When your child struggles with reading, it's easy to grasp at any solution that promises to help. But what if the very interventions you're being told will work are actually making things worse?
In this episode, we dive deep into the dangerous myths surrounding dyslexia that are preventing kids from getting the help they actually need. From vision therapy to colored overlays, reading specialists Kris Vassel and Jaime Lesko reveal why these popular 'treatments' don't work—and what science-backed approaches actually do.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, or homeschool educator, this conversation will change how you think about reading intervention and give you the tools to advocate for what your child really needs.
00:00 – Welcome & Why Dyslexia Myths Persist
02:00 – Meet the Experts: Kris Vassel & Jaime Lesko
04:00 – The Most Harmful Myths (Vision, Reversals, and More)
06:00 – The Biggest Myth: "Dyslexic Kids Can't Learn to Read"
08:00 – What "Research-Based" Really Means
10:00 – The Science of Reading Explained
12:00 – Data-Driven Intervention: How to Know What's Working
14:00 – What "Intervention" and "Assessment" Actually Mean
17:00 – The RTI (Response to Intervention) Framework
19:00 – Why Fidelity Matters: Curriculum & Training
22:00 – Choosing the Right Program: Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Barton, and More
25:00 – The Investment Required: Training, Time, and Teamwork
28:00 – Support for Homeschool & Open Ed Families
31:00 – When to Seek Professional Help (and the "Second Person Theory")
34:00 – Reading at Home: Daily Habits That Make a Difference
38:00 – How to Choose Books at the Right Level
40:00 – Handling Reading Errors & Building Confidence
42:00 – The Best Resources for Parents (Books, Websites, Programs)
44:00 – Final Advice: Patience, Celebration, and Next Steps
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