maintaining open communication, setting realistic expectations, and praising effort over just results.

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again!
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
July 04, 2025#57 Summer Rewind Series: 5 Unexpected Ways Dyslexia Affects Everyday Life
Summer has arrived, and I’m taking a moment to look back at some of the most impactful episodes to date! I know this season brings a mix of relaxation and planning, especially for families navigating dyslexia. That's why I wanted to bring you our "Summer Rewind" series, a curated selection of previously aired episodes packed with valuable insights, practical strategies, and empowering advice to help you support your child's literacy journey through the warmer months and beyond. This episode, 5 Unexpected Ways Dyslexia Affects Everyday Life, originally aired in May of 2024, and I hope you enjoy listening to it again (or for the first time)!
When people talk about dyslexia and how it affects people, the focus is almost always on improving a child’s learning environment. They rarely talk about how the effects show up in everyday life, and in this episode, I look at five unexpected areas in which dyslexia impacts people.
My Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP course walks you through every step of the identification and support process. I offer two options: the course itself, which gives you all the tools and templates you need to advocate for your child, or the course paired with a comprehensive literacy evaluation. Either way, you'll have a roadmap to follow instead of trying to figure everything out on your own, and you can learn more and apply now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/continuethejourney!
My brand-new 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 navigating airports, reading maps, and managing travel documents can be a significant hurdle for individuals with dyslexia [1:33]
How the unique executive function demands and road sign challenges that make driving a complex task for many with dyslexia [3:44]
Ways that dyslexia affects navigation on the water and the surprising complexities of interpreting nautical charts and symbols [5:10]
Why reading recipes, managing steps, and ensuring proper cooking times can be a real struggle in the kitchen for dyslexic individuals [5:31]
Some of the significant processing challenges that are being created by the increased use of subtitles in modern media [6:12]

Key Takeaways
Dyslexia's impact extends far beyond academic settings, profoundly affecting seemingly ordinary daily activities.
Individuals with dyslexia often face significant challenges with tasks requiring simultaneous processing of visual and auditory information, quick reading of complex text, and intricate organizational skills.
Understanding these less-talked-about challenges of dyslexia in everyday life can foster greater empathy and provide insights into developing more effective support strategies.

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again!
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
June 20, 2025#56 Summer Rewind Series: Traveling with a Dyslexic Child
As summer approaches, I’m taking a moment to look back at some of the most impactful episodes to date! I know this season brings a mix of relaxation and planning, especially for families navigating dyslexia. That's why I wanted to bring you our "Summer Rewind" series, a curated selection of previously aired episodes packed with valuable insights, practical strategies, and empowering advice to help you support your child's literacy journey through the warmer months and beyond. This episode, Traveling with a Dyslexic Child, originally aired in July of 2023, and I hope you enjoy listening to it again (or for the first time)!
In this episode, I explain how dyslexia can create challenges within travel, including misreading signage, hard to read information, and time blindness. There are a lot of steps involved with travel of any kind, which is why lots and lots of planning is key! I provide strategies and tips to help navigate potential problems, including why a backup plan is especially important for when things can (and do) go wrong. Join me as I unpack the sneaky ways dyslexia can impact travel plans, plus tips and solutions to make travel an easier, smoother experience.
My Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP course walks you through every step of the identification and support process. I offer two options: the course itself, which gives you all the tools and templates you need to advocate for your child, or the course paired with a comprehensive literacy evaluation. Either way, you'll have a roadmap to follow instead of trying to figure everything out on your own, and you can learn more and apply now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/continuethejourney!
My brand-new 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:
Some of the unique challenges of traveling with a dyslexic child, including public transportation and time management difficulties [2:08]
How dyslexia and ADHD can lead to "time blindness," impacting travel planning and preparedness [4:28]
Key strategies for smoother travel with a dyslexic child, namely extensive planning and itinerary review [5:48]
Ways to leverage assistive technology and apps like Google Maps and voice recorders to aid navigation and information recall [6:13]
Why it’s important to always have a backup plan for unexpected travel disruptions and what this can look like [6:48]

Key Takeaways
Dyslexia impacts travel and often leads to confusion and missed connections.
The concept of "time blindness" is prevalent in dyslexic and ADHD individuals, which can result in forgotten essentials.
Thorough planning and utilizing assistive technologies can make travel a more manageable and less stressful experience for dyslexic children and their families.

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again!
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
June 06, 2025#55 Summer Rewind Series: Dyslexia and Summer Therapy - Yes or No?
As summer approaches, I’m taking a moment to look back at some of the most impactful episodes to-date! I know this season brings a mix of relaxation and planning, especially for families navigating dyslexia. That's why I wanted to bring you our "Summer Rewind" series, a curated selection of previously aired episodes packed with valuable insights, practical strategies, and empowering advice to help you support your child's literacy journey through the warmer months and beyond. This episode, Dyslexia and Summer Therapy - Yes or No?, originally aired in May of 2023, and I hope you enjoy listening to it again (or for the first time)!
Research has shown that many children, especially dyslexic children, will lose reading skills over the summer without some support. If your child has been working hard with a dyslexia therapist after school all year and is doing really well, you need to think about what the fall will look like for your child based on the decisions you make for them in the summer.
In this episode, I outline some options that make it possible for you to balance your child’s summer. There are many ways to make this work for you, your family, and your child. Ultimately, it is a personal decision, and you should trust your parent-gut.
My Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP course walks you through every step of the identification and support process. I offer two options: the course itself, which gives you all the tools and templates you need to advocate for your child, or the course paired with a comprehensive literacy evaluation. Either way, you'll have a roadmap to follow instead of trying to figure everything out on your own, and you can learn more and apply now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/continuethejourney!
My brand-new 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:
Practical approaches to maintain your child's reading progress while enjoying summer [1:55]
Common setbacks and why taking the summer off can hurt dyslexic students [2:20]
How to define your family's objectives for a productive and enjoyable summer [2:38]
Options for specialized summer camps that offer both learning and leisure [3:09]
Tips on adjusting therapy schedules to accommodate family vacations and summer activities [4:08]
Why some families choose to increase intervention intensity over the summer to prepare for the new school year [4:32]

Key Takeaways
Even a short break from reading intervention can lead to a "summer slide" in skills.
You don't have to choose between summer fun and academic progress; many options blend both.
From specialized camps to adjusted therapy schedules, there are many ways to continue support.
Ultimately, the best summer plan for your child is a personal decision that aligns with your family's needs - so trust your gut.

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again!
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
May 23, 2025#54 Hiding in Plain Sight: How Gifted Kids Mask Their Dyslexia and What Parents Must Know
Have you ever wondered why your incredibly bright child, the one with the astonishing vocabulary and mind-bending problem-solving skills, struggles so much with reading and writing? If so, this episode will be an eye-opener as I share what you need to know about spotting dyslexia in gifted kids and what you need to do moving forward.
I realize this process can be tricky as these kids can be absolute masters of compensation, but if you suspect your exceptional child is working twice as hard for seemingly modest results in literacy, then this episode is a must-listen.
My Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP course walks you through every step of the identification and support process. I offer two options: the course itself, which gives you all the tools and templates you need to advocate for your child, or the course paired with a comprehensive literacy evaluation. Either way, you'll have a roadmap to follow instead of trying to figure everything out on your own, and you can learn more and apply now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/continuethejourney!
My brand-new 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:
Some of the things that gifted dyslexic children commonly use to mask their reading difficulties [2:51]
The key giveaways that will help you to spot dyslexia in your gifted child [3:18]
Why standard school screenings and assessments often completely miss dyslexia in gifted kids [4:29]
What effective support looks like once your gifted child is identified with dyslexia [5:12]
The devastating impostor syndrome many twice-exceptional (2E) kids develop and how to help your child by openly discussing their learning profile [5:59]

Key Takeaways
Giftedness can mask dyslexia, leading to underidentification in bright children.
Look for a significant mismatch between strong verbal abilities and weak reading/writing skills.
Effective support for 2E kids requires both academic remediation and intellectual enrichment.
Openly discussing learning differences helps twice-exceptional children build self-awareness and overcome feelings of inadequacy.

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again!
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
May 09, 2025#53 Beat the September Rush: Why Smart Parents Start the Dyslexia Process Now, Not Next Fall
Feeling overwhelmed by the end of the school year? Think your child's learning struggles can wait until September? Today, I want to talk about why waiting until September could be one of the biggest mistakes that you make for your struggling reader, and give you the confidence to take the critical steps that need to be taken right now.
Don't let the summer lull you into a potentially detrimental delay! This episode will show you how to be a proactive advocate and set your child up for success before the new school year even begins.
My brand-new 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 to begin leveraging the wealth of year-end data, including teacher insights and work samples, for a more robust evaluation process [2:28]
What to understand about the summer advantage for evaluations and how to avoid the “wait and see” trap that so many fall into [3:15]
The importance of using the summer for emotional processing and building your advocacy skills related to your child's learning journey [4:08]
The specific language to include in your formal email requesting an evaluation to trigger necessary legal timelines [4:41]
What to do if you're not 100 percent sure that your child needs an evaluation [5:57]
How federal regulations prevent schools from delaying evaluations solely due to summer break, and the way this can empower you to advocate for timely support [7:37]
A reminder to embrace the end of the school year as a powerful beginning for proactive advocacy, setting your child up for success in the coming year [9:38]

Key Takeaways
End the school year strong by starting the evaluation conversation now for a smoother path ahead.
Summer can be a strategic time for evaluations, potentially leading to quicker results and avoiding fall delays.
Your formal, written request for evaluation triggers important legal timelines schools must follow.
Don't let summer break be an excuse for evaluation delays; know your rights and advocate early.

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again!
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
April 25, 2025#52 Beyond Smores: Finding the Summer Program Your Dyslexic Child Actually Needs
Struggling to figure out the best summer plans for your dyslexic child? Are you torn between the need for academic support to prevent summer slide and the desire for your child to have a fun, relaxing break? What if I told you that you could find a way to do both?
This week, we dive deep into the world of summer options for dyslexic learners, exploring everything from specialized academic programs and supportive traditional camps to the power of individual tutoring and passion-based special interest camps. I’ll help you navigate the overwhelming choices and uncover what truly makes a summer program dyslexia-friendly, along with the crucial factors to consider when evaluating staff, program structure, and learning philosophies. You’ll even discover what you can expect to pay for these types of programs, as well as options to alleviate the burden of this cost.
Keep in mind that whatever summer option you choose, summer should feel like summer and be both fun and beneficial to your child’s development. My intent for this episode is that it helps you find that sweet spot between academic support and good old fashioned summer fun!
If you’d like to learn more about Kildonan's Camp Dunnabeck, an option that I mentioned in this episode, you can visit their website at https://www.kildonan.org/camp-dunnabeck to see all that a program like this has to offer.
Topics Covered:
What to consider when navigating the summer balance for your dyslexic child and balancing fun versus. preventing the "summer slide" in reading [1:23]
The different types of specialized academics summer programs that exist and specific questions you can ask to determine if they are dyslexic-friendly [2:42]
Why finding the right summer fit is personal and what you can do to ensure the one you choose is right for your child [5:15]
Action steps to take to set your child up for success once a program is chosen [6:42]
What you can expect to pay for a specialized program and a few options you have if cost is a major constraint [7:46]
Summer reading tips and why consistency matters more than quantity [9:15]

Key Takeaways
Summer is a balancing act and It's about finding the sweet spot between relaxation and skill maintenance.
Diverse summer options exist and there's a wide range of choices beyond just academics to consider.
Child-centered decision-making is crucial, so actively involve them in the decision-making process.
Focus on holistic development and recognize that various activities indirectly support reading skills.

When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again!
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

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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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