Podcast: Expert Advice on Dyslexia & Reading Struggles with guest Mrs. Walker, MS Ed.
Does your child struggle with reading or spelling? Wondering what to do for a child with dyslexia? In this blog we provide a summary of an important Brainy Moms podcast hosted by Dr. Amy and Teri Miller. This this podcast they interview Reading and Dyslexia Specialist, Mrs. Walker, MEd, BCCS. Mrs. Walker tells us what’s happening in the brain of struggling readers, how there are different types of dyslexia that show up in a variety of ways, what some warning signs are that parents should look out for, and what the most effective interventions should include. Interested? …then read the below summary for more details!
About the Podcast:
The podcast features an episode of the “Brainy Moms” podcast, hosted by Dr. Amy Moore and Teri Miller, with guest Donesa Walker, a reading, and dyslexia specialist. Ms. Walker shares her personal and professional experiences with dyslexia, emphasizing the importance of understanding dyslexia as a neurological processing issue in the brain rather than just a difficulty with reading. She discusses the “gift” of dyslexia, which includes out-of-the-box thinking and creativity. Her passion for dyslexia intervention stems from these experiences, leading her to become a dyslexia specialist.
Learn more about their Guest:
Ms. Walker is a reading and dyslexia specialist. She has been working with dyslexic children for more than 30 years, but her unique perspective on dyslexia and how it impacts families comes from both personal and professional experiences. She’s also passionate about brain training, and the ability to change the lives of not just all clients, but especially those with dyslexia and related reading disorders. Ms. Walker lives in Louisiana, where she owns and operates LearningRx Shreveport.
Manifestations of Dyslexia:
Ms. Walker explains various manifestations of dyslexia, such as difficulty with comprehension, word calling, and sensory issues. She highlights the emotional impact on individuals, including self-shaming and withdrawal. The discussion delves into warning signs for parents to watch out for, including discrepancies between verbal ability and written language, as well as emotional responses to schoolwork.
Do I Really Need a Diagnosis?
The podcast covers the challenges of obtaining a dyslexia diagnosis and the possibility of having reading difficulties without a formal dyslexia diagnosis. Ms. Walker emphasizes the need for individualized intervention based on cognitive assessments rather than relying solely on diagnostic labels. Overall, the discussion provides valuable insights into understanding and supporting individuals with dyslexia.
What to know about Interventions:
The conversation shifts to interventions for dyslexia, emphasizing the need for cognitive assessments to identify underlying issues. Ms. Walker discusses various intervention programs and methodologies, including her own experience with LearningRx, which focuses on improving cognitive skills. She stresses the importance of addressing inefficiencies in cognitive skills rather than simply labeling individuals as dyslexic. She also shares her journey transitioning from a career in the school system to becoming an independent specialist – giving her the freedom to provide more effective dyslexia interventions.
They discuss research suggesting the potential of brain scans to identify dyslexia as early as age four, as well as the effectiveness of brain training in altering brain wiring and improving reading skills in dyslexic individuals. The conversation emphasizes that interventions are not about fixing or curing dyslexia but rather about helping individuals improve their skills and efficiency. They highlight the importance of personalized, one-on-one coaching in brain training, which provides immediate feedback, encourages small steps of progress, and boosts confidence.
This Podcast: The Important Takeaways:
The discussion concludes with Ms. Walker emphasizing that it’s never too late to seek help for dyslexia and that brain training can benefit individuals of all ages. Here are the key takeaways:
- Manifestations of Dyslexia: Dyslexia can manifest in various ways, including difficulties with comprehension, word calling, and sensory issues. The emotional impact on individuals can be significant, leading to self-shaming and withdrawal. Parents should watch for warning signs such as disparities between verbal ability and written language, as well as emotional responses to schoolwork.
- Diagnosis Considerations: Obtaining a formal dyslexia diagnosis can be challenging, but it’s not always necessary to address reading difficulties effectively. Individualized intervention based on cognitive assessments is crucial rather than solely relying on diagnostic labels. Understanding and supporting individuals with dyslexia should focus on personalized approaches tailored to their cognitive needs.
- Interventions for Dyslexia: Various intervention programs and methodologies exist, such as LearningRx, which aims to improve cognitive skills. It’s important to address cognitive inefficiencies rather than solely labeling individuals as dyslexic. Interventions focus on improving skills and efficiency rather than “fixing” dyslexia, with personalized, one-on-one coaching providing immediate feedback and boosting confidence.
- Advancements in Early Identification and Intervention: Research suggests the potential of brain scans to identify dyslexia as early as age four, and brain training shows promise in altering brain wiring and improving reading skills in dyslexic individuals. These advancements highlight the importance of personalized, one-on-one coaching in interventions, emphasizing incremental progress and confidence building.
Listen to the full Podcast Here:
Podcast: Expert Advice on Dyslexia & Reading Struggles with guest Mrs. Walker, MS Ed.
Do you have a loved one where you are concerned about Dyslexia or a reading struggle? For more information about how you can get the answers behind why your loved one struggles, contact LearningRx of Raleigh and Cary at: (919) 232-0090 or email: raleigh.nc@learningrx.net.
