2025: International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
Updates Definition of Dyslexia
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month!
Understanding dyslexia is key to building inclusive classrooms. 🎧 This episode of Science of Reading Essentials featuring Susan Lambert dives deep into the science behind dyslexia and how we can better support all learners.
💡 Let’s move beyond myths and embrace evidence-based practices.
🔗 Listen now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/science-of-reading-essentials-dyslexia/id1483513974?i=1000730772701
In this special dyslexia-focused Essentials episode of Science of Reading: The Podcast, Susan Lambert pulls from past episodes to summarize everything you need to know about dyslexia, from experts Emily Lutrick, Ed.D.; Nadine Gaab, Ph.D.; Tim Odegard, Ph.D.; Sally Shaywitz, M.D.; and Francisco Usero-González, Ph.D. You'll also hear first-hand accounts from young people about their personal experiences with dyslexia, reading, and the education system. Even if you have little prior knowledge of dyslexia, you’ll walk away from this episode with a foundational understanding of the condition, including what it is, what causes it, how to identify it, the importance of early screening, how it is a continuum, methods for intervention, and more.
Show notes:
00:27 Introduction to SoR: Essentials
01:02 Susan’s personal connection with dyslexia
02:53 Accounts from young people on their experience of dyslexia
05:09 Defining dyslexia with Dr. Emily Lutrick
06:53 Dyslexia as a reading disability with Dr. Nadine Gaab
07:39 Three key characteristics of people with dyslexia with Dr. Tim Odegard
09:42 Longitudinal study with Dr. Sally Shaywitz
11:54 The causes of dyslexia
13:09 Early identification and effective intervention
15:22 Discrepancy model/Waiting to fail model
16:35 How early is too early to screen for dyslexia
18:37 How to know when a student is at risk for dyslexia
21:54 Identifying risk factors in older students
22:54 Decoding nonsense words
24:27 The power of naming a struggle
25:28 The importance of having a cohesive system in place
26:43 Screening students in their home language with Dr. Francisco Paco Usero Gonzalez
29:45 Dyslexia as a continuum
33:41 Final thoughts from young people on dyslexia
36:12 Preview of upcoming episode
💡 Let’s move beyond myths and embrace evidence-based practices.
🔗 Listen now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/science-of-reading-essentials-dyslexia/id1483513974?i=1000730772701
In this special dyslexia-focused Essentials episode of Science of Reading: The Podcast, Susan Lambert pulls from past episodes to summarize everything you need to know about dyslexia, from experts Emily Lutrick, Ed.D.; Nadine Gaab, Ph.D.; Tim Odegard, Ph.D.; Sally Shaywitz, M.D.; and Francisco Usero-González, Ph.D. You'll also hear first-hand accounts from young people about their personal experiences with dyslexia, reading, and the education system. Even if you have little prior knowledge of dyslexia, you’ll walk away from this episode with a foundational understanding of the condition, including what it is, what causes it, how to identify it, the importance of early screening, how it is a continuum, methods for intervention, and more.
Show notes:
- Resources
- Access free high-quality resources at our brand new professional learning page: http://amplify.com/science-of-reading/professional-learning
- Listen to these additional full-length episodes about dyslexia:
- Diagnosing dyslexia in multilingual learners, with Francisco Usero-González
- Growing up with dyslexia, with Kareem Weaver, Margaret Malaika Weaver, and Elijah Valencia
- Dyslexia: Where we started; where we're going, with Sally Shaywitz
- Debunking the "gift" of dyslexia, with Tim Odegard
- A conversation about growing up with dyslexia, with Hadyn Fleming
- Dyslexia and developmental trajectories, with Nadine Gaab
- The facts and myths of dyslexia, with Emily Lutrick
- Join our community Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/scienceofreading
00:27 Introduction to SoR: Essentials
01:02 Susan’s personal connection with dyslexia
02:53 Accounts from young people on their experience of dyslexia
05:09 Defining dyslexia with Dr. Emily Lutrick
06:53 Dyslexia as a reading disability with Dr. Nadine Gaab
07:39 Three key characteristics of people with dyslexia with Dr. Tim Odegard
09:42 Longitudinal study with Dr. Sally Shaywitz
11:54 The causes of dyslexia
13:09 Early identification and effective intervention
15:22 Discrepancy model/Waiting to fail model
16:35 How early is too early to screen for dyslexia
18:37 How to know when a student is at risk for dyslexia
21:54 Identifying risk factors in older students
22:54 Decoding nonsense words
24:27 The power of naming a struggle
25:28 The importance of having a cohesive system in place
26:43 Screening students in their home language with Dr. Francisco Paco Usero Gonzalez
29:45 Dyslexia as a continuum
33:41 Final thoughts from young people on dyslexia
36:12 Preview of upcoming episode
Diversipalabra
¡Bienvenidos a DIVERSIPALABRA!
Welcome to DIVERSIPALABRA!
Where each word builds bridges, opens minds, and celebrates who we are.
Looking for engaging vocabulary in Spanish connected to identity, belonging, social justice, and inclusion?
This is not your average glossary — it's a living, breathing tool for educators, students, families, and changemakers. Whether you're just starting the conversation or deepening it in your classroom or community, Diversipalabra helps you name the world — en español.
Explore concepts like neurodivergencia, interseccionalidad, capacitismo, antirracismo, autoestima, and more — presented in ways that are accessible, accurate, and empowering.
Click below to dive into a world of words that matter.
https://www.druserogonzalez.com/diversipalabra
Porque las palabras tienen poder.
Welcome to DIVERSIPALABRA!
Where each word builds bridges, opens minds, and celebrates who we are.
Looking for engaging vocabulary in Spanish connected to identity, belonging, social justice, and inclusion?
This is not your average glossary — it's a living, breathing tool for educators, students, families, and changemakers. Whether you're just starting the conversation or deepening it in your classroom or community, Diversipalabra helps you name the world — en español.
Explore concepts like neurodivergencia, interseccionalidad, capacitismo, antirracismo, autoestima, and more — presented in ways that are accessible, accurate, and empowering.
Click below to dive into a world of words that matter.
https://www.druserogonzalez.com/diversipalabra
Porque las palabras tienen poder.
The IDA Infographic and Structured Literacy:
Clearing Up Misconceptions for Better Implementation
Join the Language and Literacy community: www.edweb.net/lang-lit
The KIND VOICE by ORANGESPARROW
The Power of Kindness in
Embracing Neurodiversity
in Bilingual Contexts
A huge thank you to my dear friend Dr. Christopher (Chris) Culver for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts on The Power of Kindness in Embracing Neurodiversity in Bilingual Contexts. It’s an honor to collaborate and contribute to such meaningful work.
I’m beyond grateful for this chance to support educators in creating inclusive, empowering, and compassionate classrooms for our diverse learners. ✨
Please check out the full blog post at:
I’m beyond grateful for this chance to support educators in creating inclusive, empowering, and compassionate classrooms for our diverse learners. ✨
Please check out the full blog post at:
Milestone Achieved
Texas Dyslexia Academy Completion! 🎉
TEA Dyslexia |
Texas Dyslexia Academy 1: Foundation |
Texas Dyslexia Academy 2: The Dyslexia Handbook |
Texas Dyslexia Academy 3: Considerations for Emergent Bilingual Students |
Texas Dyslexia Academy 4: Dyslexia: From Child Find through ARD Committee Process
|
Texas Dyslexia Academy 5: Screening for Dyslexia |
Texas Dyslexia Academy 6: Dysgraphia.
Global Professional Development Experience
"Dislexia en la Enseñanza Bilingüe en los EE.UU."
I had the honor of being interviewed by Dra. Tamai on “Dislexia en la enseñanza bilingüe en los Estados Unidos”, an event coordinated by CER Houston and Dr. Elíseo Fernández, in collaboration with HAABE.
This session reached educators, advocates, and participants from over 670 locations worldwide 🌎—including the USA, Canada, Turkey, New Zealand, Australia, Iran, Italy, Spain, and many more!
✨ Watch the full interview now on YouTube and access more information about dyslexia and bilingual education here: https://www.druserogonzalez.com/intersections---bilingual-ed--special-ed.html
Let’s continue to learn, grow, and advocate for bilingual students with learning exceptionalities.
This session reached educators, advocates, and participants from over 670 locations worldwide 🌎—including the USA, Canada, Turkey, New Zealand, Australia, Iran, Italy, Spain, and many more!
✨ Watch the full interview now on YouTube and access more information about dyslexia and bilingual education here: https://www.druserogonzalez.com/intersections---bilingual-ed--special-ed.html
Let’s continue to learn, grow, and advocate for bilingual students with learning exceptionalities.
Together, we are the KEY 🔑 & the LIGHT 💡 !!!
TED TALK
Bilingual Learners, Dyslexia, and Inclusive Education Francisco "Paco" Usero González
TEDxSHSU
This talk explores the journey of bilingual students facing neurobiological challenges, such as dyslexia, in their pursuit of literacy across languages. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and a resilient young learner named Maria, Usero-González delves into the complexities of the intersection of bilingual education and special education. The talk emphasizes the importance of tailored assessments and interventions, considering both the native and target languages, while championing a linguistically and culturally responsive pedagogy. By fostering awareness, equipping educators, and involving families, we can reshape the narrative and provide every student with the tools to shine in their educational journey. Dr. Francisco “Paco” Usero-González, an Assistant Professor in the Bilingual Education Program at Sam Houston State University, has 15 years of diverse K-12 educational experience across Spain, the UK, France, and the USA. He holds multiple BA and MEd degrees in Education and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction. He has garnered recognition and awards for his contributions to education, with a research focus on neurobiological specific learning disabilities and the needs of Spanish-speaking emergent bilingual students. His passion for multilingual and multicultural education is evident through innovative instructional technology exploration, family engagement, and the implementation of the Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) to empower Hispanic bilingual students. Driven by a dedication to advancing the field, he shares insights through publications in esteemed journals and presentations at national and international conferences.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Podcast with Amplify
Link: https://amplify.com/episode/science-of-reading-the-podcast/special-miniseries/episode-3-diagnosing-dyslexia-in-multilingual-learners-with-francisco-usero-gonzalez/