#197: Dyslexia at School: How to Access Reading Support for your Child with ADHD
Digest
This podcast features Michelle Henderson, a structured literacy and dyslexia specialist, who discusses the critical need for systematic phonics instruction in reading. She highlights the common misconception that reading comes naturally and emphasizes the importance of structured literacy, a systematic, sequential, cumulative, and explicitly taught approach using multi-sensory methods. Henderson shares her personal journey, driven by her son's struggles, and details the challenges parents face in securing adequate support for their children in schools, including undertrained teachers and the gap between assessment and effective intervention. She defines structured literacy and contrasts it with balanced literacy, advocating for evidence-based approaches like Orton-Gillingham. The podcast offers advice to parents whose concerns are dismissed, emphasizing the importance of documenting concerns, requesting evaluations, and collecting data to demonstrate the need for intensive support. It addresses the intensity and frequency of interventions, the impact of ADHD on dyslexia, and provides resources for parents, including a parent-teacher conference guide and free consultations offered by Henderson.
Outlines
Understanding and Addressing Reading Difficulties Through Structured Literacy
This introductory section establishes the importance of systematic, sequential, and cumulative phonics instruction for all children, particularly those with dyslexia. It highlights the challenges parents face in navigating the school system to get their children the necessary support.
Michelle Henderson's Expertise and Personal Journey
Michelle Henderson, a structured literacy expert, shares her personal experience and expertise, explaining the challenges parents face in advocating for their children's needs within the education system.
Structured Literacy: Methods and Benefits
Henderson defines structured literacy, detailing its multi-sensory approach and benefits for all learners. She contrasts it with other approaches and explains why simply reading to a child is insufficient for teaching reading.
Advocating for Structured Literacy Interventions in Schools
This section focuses on practical advice for parents advocating for structured literacy interventions, including data collection, choosing appropriate methods (like Orton-Gillingham), and navigating IEPs.
Intervention Intensity, ADHD's Impact, and Available Resources
The podcast concludes by discussing the necessary intensity and frequency of interventions, the impact of ADHD on dyslexia, and resources available to parents, including those offered by Michelle Henderson.
Keywords
Structured Literacy
A systematic, sequential, cumulative, and explicit approach to reading instruction using multi-sensory methods. Crucial for dyslexic learners but beneficial for all.
Dyslexia
A learning disorder impacting accurate and fluent word recognition and spelling.
Orton-Gillingham Approach
A multi-sensory structured literacy approach for teaching reading, spelling, and writing.
Reading Intervention
Specialized instruction addressing specific reading difficulties, including phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Parent Advocacy
Parents actively participating in their child's education, advocating for appropriate support and interventions.
ADHD and Dyslexia
The combined impact of ADHD and dyslexia on a child's reading abilities and the need for integrated interventions.
Multi-sensory Learning
Teaching methods that engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles.
Phonics Instruction
Systematic teaching of the relationship between letters and sounds.
Reading Difficulties
Challenges in reading acquisition and comprehension, including dyslexia and other learning differences.
IEP (Individualized Education Program)
A plan developed to address the unique educational needs of a child with a disability.
Q&A
What is structured literacy, and why is it important for children struggling with reading?
Structured literacy is a systematic, sequential, and cumulative approach to reading instruction using multi-sensory methods. It's crucial for dyslexic learners but benefits all children by building a strong foundation in phonics, fluency, and comprehension.
What should parents do if their concerns about their child's reading are dismissed by the school?
Document all communication, request an evaluation and/or intervention, use data to demonstrate the need for support, and advocate for evidence-based structured literacy approaches.
How intense should structured literacy interventions be?
Intensity depends on the child's needs; at least two sessions per week are recommended, possibly more for severely struggling readers.
How does ADHD impact a child's progress with dyslexia?
ADHD can significantly hinder focus during reading interventions. Addressing ADHD symptoms is often crucial for successful reading intervention.
What resources are available to parents of children with reading difficulties?
Michelle Henderson offers a free parent-teacher conference guide and free consultations; many other resources are available online and through local organizations.
Show Notes
SHINING WITH ADHD
#197: Dyslexia at School: How to Access Reading Support for your Child with ADHD
The Childhood Collective
5/14/2025
SUMMARY
If your child has ADHD and struggles with reading, you might be wondering how to get the best support at school. Today, we’re joined by Michelle Henderson, a dyslexia therapist and advocate, to talk about how families can access structured literacy interventions and evidence-based reading support. She shares the biggest challenges parents face in getting reading services at school and gives practical tips for advocating effectively (hint: it starts with asking the right questions!). If you're navigating ADHD and dyslexia, this episode will empower you with the tools and knowledge to ensure your child gets the support they need!
MEET MICHELLE HENDERSON
Michelle is a teacher, a parent coach, and an advocate for children and literacy! She is a certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist, trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach with a master's degree in Reading Science. She is also the proud mom of a brilliant dyslexic learner. She lives in Hawaii with her four children and husband and loves to eat tropical fruit and spend time in nature.
LINKS + RESOURCES
Free Parent-Teacher Conference Guide
Building Strong Readers: Mini-Course for Parents
The Childhood Collective Instagram
Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Shining at School
Shining at School is a video-based course that will teach you how to help your child with ADHD go from surviving to thriving at school for elementary and middle schoolers. On your own time. At your own pace. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!
Hungryroot
Hungryroot offers “good-for-you groceries and simple recipes.” We have loved having one less thing to worry about when it comes to raising kids. For 40% off your first box, click the link below and use CHILDHOOD40 in all caps to get the discount.
Time Timer
We can’t have your attention and not mention Time Timer. This amazing tool helps with activity transitions, independence, and building executive function skills. Head to and use the code TCC to get a site-wide discount.
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