This episode takes a unique approach to understanding dyslexia by using AI-generated voices driven by Google’s Gemini language model to unpack Tim’s recent review article, The Gift of Dyslexia: What is the Harm in it? Through an engaging, AI-generated conversation using NotebookLM, we explore the complexities of the “gift” narrative, the neurodiversity movement, and how framing dyslexia as a strength can sometimes have unintended effects. Join us for this experimental and whimsical deep dive ...
In this special Dyslexia Awareness Month episode, Tim answers a thoughtful question from high school students about what it was like to grow up with dyslexia. Sharing personal stories from his teenage years, Tim reflects on the limitations that come with dyslexia and coming to understand them on his terms, the power of self-expression through art and music, and the journey of surviving obstacles that emerge with dyslexia through perseverance. He also explores the meaning behind the DYSLEXIC A...
In this episode of Dyslexia Uncovered, Tim shares a deeply personal story from his childhood. Titled "Rules of Engagement," this story of dyslexia explores the assumptions, challenges, and silent struggles many face as they navigate early experiences with testing and schooling without being told or fully understanding what is happening around them. From the confusion of IQ tests to the harsh reality of being underestimated by his teachers, Tim reflects on how these moments shaped his journey ...
In this special Dyslexia Awareness Month episode, we sit down with Josh Clark to talk about his lifelong commitment to promoting neurodiversity and the science of reading. Josh shares insights from his journey as an educator, his work with global organizations like the International Dyslexia Association, and how schools can better support students with language-based learning disabilities. Join us as we explore how Josh’s efforts are shaping educational reform and driving positive change for ...
In this episode of Dyslexia Uncovered, Tim shares a deeply personal story from his early days of working with individuals with dyslexia. Through his experiences with a young student named Jenny and her mother, he explores the complexities of intervention, the unexpected challenges that arise, and the profound impact of learning alongside those he seeks to help. "Hard Lessons" is a heartfelt reflection on the realities of supporting individuals with dyslexia and the moments that teach us the m...
In this heartfelt episode of 'Dyslexia Uncovered,' Tim shares a recent experience with two young girls who, like him, have dyslexia. Through an art project using liquid paint, they explore the concept that "there are no mistakes." As they paint, Tim reflects on the powerful lessons learned from this simple yet profound activity, where the girls express their realities in a way that's beyond words. The story touches on the struggles, the self-criticism, and the moments of self-acceptance that ...
For our final Big Sky conversation, we sit down with Dr. Julie Washington from UC Irvine to explore how language, dialect, and poverty intersect in literacy. Dr. Washington brings her wealth of experience as a speech-language pathologist to discuss the unique challenges of identifying reading disabilities in African American children, dialect's role in learning, and how systemic biases impact educational outcomes. It's an eye-opening conversation highlighting the critical need to understand a...
In this episode of Dyslexia Uncovered, we get to hear the next Big Sky Conversation. Dr. Julie Wolter, Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Gonzaga University, shares her expertise in linking oral and written language development in children, particularly those with developmental language disorder (DLD) and dyslexia. The discussion spans the challenges of labeling disorders, the translation of research into practice, and how implementation science can bridge the gap between research and p...
In this episode of Dyslexia Uncovered, we get to hear the first of our Big Sky Conversations. Dr. Tiffany Hogan from the MGH Institute shares her expertise in linking oral and written language development in children, particularly those with developmental language disorder (DLD) and dyslexia. The discussion spans the challenges of labeling disorders – such as dyslexia and DLD, the translation of research into practice, and how implementation science can bridge the gap between research and pra...
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Margaret Goldberg, a dedicated literacy coach in a large urban district in California and co-founder of The Right to Read Project. Margaret has an extensive background in education, having served as a classroom teacher, curriculum developer, district early literacy lead, site-based literacy coach, and reading interventionist. We explore Margaret's journey from teacher to advocate, delving into her commitment to aligning classroom i...
For this conversation, I had the pleasure of sitting down with one of my closest friends, Dr. Laurie Cutting, the Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Special Education, Psychology, Human Development, and Radiology at Vanderbilt University. We chatted about the fascinating topic of neuroscience and literacy development.We explore the significant impact of neuroscience on our understanding of readingdisabilities, discussing both the promises and the current limitations of this field. We also d...
Today, we take time to hold space, learn, and engage in a conversation about the power of voice. Our guest speaks to the importance of uplifting Black voices and lived experiences, sharing her personal journey as a Black woman and parent to a son with dyslexia.Our guest today is Resha Conroy, the founder and Executive Director of the Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children, a non-profit organization working to eliminate the amplified inequities for Black children experiencing unaddressed dyslexi...
Today's episode is our first as we delve into how neuroscience informs our understanding of dyslexia. We will touch on the evidence for a neurobiological basis that increases the risk of experiencing challenges with reading and spelling words. Today’s guest is a leading neuroscientist in the field of literacy and dyslexia research. Dr. Ozernov-Palchik is a research scientist at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a senior research sc...
Today’s guest is none other than Dr. Reid Lyon. For this conversation, we consider poignant questions that have served to advance understanding of reading and new questions to support creative thinking as we strive to translate what has been learned into practice. Dr. Lyon has had a distinguished career as a research scientist, professor, classroom teacher, special education teacher, neuroscientist, and leader in the development of evidence-based education policy at the federal and state...
In this episode of "Dyslexia Uncovered," we dive deeper into a theme that resonates strongly with our community—the intersection of identity and the social-emotional realities faced by those with learning differences. Our guest, Dr. Stephanie Haft, a newly minted Ph.D. and clinical psychologist, has dedicated her research to exploring the impacts of learning differences and ADHD on individual well-being.Dr. Haft's work extends beyond the often-discussed realms of childhood and adolescence, fo...
In this episode, we visit with Dr. Rebecca Gotlieb. In the conversation, we touch on the topic of identity and the role that story creation and narratives can play in helping children and others form their understanding of themselves. We also touch on the topic of neurodiversity and chat about how this concept can help us create a community as we seek to define how we want the world to understand us and our needs.Dr. Gotlieb is a human developmental psychologist and educational neuroscientist...
Today, we delve into the life of my long-time friend, Diane Lyon. Diane shares her journey of growing up without a voice and struggling with dyslexia. She bravely found her voice and empowered her son to do the same, ensuring he wouldn't face the same challenges she faced. This led to a national movement, a testament to her resilience and the impact of her advocacy.Diane Lyon has been a passionate and effective advocate for children, adolescents, and adults who struggle to learn to read, with...
In this episode, you will listen to and learn from Dr. Sarah Wood. She is a cognitive scientist and assistive technology expert with a passion for helping people with disabilities. She obtained a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Florida State University and was a research assistant at the Florida Center for Reading Research. Currently, she is an Accessibility Scientist at Educational Testing Services, better known as ETS. Her passion is leveraging her unique set of talents to empower al...
In the latest episode of Dyslexia Uncovered, host Tim Odegard engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Maryanne Wolf, a distinguished research scientist and author in the field of dyslexia. Maryanne Wolf has dedicated her career to understanding the cognitive intricacies that underlie this fundamental skill. As the Director of the Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice at the UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, Maryanne Wolf brings a weal...
Embark on a captivating journey into the roots of dyslexia with host Tim Odegard in this episode of "Dyslexia Uncovered," titled "The Origins of Dyslexia." Travel back to the late 1800s as the episode recounts the compelling case study of Percy F., documented by Pringle Morgan in 1896, marking the genesis of understanding developmental dyslexia. Come with us as we explore how aspects of this case study and similar case studies still resonate today.