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 Hanford
• I'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/templates

https://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.

Takeaways

• Many 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,