The Literacy Keys - Dyslexia resources and structured literacy tips by an Orton Gillingham tutor

If you’ve ever tried to read a comprehensive evaluation, looked at all the norm referenced tests and thought, “Great, now I need a math degree just to read this report,” you are not alone.

Trying to Decode the results can feel like a Secret Language. When you look at a thick report of evaluation results, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. With terms like norm referenced tests and percentiles, our child is suddenly reduced to a point on a page. I’ve been there, both as a specialist and as a momfighting for my own daughter’s accommodations.

The truth is, these tests are simply tools designed to show how your child learns differently, but only if you know how to translate the information into plain English.

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel confident in understanding the information and the specific questions to ask to get your child the support they deserve. You’ll learn:

• how to demystify norm referenced tests
• why the bell shaped curve is your friend
• 3 questions to ask the school psychologist  

Are you ready to turn those test scores into a clear plan of action?

Click to book a discovery call or send me a message so wecan figure out the best next steps for your child together.

If this episode helped lower your stress levels (even a tiny bit) please share it with one other parent who is staring at a report feeling overwhelmed. Better yet, follow us (or subscribe we’re free) for more jargon-free guidance.  Your support helps us empower more parents.

Cheers,

⁠Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham Tutor⁠

⁠The Literacy Keys ⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the episode and Tracy's background

01:12 Why understanding test reports is crucial for parents

03:34 What are norm reference tests? A simple explanation

05:30 The bell curve and how scores are compared to peers

07:44 Understanding standard scores and percentile ranks

09:09 Subtests, scaled scores, and confidence intervals

23:25 Turning test results into actionable next steps

You shouldn’t need a PhD just to understand why your bright child is hitting a brick wall with spelling and reading. Stop the guesswork, ask for a comprehensive evaluation and learn exactly which tests belong when testing for dyslexia, ADHD or another conditions. 

Schools often use a "triage system," identifying only the most visible cases while bright, dyslexic kids fly under the radar by memorizing and guessing. If you’ve been told a comprehensive evaluation isn't necessary because your child is passing, or you’re being given a screening when you need a deep dive this episode is for you.

I’m breaking down the alphabet soup of testing (from WISC to CTOPP) to share what each one actually reveals about your child's brilliance and their bottlenecks. 

This episode:

• Translates complex test results into plain English so you can explain exactly where the "breakdown" in reading happens. 

• Ensures "Norm-Referenced" accuracy by comparing your child’s skills to national peers, not just their local classroom. 

• Validates your child’s experience by using oral reading tests that prove how much effort they are actually putting into every sentence. 

Don't wait for another frustrating report card; let’s get you the answers you deserve at TheLiteracyKeys.com/contact. 

Do you know a parent who's feeling overwhelmed? Send them this episode! Follow the show for more tips, leave a rating, and contact me for current Orton Gillingham tutoring availability.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Need for Comprehensive Evaluations

06:06 Navigating the Evaluation Process for Dyslexia

08:56 Key Areas Covered in Comprehensive Evaluations

20:52 Practical Steps for Parents in the Evaluation Process

Discover why twice exceptional kids struggle and uncover why 2e kids fly under the radar. Explore exactly what todo next to support your twice exceptional children.  It’s sometimes called double deficit dyslexia.

If you’ve been stuck in the loop of my kid is so smart… and still struggles, this episode is for you.  Leave with language to use, tests to ask for, and a plan that actually fits your child.

Twice exceptional kids can look like a walking contradiction: they have advanced ideas, strong vocabulary, yet reading feels painfully hard. When giftedness and dyslexia show up together, the signals get messy. Strengths can mask needs, and parents are frequently told to wait and see. Meanwhile, your child is working twice as hard just to keep up, andconfidence takes the hit. This episode breaks down what twice exceptional really means and what you can do to support your twice exceptional kids.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to spot common signs of twice exceptional kids
• What types of evaluation to ask for
• How to explain the 2e profile to teachers

Do you need an Orton Gillingham Tutor? Contact The Literacy Keys: https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/

If this episode resonated with you, please share this with another parent.  Hit follow/subscribe (we’re free) and leave aquick rating so you don’t miss the next episode.

Chapters

(00:00) Understanding Twice Exceptional Kids

(12:07) Challenges Faced by Twice Exceptional Kids

(24:13) Strategies for Supporting Twice Exceptional Kids

If your disorganized child forgets everything, discover executive functioning activities that help scattered minds learn to plan, start, and finish.  If your ADHD child continuously forgets to turn in homework, they might benefit from executive functioning activities. This episode shares a fun one, that even the most jaded teen will be rolling up their sleeves to try.  You don’t have to mention that they are secretly strengthening their planning, organization, and time management skills.

After listening, you’ll have a simple, playful plan to build follow-through without nagging, bribing, or burnout. When kids appear disorganized, their brains are really working overtime, so planning, organizing, and finishing can feel impossible. What looks like being forgetful is often brain overload. The disorganized child can’t hold all the steps, keep track of time, and pivot when they get stuck. That’s why Executive Functioning Activities work best when they’re hands-on, and broken into small chunks. In this episode, I’ll share an activity that helps the disorganized child practice necessary skills.  All without feeling like another lesson.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to turn a game into Executive Functioning Activities that builds momentum
• How to help the disorganized child (with a Scattered Mind) break tasks into smaller wins
• What to say when your child shuts down, so they re-engage instead of melting down

Do you want help tailoring these executive functioning supports to your child? Reach out to The Literacy Keys: https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/

If this episode helped, please follow, share it with another parent ,and leave a quick review so more overwhelmed parents can find it.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Executive Functioning Skills

(10:00) Building an Online Escape Room

(19:53) Steps to Create the Escape Room

(24:53) Troubleshooting and Action Plan

After this episode, you’ll know exactly how to improve writing skills and what to do next with your child so writing starts feeling doable.

For many struggling readers writing is brain overload. They have ideas, but getting those ideas onto paper in the right order, with the right words, can feel like juggling while riding a unicycle. In this episode, Tracy Young (certified Orton-Gillingham tutor) and Alex, her dyslexic daughter break writing down into 5 clear steps that reduce frustration and build confidence. It’s a plan you can use today.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to turn “I don’t know what to write” into a simple plan in minutes

• A 5-step process sharing How To Improve Writing Skills without overwhelm

• What to say (and what not to say) when your child freezes or melts down

Pick one writing assignment this week and try the 5 steps once. There’s no pressure. 

Do you need one-on-one writing support for your child? Contact The Literacy Keys.

If this episode helped, please share us with another parent. Leave a quick review so more overwhelmed parents can find us.

Cheers,

⁠Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham Tutor⁠

ps - You can also check out the episodes with Alex on ⁠YouTube⁠

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) Introduction to Improve Writing Skills

(03:11) Overcoming Writing Challenges

(06:07) Understanding the Writing Process

(12:30) Expanding Ideas and Sentence Structure

(21:26) Utilizing Technology in Writing

Keywords

writing, essay tips, writing techniques, dyslexia, outlining, editing, technology in writing, college essays, writing skills, procrastination

Struggling for success can feel like staring at a report card and thinking, “How is my child so bright… and still drowning?” After listening to this episode, you’ll feel less alone, more grounded, and clear on what to do today, not “someday.”

Host Tracy Young, an ALTA-certified, Orton-Gillingham tutor, shares a candid Reddit thread where dyslexic adults shared the truth about being told they couldn't achieve something and the moment they proved that person wrong. These are real-life dyslexia success stories, college acceptances, advanced degrees, thriving careers, all powered by persistence and the right supports. Tracy breaks down what these stories have in common, and why struggling for success is usually a mismatch in instruction, not a lack of effort or intelligence.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What dyslexia success stories have in common, so you can copy the patterns that work.
• A simple way to talk to your child that boosts motivation.
• How to spot progress that’s easy to miss, so your child feels wins sooner.

Do you need a calm, clear plan for your struggling reader? Start at The Literacy Keys. Click ⁠here⁠

Chapters

(00:00) Understanding the Struggles of Dyslexia

(03:13) The Reality of Parental Fears

(05:58) Celebrating Dyslexia Success Stories

(08:57) Believing in Your Child's Potential

(11:51) Finding Support and Community

If you found this information helpful please share it with another parent. together we can make a difference.

Cheers,

Tracy , Dyslexia Specialist

The Literacy Keys

Have your mornings turned into hostage negotiations? After listening, you’ll understand what’s driving the school avoidance pushback and exactly what to do next. Understand what Half-Baked Muffins refers to, and turn hard mornings of “My Child Hates School” into a new reality. It's never easy but you can start this week!

If you’re a parent hearing: “My Child Hates School” and you’re looking for answers, then this episode is for you. Host Tracy Young, certified Orton Gillingham tutor breaks down School Avoidance in plain language, with a whole lot of practical calm. You’ll learn the most common reasons kids avoid school and how to stop the daily negotiation spiral without escalating the fear.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to spot what’s really happening beneath “My Child Hates School” and respond in a way that lowers the temperature.
• A simple 3-step plan to interrupt School Avoidance without power struggles.

CHAPTERS

(02:05) — What Is School Avoidance (School Refusal)?

(05:20) — What Kids Say (and What They Mean)

(09:10) — The 5 Most Common Reasons for School Avoidance

(13:45) — Academic Struggle & Older Kids

(16:25) — The 7-Day Plan to Reduce School Avoidance

If this episode helped you, please subscribe and leave a quick review, so more exhausted parents can find support.

Learn more about The Literacy Keys: https://theliteracykeys.com/

Ready for a calmer plan? Book a consultation at: ⁠https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/

RESOURCES

The Tapping Solution (kids + school anxiety)

The 504 plan and private schools: step-by-step explanation for what private schools must do, what they don’t haveto do, and how to ask for support without burning bridges.

After listening to this episode, you’ll know exactlywhat to ask for, how to ask, and what to do next, all without feeling like you need a law degree.

This topic hits hard because private schools can soundconfident while giving you a vague statement: “We don’t do 504s here.” This can feel overwhelming when you’re already juggling tutoring, tears, tuition, and teacher emails.

In this episode, Orton Gillingham tutor and host TracyYoung breaks down what’s actually true about a 504 plan and private schools in plain language. You’ll walk away with a simple plan for accommodations that help your child right now, whether or not the school uses a formal 504 process.

You’ll discover:

• How to get a clear answer to the question: "Do private schools have 504 plans?"
• How to request accommodations that are specific and reasonable.
• What to say to the school when you're feeling nervous or brushed off.
• How to document needs so that it's not about goodwill.
• What your backup plan is if the school won't provide the support your child needs.
• How to compare options when weighing a 504 plan and private schools versus public school support.

CHAPTERS

(0:00) Introduction: The 504 Plan Dilemma

(03:03) Public Schools: Your Rights Under Federal Law

(06:33) Private Schools: Understanding the Differences

(11:17) How to Request Accommodations in Private Schools

Download the checklist and walk into your next conversation with a plan: https://theliteracykeys.com/dyslexia-accommodations-checklist/

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If this helped, please leave a quick review so more overwhelmed parents can find the episode.

Cheers,

⁠Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham Tutor⁠, founder of ⁠TheLiteracy Keys ⁠

She’s not lazy—she’s masking dyslexia. Hear the sneaky signs of dyslexia in girls and why so many teachers miss them. A real story that looks at sex differences in dyslexia.

In this episode, we cover how late diagnosis is common when girls compensate. You'll discover behavioral myths, research gaps, and a checklist of red flags for dyslexia in girls. This information will highlight why dyslexia is diagnosed more frequently in males and how societal issues create the impression of sex differences in dyslexia. All of this is important to understand when thinking about testing your child for dyslexia.

If this episode has been helpful please share it with another parent, and leave a review.  Your support helps us empower more parents. 

Links:

Go to the homepage of our website to download the Dyslexia Symptoms by Age mentioned in this episode.

Cheers,

⁠Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham Tutor⁠

⁠The Literacy Keys ⁠

You can watch episodes with Alex on ⁠YouTube⁠

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:00 Welcome and why we’re talking about dyslexia in girls

• 01:40 The “behavior bias”: why girls often fly under the radar

• 07:00 Masking and classroom dynamics that hide reading struggles

• 09:15 Red flags we missed and what parents often notice first

• 16:30 Teacher training gaps and why schools may overlook dyslexia

• 22:45 Early-childhood warning signs (ages 5–12)

• 25:55 Rhyming/tongue twisters: an easy at-home clue

• 30:35 Subtle symptoms + what “looks fine” can really mean

• 35:35 Social masking + perfectionism/people-pleasing pressure

• 41:40 What helped + practical supports to try

• 43:25 Quick wrap-up takeaways

Stop second-guessing possible dyslexia accommodations. Get the dyslexia accommodations checklist and be prepared for the 504 meeting.  Discover how to level the playing field for your child while fostering independence and self-advocacy.  

This is the second of a 2-part series, in which Tracy continues the conversation on dyslexia accommodations, shifting the focus to the critical transition into middle and high school. You'll understand why your child’s 504 accommodations are not a "favor" or a "loophole"; they are essential tools that allow students to demonstrate understanding of the material without changing academic expectations.

Over time the goal of dyslexia accommodations shifts toward independence and self-advocacy. Learn how to move away from constant adult intervention, toward a model where your teen knows exactly what tools they need to succeed in higher education and beyond.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 - Defining Dyslexia AccommodationsThe host introduces the concept of dyslexia accommodations, explaining that they are adjustments to how a student learns.

• 02:26 - Middle School Transitions and ToolsThis section discusses the increased academic demands of middle school and the importance of using assistive technologies, such as text-to-speech software and audiobooks, to help students access grade-level content.

• 04:30 - Organizational and Note-Taking SupportThe host explains how note-taking assistance and graphic organizers can help students manage "executive functioning" challenges and stay organized as they navigate multiple teachers and complex projects.

• 06:18 - High School Success and Exam PrepThis chapter covers advanced support for high schoolers, including foreign language waivers and the critical process of applying for accommodations on college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT.

• 10:11 - Fostering Self-Advocacy and ResourcesThe episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of student self-advocacy for long-term success and introduces a downloadable dyslexia accommodations checklist to help parents navigate school meetings.

If you didn't have a chance to listen to part 1 head over to episode 25 and remember to download the Dyslexia Accommodations Checklist.

If this has been helpful, subscribe to this podcast and please share it with another parent.

Cheers,

Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham Tutor

The Literacy Keys 

Check out episodes with Alex on YouTube

Dyslexia Accommodations Part 1 - episode 25

Dyslexia Accommodations Checklist

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