Dyslexia Duo Podcast

The Dyslexia Duo: Mark Seidenberg on Language, Reading Science, and Teaching Kids to Break the Code The Dyslexia Duo hosts Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth interview cognitive scientist and neuroscientist Mark Seidenberg, author of Language at the Speed of Sight, about connecting reading research to classroom practice. Seidenberg explains he wrote the book to share foundational science and to critique the gap between research and how reading is taught, which he ties to limited teacher preparation and schools of education being historically isolated from psychology and linguistics. They discuss the central role of oral language—especially encouraging children’s speech production—and how wide variation in spoken language affects reading success, with technology and reduced reading to children contributing to vocabulary gaps. Seidenberg frames reading as “unnatural” at the start, requiring explicit instruction to “break the code,” then increasingly relying on implicit/statistical learning, and argues for efficient early instruction, similarity-based approaches for irregular “sight” words, and developmental resolution of the reading wars. 00:41 Meet Mark Seidenberg 02:53 Why He Wrote the Book 05:22 Teacher Prep Gaps 10:42 Language Drives Reading 11:48 Oral Language Variation 16:48 Why Research Gets Ignored 23:04 Science of Reading Basics 24:28 Reading Is Unnatural 28:35 Building Automaticity 32:24 Rethinking Sight Words 39:14 Fluency Timeline Debate 40:31 Too Much Phonics Slog 44:03 Early Screening Tier Supports 45:23 Misidentification Dyslexia 47:37 Language Preparedness Gap 49:33 Screens Reading Decline 53:53 Reading Wars Reframed 57:22 Key Takeaways Recalibrate 01:01:00 Lightning Round Insights 01:03:18 Grassroots Versus Policy 01:04:42 Songbirds Animal Language

The Dyslexia Duo: Kareem Weaver on Dyslexia, Literacy Policy, and Why Every Child Needs a Champion Aimee and Melissa interview educator and nonprofit leader Kareem Weaver, founder of Fulcrum (Full and Complete Reading is a Universal Mandate) Literacy. Kareem Weaver shares how dyslexia affected his friend Ennis Cosby and his own daughter, and argues for early screening (K–2), evidence-based structured literacy, strong tier-one instruction, and better teacher preparation programs, citing wide variation in Texas higher-ed ratings and state policy implementation. The discussion covers the harms of wait-to-fail models, discrepancies, and passing students along, accommodations, and parents’ advocacy roles, including a 2024 precedent (William A. v. Clarksville-Montgomery County) requiring meaningful progress, not just grades. Weaver connects low literacy to incarceration, describes the federal First Step Act dyslexia screening, critiques autonomy over outcomes, discusses differences for girls and inequities, and emphasizes giving children time, protecting activities, and ensuring every child has a champion. 01:08 Introducing Kareem Weaver 01:58 Kareem’s Education Journey 02:50 Fulcrum and Literacy Mission 03:49 Texas Connections and IDA 05:11 What Led Him to Dyslexia 06:01 Ennis Cosby and Landmark Shift 07:56 His Daughter’s Dyslexia Wake Up 09:19 Why Kids Tap Out 10:36 Texas Law and Early Screening 13:08 Teacher Prep and Reading Science 19:38 Boosters Football and Literacy Buy In 27:40 Tier One Instruction Is a Right 30:49 Autonomy vs Consistent Materials 33:06 Parents in ARD and 504 Meetings 35:38 Advocating Without Approval 37:58 IEP Rights and Legal Precedent 40:57 Low Income Advocacy Strategies 44:19 What to Demand From Schools 45:38 Home Habits That Build Reading 48:27 Dyslexia as Strength and Risk 53:32 Prison Screening and First Step Act 57:37 Fixing the System Early 59:37 Third Grade Gate Debate 01:04:20 Gift of Time and Holding Back 01:09:11 Let Kids Be Kids Too 01:12:10 A Student Success Story 01:16:30 Gendered Wait to Fail 01:18:44 Race Class Expectations 01:20:19 Learner Bias in Reading 01:24:17 Post COVID Attendance Shift 01:29:44 Can Public Schools Recover 01:32:48 Parents Rights and Boundaries 01:37:04 Resources to Learn More 01:40:22 Write the Advocacy Book 01:46:04 Every Child a Champion 01:49:59 Closing Thanks and Credits

The Dyslexia Duo: Dr. Tiffany Hogan on Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), Dyslexia, and Language Comprehension On the Dyslexia Duo podcast, hosts Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth interview speech-language pathologist and literacy researcher Dr. Tiffany Hogan about the relationship between dyslexia and developmental language disorder (DLD). Dr. Hogan describes her training and research, including analyses from the NIH-funded Iowa Study that followed children from kindergarten through 12th grade and helped determine DLD prevalence. She explains that dyslexia primarily involves difficulty reading words accurately and fluently, while DLD involves difficulties learning vocabulary, grammar, and discourse, with a high but not one-to-one overlap (about 50–80%). The conversation covers early indicators such as late talking (fewer than 50 words and no two-word combinations at age two), the need to directly screen language (e.g., sentence repetition, story retell), overlap with ADHD, and the importance of systematic, explicit instruction for both word reading and language comprehension, including MTSS approaches. Hogan shares resources including DLDandMe, Empower DLD, RADLD, and her See Hear Speak podcast. 00:44 Introducing Dr Tiffany Hogan 01:42 Her Path Into Research 03:11 The Iowa Longitudinal Study 04:38 Dyslexia Versus DLD 06:39 Overlap And Real Examples 10:23 Two Pillars Of Reading 12:19 Early Signs And Late Talkers 14:57 Building Language At Home 18:45 Beyond Phonological Deficits 21:02 Screening For DLD In Schools 23:44 ADHD Comorbidity And Systems 27:05 Tumbleweed Reading Tools 27:25 Dyslexia Services Spotlight 28:25 Research on Dual Deficits 30:11 Language Curriculum Results 31:09 Training and Fidelity 34:15 MTSS for Language 35:56 Why DLD Gets Missed 37:12 Integrating Language in Therapy 40:55 Partnering With SLPs 43:11 Parents Next Steps 44:38 Best DLD Resources Online 47:14 Lightning Round and Wrap 49:47 Final Sign Off

The Dyslexia Duo: Neuroscience of Dyslexia: Genetics, Brain Differences, Stealth Dyslexia, and Early Identification with Dr. Fumiko Hoeft Aimee and Melissa host the Dyslexia Duo podcast and interview Dr. Fumiko Hoeft, a psychiatrist and neuroscience PhD who is Campus Dean and Chief Administrative Officer at the University of Connecticut’s Waterbury campus and a professor of psychological sciences, about dyslexia research and identification. Dr. Hoeft describes her path from psychiatry and cross modal integration research to dyslexia neuroscience at Stanford, and shares personal connections through her younger son’s dyslexia and her own suspected symptoms. The discussion covers polygenic, multifactorial genetic risk; variability even among twins; evolving definitions emphasizing neurodevelopmental basis, continuum, context, and psychosocial consequences; “stealth”/resilient dyslexia as strong comprehension despite weak decoding linked to dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; brain networks involved in reading and compensation; overlap with auditory processing disorder and ADHD; evidence cautions for interventions; and why early, written school referrals and early intervention reduce costs and social-emotional harm. 01:06 Introducing Dr. Fumiko Hoeft 02:38 Career Path to Dyslexia 04:12 Family Connection and Early Signs 06:20 Convincing Parents to Test 08:25 Genetics and Risk Factors 11:09 How Genes Are Studied 15:08 Defining Dyslexia Today 22:55 Stealth Dyslexia Explained 28:35 Brain Networks for Reading 37:12 Auditory Processing Overlap 43:19 Neural Noise Hypothesis 44:34 What Brain Noise Means 48:17 Diagnosing Dyslexia Right 51:15 Parent Documentation Tips 53:35 Working Memory Reality Check 57:09 Why Early Identification Matters 01:01:17 Preschool Risk vs Diagnosis 01:06:57 ADHD Dyslexia Overlap 01:13:45 Strength Based Remediation 01:17:19 Resources and Mentoring 01:20:45 Final Wish and Wrap Up

The Dyslexia Duo: Dr. Margie Gillis on Dyslexia, Structured Literacy, and Why Teacher Coaching Matters Aimee and Melissa introduce their podcast, The Dyslexia Duo, and interview Dr. Margie Gillis, founder of the Connecticut nonprofit Literacy How, which provides coaching support for teachers from pre-K through high school. Dr. Gillis shares her personal and professional connection to dyslexia through family members and explains dyslexia as a neurobiological, hereditary, language-based learning disability often co-occurring with challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia. The conversation distinguishes instructional programs from instructional approaches like Orton-Gillingham and alphabetic phonics, clarifies structured literacy as language-structure content plus explicit, systematic, data-driven pedagogy, and discusses universal screeners, diagnostic assessment, and progress monitoring. They address insufficient teacher preparation and professional development, RTI/MTSS implementation problems, COVID learning loss, “dys-teach-ia,” and why districts avoid using the term dyslexia due to service costs, and Gillis recommends books and describes her Professional Learning Series. 00:00 Meet the Dyslexia Duo 01:06 Why Margie Gillis Matters 03:05 Interview Begins and Literacy How 04:51 Training Roots and Structured Literacy 08:01 Margie Origin Story and Family Dyslexia 10:25 School Pushback and Defining Dyslexia 19:56 Programs vs Approaches OG Explained 27:43 Structured Literacy and Curriculum Must Haves 32:47 Coaching Teachers and Better PD 39:51 RTI MTSS and the Wait to Fail Trap 47:30 Beyond the Score Report 50:33 COVID Learning Loss Debate 54:29 Dyslexia or Dyslexia 58:28 Why Universal Screeners Matter 01:03:16 Sharing Data With Families 01:08:22 Why Districts Avoid Dyslexia 01:12:24 Training Teachers Better 01:14:44 Advice for Parents Teachers 01:18:41 Book Recommendations Roundup 01:24:33 Comprehension and Vocabulary Focus 01:25:53 Closing Thanks and Signoff

The Dyslexia Duo: Megan Pinchbeck on Dyslexia on Demand, CALT Training, and the Emotional Experience of Dyslexia The Dyslexia Duo (Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth) interview Megan Pinchbeck, a Certified Academic Language Therapist and founder of Dyslexia on Demand, about her path from special education into CALT training at Scottish Rite in Austin and how intensive training and practitioner rigor affect student outcomes. Megan emphasizes widespread confusion about dyslexia services nationwide, differences among states in identification requirements, and the need for better legislation implementation, educator training, and systemic checks and balances. She explains Dyslexia on Demand’s pre-COVID origins to expand access for rural families, its virtual therapy model, the importance of therapist-student fit and relationship building, and its reach (over 1,000 served; currently about 200 across about half of U.S. states, plus some abroad). She discusses her “Don’t Call On Me” podcast’s focus on shared dyslexia stories and emotional impact, and previews webinars on simulations, teachers, SEL, accommodations, and “no dumb questions.” 00:00 Welcome Dyslexia Duo 00:42 Meet Megan Pinchbeck 01:33 Path to Dyslexia Therapy 04:10 Inside CALT Training 06:42 Who Counts as Certified 08:49 Emotional Side of Dyslexia 13:34 What Schools Get Wrong 17:58 Medical Diagnosis Confusion 22:09 Building Dyslexia on Demand 25:58 Making Virtual Therapy Work 31:54 Program Reach and Growth 32:53 Starting the Podcast 35:12 Emotional Side of Dyslexia 36:31 Generational Dyslexia Stories 38:48 Building Confidence in Kids 39:32 Spreading Awareness and Policy 42:57 School Funding Front Lines 44:40 First Steps for Parents 48:20 Adults as Dyslexia Mentors 53:10 Webinars and Core Basics 55:55 Resources and Where to Find 57:50 Lightning Round 01:02:52 Final Thanks and Sign Off

The Dyslexia Duo: Maryanne Wolf on the Reading Brain, Deep Reading, and Digital Wisdom Hosts Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth interview developmental cognitive neuroscientist Maryanne Wolf, director of the Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners and Social Justice, about how reading is an invented, plastic brain circuit shaped by environment and medium. Wolf argues screens encourage skimming and reduced focus, contributing to a decline in sustained book reading among students, and describes retraining deep reading through print habits. She stresses the importance of reading aloud to young children, including by dyslexic or bilingual parents, to build language, cognition, and positive emotional associations with books. Wolf outlines core reading-brain components using the acronym POSSUM (phonology, orthography, semantics, syntax, morphology) and says multi-component instruction outperforms phonics-only approaches. She discusses dyslexia indicators including phonological awareness, rapid automatized naming, and orthographic factors, urges expansive science-of-reading practices, calls for research on wise AI/technology use and deep reading, and highlights evidence linking music—especially rhythm—to reading gains. 00:00 Meet Dyslexia Duo 01:29 Introducing Maryanne Wolf 04:59 Deep Reading Matters 06:37 Screens Change Reading 09:47 Losing Focus and Retraining 14:07 Reading Aloud to Kids 16:57 Dyslexic Parents Can Read 20:39 Schools and EdTech Debate 26:42 Sponsor Break 28:23 Possum Reading Brain Model 33:31 Research Proof and Ravo 36:17 Targeted Strengths Approach 38:12 Reading Wars Elbow Room 43:04 Dyslexia Signs and Screeners 44:08 Three Key Dyslexia Markers 51:19 Future Research Priorities 54:10 Music Rhythm and Reading 56:45 Message to Struggling Families 01:01:35 Lightning Round and Farewell

The Dyslexia Duo: Pete Bowers on Structured Word Inquiry: Making English Spelling Make Sense for Dyslexic Learners Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth of the Dyslexia Duo podcast interview Pete Bowers, a former grades 3–6 teacher who began using Real Spelling in 2001 and later developed work in Structured Word Inquiry (SWI) through graduate study with John Kirby in Kingston, Ontario. Bowers describes his own history as a slow reader and poor speller and explains how SWI transformed his understanding by teaching English orthography as an ordered system that links spelling with meaning and pronunciation, rather than relying on memorization or syllabification strategies that can be misleading and shame-inducing for struggling students. Using examples such as “real/really/reality,” “act/actor/acting/action,” and “maybe” as “may + be,” he argues that many spelling questions cannot be solved through phonology alone and that word matrices and word sums provide essential “combinatorial guardrails” and enable falsification of common misconceptions such as the “TION suffix” and a “ti digraph” in words like “action” and “question.” He discusses statistical learning, orthographic memory challenges associated with dyslexia, loanwords (e.g., French spellings), and how spelling-meaning correspondences can relieve shame and improve motivation. Bowers recommends beginning accurate orthographic concepts early (including with kindergarten), using techniques like spelling out orthography and word-family inquiry to build automatic, integrated representations of spelling, meaning, and pronunciation. The episode concludes with resources from Dr. Bowers (websites, YouTube, TEDx talk, courses, and a free weekly SWI digital drop-in) and guidance on integrating SWI with existing structured literacy/Orton-Gillingham programs by adding explanations that reflect how the writing system works. 00:42 Meet Pete Bowers: from struggling speller to Structured Word Inquiry 03:07 Reading vs spelling: why production is harder than recognition 04:17 The “really” breakthrough: matrices, word sums, and ending spelling shame 11:50 Loanwords & orthographic memory: why “exceptions” aren’t really exceptions 18:36 SWI isn’t just morphology: teaching the full orthography system 21:56 Statistical learning, attention, and the myth of the “TION suffix” 29:20 Hands-on demo: ACT → actor/acting/action (falsifying the “ti” digraph) 36:19 Combinatorial guardrails: graphemes, morphemes, and why T can say /sh/ 50:57 When to start SWI: building an accurate schema from the very beginning 56:44 Classroom-friendly decodables: Tumbleweed’s distraction-free design 57:04 Sponsor spotlight: Discovery Dyslexia Services therapy, evaluations & advocacy 58:04 From “replay” to word meaning: spotlighting morphemes, suffixes & etymology 01:00:49 The “Play” word-family game: tapping graphemes and building a base 01:08:04 Homophones aren’t “crazy”: why meaning drives spelling consistency 01:09:44 Why two cues aren’t enough: triangulating spelling with meaning (and the “maybe” story) 01:14:05 When to teach word origins: Wonder Wall questions & the calculus analogy 01:17:40 Live word investigation: breaking down CONVENIENCE with connecting vowel letters 01:28:18 Teacher takeaways: schema shift, does/do, and SWI resources to keep learning 01:37:44 Integrating SWI with OG programs: “spell it out” to trigger self-correction 01:43:45 Final challenge: EXORBITANT, orbit as the base, and ending shame in learning 01:50:32 Wrap-up

The Dyslexia Duo: Exploring Dyslexia with insights with Dr. Molly Ness In this episode of Dyslexia Duo, Melissa and Aimee sit down with Dr. Molly Ness, a renowned expert in reading education and dyslexia. Dr. Ness shares her extensive background as a classroom teacher and university professor, highlighting her focus on the science of reading and structured literacy. The discussion dives deep into orthographic mapping, comprehension strategies, and the systemic challenges in addressing reading disabilities. Dr. Ness also talks about her projects, including her books and podcast 'End Book Deserts,' which aims to tackle book access issues. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical strategies for educators, parents, and advocates. 00:00 Introduction to the Dyslexia Duo 00:50 Meet Dr. Molly Ness 02:17 Early Focus on Dyslexia 04:05 Teacher Knowledge and Dyslexia 05:28 Challenges in Literacy Education 08:00 The End Book Deserts Podcast 14:14 Strategies for Effective Read Alouds 26:14 Comprehension and Dyslexia Support 33:05 Understanding the Complexity of Comprehension 33:19 Tactics for Improving Vocabulary and Comprehension 33:59 The House of Cards Analogy for Comprehension 35:21 The Role of Grammar in Comprehension 36:22 Challenges in Diagnosing Comprehension Issues 37:45 The Importance of Fluency in Reading 39:43 Introducing the New Book: Making Words Stick 40:36 Orthographic Mapping Explained 46:33 The Brain's Role in Orthographic Mapping 55:27 Lightning Round: Quick Insights 58:06 Final Thoughts and Farewell

The Dyslexia Duo: Insights from Dr. Jan Hasbrouck on Dyslexia and Effective Strategies In this episode of the Dyslexia Duo podcast, hosts Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth engage in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Jan Hasbrouck, a renowned literacy expert specializing in dyslexia. Dr. Hasbrouck discusses her journey in the field, key strategies for fostering literacy among children, and the importance of systematic, evidence-based instruction. She highlights the prevalence of dyslexia as a language-based disorder, debunks common myths, and emphasizes the critical role of early intervention. The discussion covers the necessity of accuracy in reading to build fluency, the significance of encoding in developing spelling and writing skills, and the potential for almost all children to learn to read and write with proper instruction. Dr. Hasbrouck also addresses the challenges in current educational practices and underscores the need for teacher and leadership training to implement effective literacy programs. 00:42 Welcoming Dr. Jan Hasbrouck 01:20 Dr. Hasbrouck's Journey in Literacy 07:33 Challenges and Changes in Literacy Education 14:43 Understanding Dyslexia Myths and Realities 17:04 Early Warning Signs of Dyslexia 26:35 Effective Reading Instruction and Leadership 32:45 Structured Literacy vs. Queuing Methods 39:25 The Complexity of Learning to Read 40:06 The Importance of Accuracy in Literacy 40:59 Connecting Words to Meaning 41:53 Triple A Instruction: Accuracy, Automaticity, Access 44:50 Building Fluency Through Accuracy 47:46 The Role of Repeated Reading 52:06 The Importance of Encoding in Literacy 57:34 Strengthening Writing Skills 01:02:01 Final Thoughts on Dyslexia and Literacy Growth 01:02:54 Upcoming Events and Conferences 01:05:00 Lightning Round Questions 01:07:01 Closing Remarks and Resources

The Dyslexia Duo discuss the Digital Delusion: A Deep Dive into EdTech and Learning with Dr. Jared Horvath In this episode of the Dyslexia Duo, hosts Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth welcome Dr. Jared Horvath, a neuroscientist and education expert, to discuss his book 'The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids' Learning and How to Help Them Thrive Again'. The conversation covers the detrimental effects of educational technology on cognitive development, the importance of surface versus deep learning, the challenges posed by digital multitasking, and the potential of analog methods in education. Dr. Horvath also shares insights on learning disabilities, effective educational strategies, and the future of educational technology. The episode highlights the urgent need for a balanced approach to tech in classrooms and offers actionable advice for educators and parents. 00:00 Introduction to the Dyslexia Duo Podcast 00:44 Introducing Dr. Jared Horvath 01:28 The Digital Delusion: Classroom Technology's Impact 03:06 The EdTech Revolution and Its Consequences 04:28 The Decline in Cognitive Skills Since 2002 06:41 The Role of Technology in Learning and Memory 14:33 The Neuroscience of Learning 21:54 Learning Disabilities and Technology 25:35 The Impact of Digital Multitasking 33:51 Memory Formation and Retrieval 46:12 Paper vs. Screen-Based Reading 47:29 The Importance of Spatial Memory in Reading 48:21 Challenges of Reading on Screens 48:51 The Benefits of Printed Material 51:17 Digital Subscriptions vs. Printed Textbooks 53:28 The Role of Technology in Education 55:18 Balancing Accommodations and Learning Goals 58:51 The Impact of COVID on Educational Technology 01:11:13 The Future of Educational Technology 01:18:15 Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

Dyslexia Duo: Debunking Dyslexia Myths with Doctors Chambre and Anderson In this episode of the Dyslexia Duo podcast, hosts Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth sit down with Dr. Susan Chambre and Dr. Alida Anderson to discuss the prevalence of dyslexia myths and the need for better education and awareness. The guests share their professional backgrounds and delve into their work on developing online learning modules to better prepare pre-service teachers. They highlight the importance of understanding phonological processing and discuss the misconceptions teachers and the general public hold about dyslexia. The conversation also addresses the role of policy in bridging gaps in teacher training, the impact of popular media on dyslexia perceptions, and the need for collaboration between colleges of education and school districts. Key topics include the importance of structured literacy, the challenges of integrating adequate dyslexia training into existing educational frameworks, and the potential role of AI and social media in shaping future educational practices. 00:00 Introduction to the Dyslexia Duo Podcast 00:41 Meet the Experts: Dr. Susan Chambre and Dr. Alida Anderson 01:08 Susan Chambre's Journey and Insights 03:11 Alida Anderson's Background and Research 07:16 Addressing Dyslexia Myths and Misconceptions 10:17 The Role of Teacher Education in Dyslexia Awareness 19:39 Impact of Media and Popular Culture on Dyslexia Perceptions 23:30 Challenges in Teacher Training and Accreditation 29:00 The Future of Dyslexia Education and Policy 42:40 The Role of AI in Dyslexia Education 46:09 Sponsor Messages and Services 48:14 Faculty Influence on Dyslexia Myths 49:13 Dyslexia Myths in Higher Education 52:42 Challenges in Teacher Education Programs 54:07 State and District Variations in Dyslexia Awareness 58:10 Equity Issues in Dyslexia Identification 01:01:17 The Importance of Phonological Awareness 01:06:35 Gaps in Teacher Training and Dyslexia Knowledge 01:19:27 Lightning Round: Quick Insights on Dyslexia 01:24:36 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Dyslexia Duo: Mary Ann Coulson's Journey Through Advocacy and Education In this episode of 'The Dyslexia Duo,' hosts Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth sit down with Mary Ann Coulson, a mother and author who devoted her life to helping her dyslexic son, Adam. Mary Ann shares her family’s journey from initial struggles and misdiagnoses to finding effective education solutions, including the Orton-Gillingham approach and the GOW boarding school. She emphasizes the power of assistive technology and critical independent evaluations. Mary Ann's book, 'Adam's Way,' consolidates decades of resources and experiences aimed at helping parents and educators support dyslexic children. The episode highlights the importance of understanding dyslexia as a learning difference rather than a disability, the emotional aspects of advocacy, and the ultimate success stories that inspire hope and action. 00:00 Introduction to the Dyslexia Duo 00:42 Meet Mary Ann Cuolson 01:08 Mary Ann's Journey with Dyslexia 02:57 The Inspiration Behind 'Adam's Way' 05:14 Understanding Dyslexic Thinking 08:42 Early Diagnosis and Emotional Struggles 10:34 Navigating Educational Challenges 21:12 The Importance of Assistive Technology 27:07 Adam's Success Story 32:40 Empowering Children with Dyslexia 35:30 Proud Moments and Achievements 38:34 Early Challenges and Advocacy 41:49 Navigating School and Family Dynamics 45:15 Guidance for Parents 55:04 Lightning Round and Final Thoughts

The Dyslexia Duo: Dr. Tracy White Weeden In this episode of 'The Dyslexia Duo,' hosts Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth sit down with Dr. Tracy White Weeden, the former president and CEO of Neuhaus Education Center and founder of Upstream Education for All. Dr. Weeden shares her journey and passion for literacy, emphasizing the transformative power of reading and the need for systemic change in education. She highlights the importance of vision, community collaboration, and strategic partnerships in addressing dyslexia and promoting literacy. The conversation explores various strategies for engaging parents, supporting educators, and improving literacy outcomes for all students. 00:00 Introduction to the Dyslexia Duo Podcast 00:44 A Chance Meeting with Dr. Tracy White Weeden 01:35 Dr. Tracy's Journey and Insights on Literacy 03:52 Challenges and Solutions in Dyslexia Education 05:45 The Role of Nonprofits and Community in Literacy 09:04 Innovative Approaches to Literacy and Education 41:21 The Importance of Parental Involvement 48:12 Looking Ahead: Future Trends in Dyslexia Instruction 48:22 The Importance of University Partnerships 49:46 State Departments and Technical Assistance 50:20 Inspiration and Community Engagement 52:01 Relevance in Education 53:52 The Role of Business and Community in Education 56:33 The New Definition of Dyslexia 57:58 Challenges and Opportunities in Dyslexia Advocacy 01:04:44 Upstream Education and Nonprofit Initiatives 01:09:23 Speed Round: Personal Insights and Reflections 01:20:36 Final Thoughts and Farewell To find out more about Upstream, check out this link: https://www.drtracywhite.com/nonprofit Check out Dr. White's podcast here!: https://upstreampodcastwithdrtracywhite.podbean.com/ To Connect with Neuhaus, click this link: https://neuhaus.org/

Dyslexia Duo: Insights with Dr. Nancy Mather In this episode of The Dyslexia Duo, hosts Aimee Rodenroth and Melissa Dean sit down with renowned expert Dr. Nancy Mather to discuss dyslexia, its identification, and its impact on learners. Dr. Mather provides an in-depth look at the importance of early intervention, the development of dyslexia assessment tools, and the multi-faceted nature of dyslexia that often includes comorbid conditions like ADHD and developmental language disorders. The conversation also dives into practical strategies for parents and educators, the significance of proper accommodations, and the evolving understanding and acknowledgment of dyslexia in educational systems. Essential for anyone involved in dyslexia, this episode offers valuable insights and resources aimed at improving the educational experience for those affected. 00:00 Welcome to The Dyslexia Duo 00:55 Introducing Dr. Nancy Mather 01:59 Dr. Mather's Journey into Dyslexia Research 03:43 Essentials of Dyslexia and New Developments 05:34 Comprehensive Dyslexia Assessment 15:11 Understanding Dyslexia and Its Impact 17:04 The History and Heredity of Dyslexia 32:28 Comorbidities and Complications in Dyslexia Evaluation 38:09 Behavioral Impact and Self-Esteem Issues 39:27 The Struggles of Withdrawn Students 39:55 Self-Esteem Issues in Adults with Dyslexia 40:30 Understanding Orthography and Dyslexia 42:01 Challenges in Orthographic Mapping 47:16 Effective Spelling Strategies for Dyslexic Students 54:00 Dyslexia and IDEA Eligibility 01:01:14 Supporting Dyslexic Students at Home 01:04:28 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Dyslexia Duo: An Interview with Karen Avrit In this episode of the Dyslexia Duo podcast, hosts Aimee and Melissa sit down with Karen Avrit, the Director of Dyslexia Education at Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas. With over 30 years of experience and the author of numerous curricula, including the famed 'Take Flight,' Karen shares her journey and insights into the world of dyslexia education. She discusses her career transitions, the development of various teaching methods and materials like the 'mouth pictures,' and the impactful changes she has witnessed in dyslexia remediation. The conversation touches on the importance of early identification, the complexities of transitioning students between programs, and personal anecdotes that underline the transformative power of dedicated dyslexia therapy. Aspiring dyslexia therapists and educators are provided with invaluable advice and inspiration to make a significant impact in their fields. 00:00 Introduction to the Dyslexia Duo 00:59 Meet Karen Avrit: A Dyslexia Expert 01:56 Karen's Journey in Education 05:00 A Life-Changing Diagnosis 09:33 Memories and Lessons from Scottish Rite 18:03 Identifying Dyslexia at Scottish Rite 23:09 The Evolution of Take Flight Curriculum 26:50 Challenges and Innovations in Dyslexia Education 48:24 The Initial Struggles and Revisions 48:52 Personal Stories and Family Anecdotes 49:51 Sponsor Messages 51:55 Challenges with Mouth Pictures 52:30 Incorporating PA into Take Flight 57:02 Order of Presentation in Dyslexia Curricula 01:01:07 Development of Mouth Pictures 01:08:33 Evolution of Dyslexia Curricula 01:21:58 Impact of Dyslexia Therapy 01:28:44 Retirement Plans and Future Endeavors 01:34:48 Final Thoughts and Wishes for Students

Dyslexia Duo with Dr. Maryanne Wolf In this episode of 'The Dyslexia Duo' podcast, hosts Aimee and Melissa, accompanied by special guest Dr. Maryanne Wolf, delve deep into understanding dyslexia. They explore Dr. Wolf's extensive background in cognitive neuroscience and her pivotal work on the reading brain, literacy, and dyslexia. Dr. Wolf shares her personal journey from teaching in Hawaii to her research at Harvard, emphasizing the importance of literacy as a basic human right. The conversation touches on the intricacies of deep reading and the dangers of over-reliance on digital media for young readers. Dr. Wolf introduces her ‘RAVE-O’ program, designed to enhance reading fluency and comprehension through multi-component interventions. The episode is rich with insights into the science of reading, the challenges faced by dyslexic individuals, and strategies for effective teaching. 00:00 Introduction to the Dyslexia Duo 00:52 Meet Our Special Guest: Maryanne Wolf 01:28 Maryanne Wolf's Journey into Cognitive Neuroscience 07:09 The Importance of Reading as a Human Right 10:33 Understanding Dyslexia and Its Implications 16:40 The Science of Reading and Teaching Strategies 28:58 Challenges in Dyslexia Education 29:24 Personal Stories and Advocacy 31:43 Dyslexia in the Modern World 35:10 Upcoming Resources and Modules for Teachers 35:52 The Shift to Digital Textbooks 36:37 Print vs Digital: Research Insights 39:34 The Impact of Digital Exposure on Children 43:46 The Importance of Deep Reading 45:13 The Role of Empathy in Reading 46:03 Critical Thinking and Social Media 50:04 Introducing Ravo: A Reading Program 59:04 The Family of Educators 01:00:23 Conclusion and Farewell

Empowering Dyslexia Advocates: Insights from The Dyslexia Duo and Literacy View In this episode of The Dyslexia Duo, hosts Melissa and Aimee sit down with Faith Borkowski and Judy Boksner, co-hosts of The Literacy View podcast. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the myths surrounding dyslexia, effective teaching strategies, the importance of public advocacy, and the role of emotions in driving educational change. Faith and Judy share their personal journeys and professional experiences, highlighting how the science of reading can sometimes be misinterpreted or inadequately applied. They also emphasize the need for continuous professional development for teachers, support for parents, and the evolution of literacy education. The conversation concludes with a look at upcoming episodes featuring renowned literacy expert Dr. Tim Shanahan and more exciting topics. 00:00 Introduction to the Dyslexia Duo 00:49 Meet the Special Guests: Spice Girls of Literacy 01:06 Personal Journeys in Education 02:46 Challenges and Realizations in Teaching 08:27 The Literacy View Podcast: A New Adventure 16:45 Dyslexia Laws and School Systems 21:05 The Importance of Evidence-Based Practices 34:41 Guest Selection and Podcast Topics 38:30 Parental Involvement and Advocacy 40:18 Sponsorship Messages 42:23 Reflections and Changing Views 43:46 Navigating the Science of Reading 44:38 The Power of Questioning and Continuous Learning 44:57 Influencers and Confusion in the Reading World 47:05 Empowering Educators with Best Practices 47:34 Challenges Teachers Face in Pursuing Knowledge 48:43 The Impact and Reach of Podcasting 50:44 Innovative Approaches to Professional Development 54:04 Supporting Teachers and Students with Dyslexia 56:53 Advice for Parents of Children with Dyslexia 59:05 The Importance of Parental Advocacy 01:00:32 Addressing Literacy Challenges in Schools 01:01:55 The Role of Pediatricians and Community Support 01:07:33 Professional and Personal Milestones 01:14:32 The Lightning Round: Fun and Insights 01:22:12 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans Find out more about the Literacy View with Faith and Judy here: https://theliteracyview.com/

The Duo interview literacy researcher and dyslexia specialist, Dr. Brennan Chandler. This discussion illuminates the importance of improving reading instruction for all students, especially those who struggle, by moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Effective teaching requires a deep understanding of how reading develops, the use of data to guide instruction, and specialized strategies for different age groups. For early learners, the focus is on making the "science of reading" practical for teachers. For adolescents with dyslexia, the emphasis shifts to qualitatively different instruction involving morphology and flexible decoding. Across all groups, though, the core message is that empowering educators with knowledge and data literacy is more effective than simply mandating curricula or increasing instructional time.

Listen again to the duo's Season 1 interview with Dr. Jan Hasbrouck, originally airing on 9/21/2024. To find out more about Dr. Hasbrouck and her work, visit her website: https://www.janhasbrouck.com/

The duo interview therapist and author of " Dyslexia and Your Newly Diagnosed Child: Parenting Essentials, Tips, and Strategies to Help Your Child", Rebecca Bush. Find out more about Rebecca here: https://www.leadchanges.com/about Buy the book! : https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/799487/dyslexia-and-your-newly-diagnosed-child-by-rebecca-bush-calt-ldt/ Other interviews with Rebecca: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqFEIn6Tkgg https://www.cbs42.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/837107776/author-rebecca-bush-introduces-dyslexia-your-newly-diagnosed-child-from-penguin-random-house-on-september-30-2025/

The duo interview the author of "Mississippi Rising: How The Last Became First In Literacy Growth", Leta Palmiter.