Dyslexia Uncovered

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 as AI voices break down myths, challenge assumptions, and highlight the importance of viewing dyslexia with nuance and empathy, all generated and powered by Google's NotebookLM.Access the article here: The Gift of Dyslexia: What is the Harm in It?

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 AF pins he created as a form of defiance and celebration of what it means to be dyslexic. Theme song. Paranoia Sax I by The Strange Word of A.J. Kaufmann. The source of the song is the Free Music Archive, the license type NC. The song was edited to create a shorter intro and transition. The song is played in full as the outro to the episode. 

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 with dyslexia. As we honor Dyslexia Awareness Month, this story reminds us of the resilience and strength that people with dyslexia often must summon from a young age.Theme SongUnnamed song composed and played by Mona Odegard. It's a filler until we come up with something else. Enjoy!

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 students with dyslexia. Don't forget to wear red and show your support this month!Josh Clark is a dedicated educator and advocate for neurodiversity in education, currently serving as Head of Landmark School and Executive Director of Landmark Outreach. With a focus on promoting the science of reading, Josh has led schools like The Schenck School in Atlanta and The Bodine School in Memphis, both known for their support of students with dyslexia. As Chair of the International Dyslexia Association, co-founder of the Association of LD Schools, and contributor to Made by Dyslexia and Microsoft Education, Josh champions the cause of language-based learning disabilities (LBLD) worldwide, sharing his expertise in supporting students with dyslexia and advancing educational reform.Theme SongUnnamed song composed and played by Mona Odegard. It's a filler until we come up with something else. Enjoy!

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 most.Theme SongSound of Home, composed and performed by Jens Koch and recorded at Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park. All rights to the recording and song are reserved by Jens Koch. Find him on Spotify.Share your thoughts and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

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 come with living with dyslexia. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful lessons come from unexpected places.Annals of Dyslexia Special Collection on the Definition of DyslexiaRead the Intro to the Special Collection hereTheme SongSound of Home, composed and performed by Jens Koch and recorded at Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park. All rights to the recording and song are reserved by Jens Koch. Find him on Spotify.Share your thoughts and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

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 and support students from all linguistic backgrounds. Julie Washington, Ph.DS., CCC-SLP. Dr. Julie Washington is a professor at the School of Education at the University of California – Irvine (UCI) and a fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, she directs the Learning Disabilities Research Innovation Hub, funded by NICHD, and the Dialect, Poverty, and Academic Success Lab at UCI. She also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the language section of the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. Dr. Washington's research explores the intersection of literacy, language variation, and poverty, focusing on understanding the role of language dialects in assessing and identifying language and reading disabilities in African American children. She also focuses on improving methods to develop oral language and written language skills in children growing up in poverty.  Theme SongSound of Home, composed and performed by Jens Koch and recorded at Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park. All rights to the recording and song are reserved by Jens Koch. Find him on Spotify.Share your thoughts and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

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 practice. The episode also highlights the importance of addressing systemic barriers, and if you listen to the end, you can hear some behind-the-scenes shenanigans.Julie Wolter, PhD, CCC-SLP, is the Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Gonzaga University and an internationally recognized expert in language-literacy development. With nearly 25 years of experience in both academic and clinical settings, Dr. Wolter has served in leadership roles at the University of Montana and Utah State University. Her research focuses on the assessment and intervention of developmental language disorder (DLD) and dyslexia in young children, and she is currently leading a National Institutes of Health-funded study in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital and the Royal Holloway University of London. Dr. Wolter is deeply committed to enhancing education and clinical training for health professionals, particularly in underserved communities, and has secured significant funding to support students in rural and American Indian tribal areas.Theme Song Sound of Home, composed and performed by Jens Koch. Recorded live at Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park. All rights to the recording and song are reserved by Jens Koch. Find him on Spotify. Share your thoughts and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

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 practice. The episode also highlights the importance of addressing systemic barriers, and if you listen to the end, you can hear some behind-the-scenes shenanigans.Share your thoughts and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

Send us a Text Message.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 instruction with the latest reading research. Our conversation touches on the challenges she has faced in promoting equitable literacy practices and the impactful work she continues to do through The Right to Read Project. Margaret and I discuss the importance of integrating teacher voices in conversations around the Science of Reading and how aligning instruction with research can transform educational outcomes. We also examine the initiatives and goals of The Right to Read Project, highlighting their efforts to support schools and districts in improving literacy education. This conversation sheds light on the intersection of research and practice, the significance of community and teacher involvement in literacy advocacy, and the ongoing journey toward educational equity. Whether you're an educator, an individual with dyslexia, a parent, a researcher, or someone with an interest in literacy, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for advancing literacy education. Margaret and I share a passion for supporting educators and ensuring every child succeeds in reading and writing. Join us for this compelling conversation filled with expertise, personal stories, and a shared commitment to making a difference. Learn more about the Right to Read Project.Share your thoughts and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

Send us a Text Message.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 delve into the importance of early identification, the complexities of neurobiological risk factors, and the potential future of individualized interventions based on brain imaging. This conversation highlights the intersection between science and education, the power of neuroimaging in validating reading interventions, and the ongoing challenges in translating research into classroom practices.Whether you're a teacher, parent, researcher, or someone with dyslexia, this episode offers valuable insights and a sense of hope for the future of literacy development.Laurie and I both believe in the importance of our work and the impact it can have on the lives of those with dyslexia.So, join me for this enlightening conversation filled with expertise, personal anecdotes, and a shared commitment to making a difference.Share your thoughts and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

Send us a Text Message.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 dyslexia and related learning disabilities.  She is the mother of two children with learning disabilities, including a son with dyslexia. Ms. Conroy is motivated by her family's journey to pursue her lifelong passion for educational equity. A proud lifelong New Yorker and Bronx High School of Science graduate, Resha holds a BA in Economics from Smith  College, an MPA focusing on non-profit management, and an MS in Communicative  Sciences and Disorders from New York University. Ms. Conroy is a speech-language pathologist with a strong interest in language, literacy, and culture. She also has over a decade of experience in education and non-profit management, serving on school leadership teams and as a consultant for schools in Washington, DC, and New York City. Ms. Conroy serves on the National Center on Improving Literacy (NCIL) Family Engagement Advisory Board, NYC Department of Education Literacy Advisory Council, Learning Ally National Advisory Board, Evidence Advocacy Center (EAC) Parent and Family Advocates Team, and the NYS Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force.Learn more about Resha's Organization, the Dyslexia Alliance for Black ChildrenShare your thoughts and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

Send us a Text Message.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 scientist at Boston University's Wheelock College of Education and Human Development. She also served as the program director and lecturer for the Mind, Brain, and Education master's program at Harvard Graduate School of Education from 2019 to 2022. Dr. Ozernov-Palchik received her Ph.D. in cognitive science and child development from Tufts University. Her research focuses on the neurocognitive mechanisms of reading and language comprehension, exploring how these processes vary across individuals and throughout development. She employs advanced cross-disciplinary methods, including adult and pediatric multimodal neuroimaging, randomized controlled trials, psycholinguistic experiments, and longitudinal modeling. In addition to her research, Dr. Ozernov-Palchik has been a strong advocate for universal screening for early literacy and evidence-based literacy instruction, both locally and nationally. She has received the Early Career Award from the International Dyslexia Association and has an impressive publication record. Moreover, she has presented her work at numerous national and international conferences and meetings.Share your thoughts and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

Send us a Text Message.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 levels. From 1992 until 2005, Dr. Lyon served as the Chief of the Child Development and Behavior Branch within the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the National Institutes of Health. While at the National Institute of Health, Dr. Lyon worked closely with the White House, the U.S. Department of Education, and Congress on the development of evidence-based education policy.Share your thoughts and stories on Instagram @dyslexiauncovered and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

Send us a Text Message.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, focusing on underrepresented groups. Her insights shed light on the broader psychological factors affecting our community and others, highlighting the diverse challenges and resilience among those living with dyslexia and related conditions.Join us as Dr. Haft shares her extensive knowledge and helps us understand more about the social-emotional landscape that shapes our lives.Continue the LearningAccess Stephanie's systematic review of learning disability stigma and stereotype threat.Access a short article by Stephanie that describes a resilience framework and its application to dyslexia.Access Stephanie's controlled trial of near-peer mentoring and its effects on indicators of psychological well-being in individuals with learning disabilities / ADHD.Share your thoughts and stories on Instagram @dyslexiauncovered and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

Send us a Text Message.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. She is an Assistant Researcher in the Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice in the School of Education at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her research focuses on the coordinated neuropsychological development of literacy and social-emotional functioning in early childhood through young adulthood. Dr. Gotlieb completed her Ph.D. as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow in the Center for Affective Neuroscience, Development, Learning and Education at the University of Southern California and completed post-doctoral research at UCLA.Share your thoughts and stories on Instagram @dyslexiauncovered and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

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 a focus on learning strategies in the home and in the classroom.  In 1995, Diane founded the Parent Coalition for Literacy in Richmond, Indiana. She designed and implemented a statewide advocacy initiative that brought together parents and leaders from the education, legislative, business, and medical communities to build public awareness of the state of the literacy crisis.  The coalition was successful in disseminating critical research findings to educators, parents, businesses, and legislators to guide and improve instructional practices and policies, as well as in implementing professional development programs for teachers and administrators.Diane's passion for education led her to the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C. Over three years, she managed programs for a national network of Federal Parent Training Information Centers. Her role also involved developing initiatives to promote research-based educational practices setting critical priorities for parent training resources nationwide. Diane's contributions to the Department of Education underscore her national impact and influence on educational practices. Diane continues to share her personal story of her own experiences with dyslexia, which provides a different level of urgency and attention. She weaves in how she learned of her son's dyslexia decades ago and what she learned along the way as a COO in an educational for-profit company and as a Reading Research Project Manager of a Federal Grant. She also adds practical strategies for navigating a school day for teachers, parents, and students with dyslexia.   Continue the LearningRecent Review on the Research Basis of Peer Mentorship for Neurominority Communities Learn More About Eye-to-Eye, one effective near-peer mentorship program for neurominorities like dyslexia and ADHDShare your thoughts and stories on Instagram @dyslexiauncovered and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

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 all learners using her expertise in research, text-to-speech, and accessibility technology more generally. Through her advocacy, research, and systems thinking, she is an emerging leader in efforts to facilitate the learning process so that people with disabilities can reach their highest potential! Especially how people with disabilities can access their education and find how technology works best for them.Continue the LearningRead Sarah's Meta-Analysis on the effect of Text-to-Speech on Reading Comprehension.Learn about Microsoft Immersive ReaderLearn about GrammarlyLearn about Equation Editor from texthelpLearn about Microsoft CopilotLearn about ChatGPTThe conversation highlights these assistive technologies and AI solutions. There are many others to explore and learn about.Share your thoughts and stories on Instagram @dyslexiauncovered and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

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 wealth of expertise to the exploration of dyslexia. Her groundbreaking research, coupled with her passion for advocacy, has positioned her as a leading figure in the ongoing dialogue surrounding dyslexia, literacy, and the evolving landscape of education. Join Tim and Maryanne as they delve into a vast array of topics and, share their love of beauty art, and discuss some of the realities of living with dyslexia. It's a conversation that transcends academia, offering valuable perspectives for educators, parents, and anyone eager to deepen their understanding of dyslexia that touches on the heartbreaking realities and triumphs that can come with dyslexia.Share your thoughts and stories on Instagram @dyslexiauncovered and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

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.Share your thoughts and stories on Instagram @dyslexiauncovered and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

Embark on a captivating linguistic journey in this episode as we delve into the fascinating evolution of language, from the fireside exchanges of our ancestors to the intricate landscapes of modern social media. Explore the threads that connect spoken words across generations, paving the way for the invention of written language. Join me as we uncover the birth of complex oral language and writing, setting the stage for upcoming episodes that delve into the intricate realm of dyslexia.Share your thoughts and stories on Instagram @dyslexiauncovered and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

"Dyslexia Uncovered" invites listeners into a deeply personal exploration of dyslexia and mental health in its latest episode, "Method Acting." Host Tim Odegard shares his poignant journey, using music as a refuge and drawing inspiration from the metaphor of method acting. In this insightful episode, Odegard navigates the challenges of fitting into a neurotypical world while unraveling the layers of shame and guilt associated with dyslexia. Engaging with themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the impact on mental health, this episode offers a powerful narrative that encourages empathy, understanding, and support within the dyslexia community.Read new research about mental health and dyslexia in a special issue of Annals of Dyslexia https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11881-024-00300-3Share your thoughts and stories on Instagram @dyslexiauncovered and follow your host on X @OdegardTim

This introductory episode introduces you to Dyslexia Uncovered, a new podcast that encapsulates the essence of moving "From Research to Community" as Tim shares his journey as a researcher, clinician, and parent. His dedication to translating complex scientific insights into accessible, community-driven discourse sets the tone for an enriching podcasting experience.Share your thoughts and stories on Instagram @dyslexiauncovered and follow your host on X @OdegardTim