The Literacy Keys - The World of Dyslexia and Struggling Readers by an Orton Gillingham Tutor

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 minutesA 5-step process sharing How To Improve Writing Skills without overwhelmWhat to say (and what not to say) when your child freezes or melts downPick 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 Tutor⁠ps - You can also check out the episodes with Alex on ⁠YouTube⁠CHAPTERS:(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 WritingKeywordswriting, 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 next. 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 a goal.  Best of all was the moment they finally 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

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 AvoidanceIf 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/RESOURCESThe 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 & REVIEWIf 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 Tutor⁠⁠The Literacy Keys ⁠You can watch episodes with Alex on ⁠YouTube⁠Episode Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and why we’re talking about dyslexia in girls01:40 The “behavior bias”: why girls often fly under the radar07:00 Masking and classroom dynamics that hide reading struggles09:15 Red flags we missed and what parents often notice first16:30 Teacher training gaps and why schools may overlook dyslexia22:45 Early-childhood warning signs (ages 5–12)25:55 Rhyming/tongue twisters: an easy at-home clue30:35 Subtle symptoms + what “looks fine” can really mean35:35 Social masking + perfectionism/people-pleasing pressure41:40 What helped + practical supports to try43:25 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 Chapters00:00 - 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 share it with another parents.Cheers,Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham TutorThe Literacy Keys Check out episodes with Alex on YouTubeDyslexia Accommodations Part 1 - episode 25Dyslexia Accommodations Checklisttranscript

Stop second-guessing yourself. Before your child’s next school meeting, make sure you know which dyslexia accommodations actually help, and which myths to ignore. In this episode of The Literacy Keys, host Tracy Young breaks down dyslexia accommodations for students and explains how 504 dyslexia accommodations work in the classrooms. You'll discover the biggest misconceptions parents hear at school meetings, and why accommodations are about access and are not an unfair advantage. Plus, Tracy shares where to find a dyslexia accommodations checklist you can bring to your next meeting so you can advocate with confidence instead of second-guessing yourself.If you’re a parent of a child with dyslexia and want to feel prepared, informed, and empowered, this episode is a must-listen. This is the first of a two part series. Episode Chapters: Navigating Dyslexia Accommodations00:00 — The Secret Sauce to School Success Discover how the right dyslexia accommodations can transform your child’s educational experience. 01:10 — Accommodations vs. Modifications: What’s the Difference? Are you confusing these two critical terms? Learn the official definitions and why understanding the difference is the first step toward effective advocacy.03:45 — The Time Management Myth Why is extra time so controversial? Tracy dives into the research on processing speeds and explains why "standard" timing can be a major roadblock for dyslexic learners.04:30 — The One-Size-Fits-All Trap Every child is unique—and their dyslexia accommodations should be, too. Explore why customized support is essential and why schools often resist it (and how you can push back).05:40 — More Than Just a Band-Aid Accommodations are essential, but they aren't a replacement for intervention. Tracy shares a cautionary tale.06:50 — BUSTED: The "Three Accommodation Limit" Don't be fooled by school administrators claiming there's a limit to how much help your child can get. Learn the legal truth about 504 and IEP plans and how to call their bluff.10:15 — Your Elementary School Toolkit From "Audiobooks" to "Scribes," Tracy reveals the best dyslexia accommodations for grades K–5 to prevent your young learner from falling behind their peers.12:00 — The "Round Robin" Nightmare Find out why reading aloud in class is one of the most stressful experiences for a dyslexic student and how a simple accommodation can preserve your child's confidence and dignity.This is part 1 of a 2-part series. You'll want to listen to episode #26 for part 2 and check out our Dyslexia Accommodations ChecklistNeed an Orton Gillingham tutor? Contact The Literacy Keystranscript of this episode

You don’t need to be a professional dyslexia tutor to improve your child’s reading. In this episode of The Literacy Keys, you’ll learn how to bring the Orton Gillingham method right into your home using simple, powerful tips that help your child make real progress.If you’ve ever sat at the kitchen table watching your child avoid doing their homework, you’re not alone. That frustration is exactly why this episode exists. Tracy, an Orton Gillingham tutor, discusses the “fourth-grade slump;” explains why traditional reading instruction leaves dyslexic learners behind, and shows you ways to confidently use Orton Gillingham at home, even if you have zero teaching experience.You’ll learn two practical OG strategies you can use immediately to help your child read and spell with less stress. These parent-friendly, multisensory techniques mirror what expert dyslexia tutors use during structured literacy lessons, but without the price tag.If you homeschool, or if you’ve simply been looking for a way to use the Orton Gillingham method at home, this episode will ensure you do so with clarity and confidence. Listen now and discover how.Need an Orton Gillingham tutor?Contact The Literacy Keys

If your middle or high schooler avoids books, argues about homework, or insists they’re just not a reader, this episode is for you. We’re digging into reading motivation for older kids and, most importantly, how to motivate your kids to read without constant battles or guilt trips.In this episode of The Literacy Keys, Tracy breaks down why so many secondary students are still struggling with foundational reading skills and what makes teens’ reading challenges very different from younger kids’. You’ll hear how low confidence, slow fluency, and intimidating multisyllabic words in subjects like science and social studies slowly drain motivation. Best of all, this episodes shares what you can do to rebuild reading motivation at home. Drawing on a powerful Education Week article about secondary reading struggles and the book Know Better, Do Better by Meredith & David Liben, Tracy explains why it’s never too late to become a better reader, and why age-appropriate materials, targeted fluency work, and mindset shifts matter so much for teens. You’ll walk away with practical, realistic strategies you can start using right away. Whether your child is barely reading, reading very slowly, or simply refusing to try, this episode on reading motivation shares how to motivate kids to read. If you’ve been feeling stuck, discouraged, or unsure where to start, this conversation will give you a concrete plan to help your older child see themselves as a reader.⁠transcript of this episode⁠Resources mentioned in this episode:Education Week article: “Secondary Students Are Struggling With Reading, Too. A Look at the Landscape.”Know Better, Do Better: Teaching the Foundations So Every Child Can Read by Meredith & David LibenLearn more about dyslexia tutors, resources, and support for struggling readers at The Literacy Keys

After watching this episode you'll know how to find the right psychologist for your child as Tracy and Alex discuss their personal experiences with parental guilt, anxiety and dyslexia, and the importance of seeking therapy when anxiety in teens becomes too much. They explore the emotional journey of receiving a dyslexia diagnosis, the differing reactions between parent and child, and the complexities of parental guilt. They share their thoughts on helping teens with anxiety, and how to find the right child psychologist (or therapist). Parents need to be aware of red flags indicating their child may need professional help.Therapy can be a valuable outlet for emotions, and finding the right therapist is crucial. Addressing foundational reading issues is vital when your child is struggling to read. If you are interested in improving your child's reading through a structured Orton Gillingham approach contact: The Literacy Keys. Chapters(00:00) Navigating Dyslexia: A Personal Journey(14:51) Understanding Parental Guilt(29:39) Anxiety In Teens & The Importance Of Finding The Right TherapistTranscript of episode #22

Dive into the essential skills of reading fluency — what it is, why it matters, and how parents can strengthen it at home using multi-sensory techniques. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:What reading fluency actually meansWhy fluency is the bridge between decoding and comprehensionHow dyslexic learners uniquely benefit from structured fluency practiceThe most effective multi-sensory reading fluency strategies parents can use at homeEcho readingPhrase scoopingRepeated readingsPressure-free timed readingsYou'll also hear about a FREE opportunity to participate in a Spelling Program that Tracy has created for Struggling Spellers. Head over to: https://theliteracykeys.com/beta-tester-unlock-the-spelling-code/Tracy Young is an Orton-Gillingham trained, ALTA Certified Practitioner and the founder of The Literacy Keys, where she tutors dyslexic students and teaches parents how to support literacy at home with confidence and clarity.This Episode Is For:Parents of dyslexic childrenParents of struggling readersHomeschooling familiesEducators looking for multisensory fluency ideasAnyone wanting to understand structured literacy more deeply

If your child avoids reading, mixes up words, melts down over homework, or keeps saying, “I’m just not smart,” you may be wondering whether there’s something deeper happening beneath the surface. What if these challenges aren’t a phase, but signs of dyslexia symptoms that have been overlooked?In this episode, Tracy Young, Orton-Gillingham practitioner and host of The Literacy Keys Podcast, walks you through the most common dyslexia symptoms across four age groups: toddlers, elementary students, teenagers, and adults. You’ll hear parent-friendly explanations about the subtle signs that most families and teachers miss. Whether you're noticing reading struggles in your preschooler, inconsistent spelling in your middle schooler, or lingering confusion in a young adult, this episode will help you connect the dots. Links mentioned in the episode:Sold a Story by Emily HanfordI'm Dyslexic - Not Stupid

Is essay writing a battle in your house? If the physical act of writing is draining all your child's mental energy, then you need a new tool.Join Orton Gillingham Tutor Tracy Young as she explores mind maps, a visual and flexible planning tool that can turn writing frustration into celebration! This episode dives into why mind maps are especially effective for students with dyslexia and dysgraphia and provides practical, step-by-step guidance.KEY MOMENTS[04:25] What is a Mind Map? A description of the tool: starting with a central idea, main points radiating outwards as major lines, and details/examples as smaller sub-branches.[07:10] Free Online Mind Maps: Discussion of resources like Zoom.com, Canva.com, and Mindmup.com that offer free online mind maps templates to create digital mind maps.[08:55] The 5-Step Process: The main steps for creating a mind map, including starting with a central idea, brainstorming main points, adding details, connecting ideas, and refining.[12:15] Mind Maps for Different Essay Types: Strategies for using mind maps to plan expository (informational), persuasive (argumentative), and narrative (story-telling) essays.[16:00] Essay Planning Example: A detailed walkthrough of creating a mind map to plan an expository essay on the character transformation of Percy Jackson.[22:00] Why Mind Maps Work: Explaining their effectiveness for students with dyslexia (visual organization) and dysgraphia (reduced writing load and non-linearity).[25:30] Teaching the Tool: The "I do, we do, you do" scaffolding approach for teaching someone how to use mind maps effectively, emphasizing patience and not rushing the process.3 Resources for Free Online Mind Maps:https://www.zoom.com/https://www.canva.com/templateshttps://www.mindmup.com/

This conversation explores the connection between dyslexia and success, highlighting how many innovative thinkers and leaders have thrived despite their challenges. The discussion emphasizes recognizing and leveraging strengths, navigating educational paths, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in career choices. The episode also shares one person's symptoms of dyslexia and what a "bad dyslexic day" really feels like. TakeawaysMany successful individuals, like Whoopi Goldberg and Anderson Cooper, have dyslexia.Dyslexics often develop resilience and resourcefulness.Recognizing personal strengths is crucial for dyslexics.Career paths can vary greatly; higher education isn't for everyone.Exams can be challenging for dyslexics; alternative assessment methods are beneficial.Continuous learning and adaptability are key to career success.Leverage strengths rather than focusing solely on weaknesses.Episode Keywords: dyslexia, success, innovative thinkers, career paths, education, strengths, entrepreneurship, continuous learning, adaptability, dyslexic advantage, symptoms of dyslexia,

Does your child have Dyslexia and ADHD? Up to 40% of people with Dyslexia also have ADHD. Discover helpful hints to manage learning. You'll also want to ensure that ADHD doesn't mask their Dyslexia. 0:00 - Introduction Dyslexia and ADHD1:53 - The Critical Question: ADHD, Dyslexia, or Both?4:47 - Five Tips to Support Your Child5:39 - Tip 1: Seek a Comprehensive Evaluation9:55 - Tip 2: Structure, Structure, and More Structure1:47 - Tip 3: Teach Organizational Skills Explicitly14:38 - Tip 4: Leverage Technology 17:15 - Tip 5: Add Movement

Does your child struggle with math?  There might be something going on in the brain that’s causing the struggle. In this episode we talk about a condition which is sometimes referred to as “math dyslexia.” Learn about the neurological aspect, how it's diagnosed, along with practical strategies that can be used to help reduce the frustration. Best of all, we’ll share how to pronounce dyscalculia!0:00 The Struggle and the Truth About "Math Dyslexia" 0:15 What the Episode Covers (Diagnosis, Strategies, Pronunciation) 0:40 Pronunciation of Dyscalculia and Word Morphology (Difficulty Counting) 1:30 What is Dyscalculia (Math Dyslexia) and separating it from Dyslexia2:15 Analogy for Dyscalculia3:00 Examples of Struggle3:45 Common Symptoms of Dyscalculia5:00 Impact on Daily Life5:45 How is Dyscalculia Tested?7:00 Comorbidity: The Connection to Dyslexia and Dysgraphia (The "3 Ds") 7:45 Strategies for Parents

The IDA definition of dyslexia is considered the gold standard. So why is the IDA changing the definition?  What will it mean for your child? Listen to this podcast to discover what the change to the definition of dyslexia means for you and your child, and why the organization thought it necessary. Links:International Dyslexia AssociationPublic comment on the IDA definition of dyslexia

A mother and daughter’s journey with dyslexia as the daughter asks: “Am I dyslexic?”  This episode offers a perspective on what many have said along the way, which hasn't always been pretty. In this conversation, Tracy and Alex delve into the complexities of dyslexia, addressing common misconceptions and the importance of self-advocacy. They share personal experiences from high school to college, highlighting the challenges faced by dyslexics and the need for greater awareness and understanding in society. The discussion emphasizes that being dyslexic does not equate to a lack of intelligence and encourages listeners to advocate for themselves and others.Do you have a story to share about your child? We'd love to hear it. Head over to The Literacy Keys website. Use the contact form to send us a message. TAKEAWAYSDyslexia is often misunderstood and carries negative connotations.Research on dyslexia has existed for decades but is not widely known.Being dyslexic does not mean you are less intelligent.Self-advocacy is crucial for dyslexics in educational settings.Accommodations should not be viewed as unfair advantages.The journey of understanding dyslexia is ongoing and requires societal change.Personal experiences can help change perceptions about dyslexia.Failing is part of the learning process and can lead to growth.Support from peers and mentors can make a significant difference.Awareness and education about dyslexia are essential for change.CHAPTERS00:00 Understanding Dyslexia: Breaking Down Misconceptions03:10 Personal Experiences: The Journey Through School06:08 Advocacy and Self-Discovery in Education08:51 The Impact of Labels and Societal Perceptions12:03 Navigating College: A New Approach to Advocacy15:06 Overcoming Challenges: The Role of Perseverance17:50 Learning from Failure: The Path to Success21:01 The Importance of Support and Understanding24:05 Final Thoughts: Changing Perceptions of Dyslexia

Have you noticed signs of dysgraphia in your child and wondered, "What's the next step?" In this episode, we're here to share the process of testing for dysgraphia, and ensure your child has the dysgraphia treatment support they need to succeed. The Zaner-Bloser Writing Frame can be found by clicking:Writing Frame Tool

In this episode, we're cutting through the confusion of dysgraphia vs dyslexia. Discover why some kids struggle to write even though they're great at reading.  Learn why some dyslexic children also struggle to write. This is Part 1 of a 2-part series.