The dyslexic brain and non-dyslexic brain are not the same. The dyslexic brain not only processes language differently, it's also structurally different. For instance, when it comes to reading and writing, dyslexic brains utilize both sides of their brain unlike non-dyslexic readers who only use the left side of their brain. Dyslexic brains are also structurally different; they have an extra layer of neurons called ectopias.

Reading is not a natural function of the brain. Unlike oral language, the brain has no dedicated area for reading, it needs to borrow from other areas. The area of the brain used for facial recognition is repurposed to learn to recognize letters. This means, as we learn to read, our ability to recognize faces weakens. In this episode we break down the Science of Reading (the study of how all people learn to read, regardless of age) and provide a foundation for understanding the differences between how a dyslexic and non-dyslexic brain processes reading and writing. 

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Once you receive your child’s dyslexia diagnosis, you might feel lost about how to share the news with them. In my experience, one of the most supportive things that you can do is have a discussion about it and give an overview of what it means for them. You have an opportunity to reduce the shame and stigma that so many people with different learning abilities feel. 

It’s also highly likely that your child will feel relieved to know that there are reasons why they struggle with certain tasks or subjects in school. I encourage you to be honest about the hard work that they’ll have to put in during therapy sessions, and I share some ways to set up informative, loving conversations around this. I also highlight some well-meaning words of encouragement or advice that can easily be misinterpreted by a child and what you can say instead to reassure them that dyslexia doesn’t limit their future. 

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Dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a lot of overlap. It can be difficult to tell if your child is struggling because of dyslexia or ADHD. In this episode, I highlight the signs and symptoms of ADHD and look at the common threads and differences between the two disorders. 

It's estimated that 30% of students with dyslexia also have ADHD, but there’s no evidence that one causes the other. I’ve seen first-hand how direct instruction and support of executive function skills is extremely valuable for students experiencing dyslexia, ADHD, or both. Listen in to learn some strategies and coping mechanisms that are beneficial across the board. 

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Traditionally, the majority of the annual IEP meetings take place between mid-January through mid-March. In this episode, I share 12 questions that you want to make sure you cover during these meetings and give examples of what good answers should include. 

I explain what a multi-sensory, structured literacy approach is and why you want to ensure that your service provider is well-versed in that strategy. I highlight who should be providing reading services to your child and training credentials you want to look out for. I also describe when and where services should be delivered. 

Circling back to episode 9, you also want to talk with your child’s specialist about how progress and mastery is going to be measured. Listen in and check out the downloadable PDF to prepare for upcoming IEP meetings. 

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One of the most common questions I hear from parents after they hire a specialist is, how long will it take to get my child up to grade level? Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to give a clear, guaranteed timeline of your child’s progress.

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.  

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Many students with dyslexia can benefit from having extra support outside of their individualized learning plan. If you’re unhappy with the quality or quantity of services your child is receiving at school, it might be time to look into a private dyslexia instructor. 

In this episode, I explain step-by-step how to connect with the right service provider for your child. I break down what you should look for in terms of credentials and share key questions to ask during a consultation. 

I also talk about how professionals typically craft a well-rounded view of your child’s abilities through test scores. Finally, I discuss what you can expect in terms of cost and where to find providers in your area. 

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In this episode, we explore how your child's evaluation informs the structure of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the educational decisions you make for them. I explain the two requirements that must be met for your child to qualify for an IEP, share examples of learning goals and services, and highlight some red flags that you should look out for during these conversations. 

After it’s determined that your child has a Specific Learning Disability (SLD), the first decision that needs to be made is whether your child qualifies for a 504 or an IEP. I get into the nuances between the two options and dive into the IEP process. I detail what should be included in your child’s IEP and what kind of conversations you can expect to have with the specialists at your child’s school. 

Listen in to learn more about how to set your child up for success with a goal-oriented and bespoke IEP. 

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One of the most common misconceptions about dyslexia is that everyone who is diagnosed with it experiences the same challenges. Because dyslexia is a spectrum disorder, no two dyslexics are exactly the same. On today’s episode, I break down the three main types of dyslexia, what characterizes them, and why it’s so important to understand what type of dyslexia your child has. 

The three types of dyslexia are Phonological, Rapid Automatic Naming (RAN), and Double Deficit. These are the umbrella terms that pinpoint exactly what a dyslexic struggles with. The severity is characterized as mild, medium-to-moderate, or severe. 

Phonological Dyslexia refers to difficulties in matching sounds to symbols and breaking down the sounds of language. RAN Dyslexia is typically linked to reading processing and speed. Double Deficit Dyslexia is a combination of the two and refers to people who struggle with naming speed and identifying the sounds in words.

Listen in to learn more about the signs and symptoms of all three types of dyslexia. 

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October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and I’m celebrating by highlighting the successful dyslexics in my life and those around us. One of the biggest inspirations behind my career and this podcast has been my dad, Arne Sjursen. He was diagnosed with dyslexia almost two decades ago at the age of 42 and describes the mix of emotions that he felt when he found out.

My dad was a student in New York City in the 1940s and 1950s. Back then, there was a lack of compassion and understanding of different learning abilities. He was often forced to read in front of his classmates, which resulted in humiliation, bullying, and poor grades. He eventually made it to college at The University of Tampa, but because he was constrained to the same timed tests as his non-dyslexic peers, he struggled to keep his grades up.

Despite his frustrations as a student, my dad went on to become a successful businessman. He was known for his compelling presentations, the way he could read the room, and his sharp memory. In our conversation, he shares his advice for other people struggling with dyslexia and his message for parents of children with dyslexia. He also talks about how he has fallen in love with reading during this stage of his life and has been continuing his education with the newfound reading comprehension tools that he’s gained

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Dyslexia diagnostic evaluations are individually administered and look specifically for your child's strengths and weaknesses, and how greatly their skills differ from their peers. On today’s episode, I break down exactly what a good evaluation should include, the difference between a screening and diagnostic evaluation, and what skills the assessments look at. I also explain the information that you need to provide for your child’s evaluation, including any previous interventions and family history, as well as the sub-tests that should be included in the evaluation. 

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