Bright Kids, Struggling Readers: Understanding Dyslexia with Meagan Sardana

Bright Kids, Struggling Readers: Understanding Dyslexia with Meagan Sardana

Are you a parent, teacher, or advocate wondering how to support a bright child who struggles to read? In this episode, we sit down with Meagan Sardana, a speech-language pathologist on a mission to change the narrative around dyslexia. Meagan defines dyslexia as a specific learning disability rooted in challenges with phonological and phonemic awareness—not a measure of intelligence—and clears up the misconceptions that leave so many capable kids overlooked. She shares why telling a struggling reader to "sound it out" misses the mark, how audiobooks can build rich vocabulary and language skills, and why the structured, multisensory Orton-Gillingham approach works so well. We also explore the deep embarrassment, anxiety, and shame that reading struggles can create, and how reframing the question to "What's right with me?" can unlock the unique strengths many dyslexic thinkers bring to the world. Key Discussion Points: Defining     Dyslexia: Understanding dyslexia as a specific learning disability     rooted in phonological and phonemic awareness—and the key difference     between awareness of a language's sound system and the ability to     manipulate individual speech sounds. Why     "Sound It Out" Falls Short: Why this common advice misses     the mark, since decoding sounds is precisely what dyslexic brains struggle     to do. The     Emotional Impact: How reading struggles can lead to deep     embarrassment, anxiety, and shame that often persist into adulthood—and     how reframing to "What's right with me?" builds confidence. The     Strengths of Dyslexic Thinking: The unique cognitive gifts often tied     to dyslexia, from visual-spatial thinking (Steven Spielberg) to holistic,     big-picture vision (Jamie Oliver) and deep empathy (Keira Knightley). Structured     Literacy & Orton-Gillingham: What a systematic, sequential, and     multisensory approach looks like—and why engaging visual, auditory, and     kinesthetic pathways works so well. Practical     Support for Families: Evidence-based strategies parents and educators     can use, including audiobooks to build vocabulary and syntax, plus     advocacy for the right reading interventions. Resources: Visit     Meagan’s website for tutoring and educational resources: https://www.bythebooktutor.com/ Connect     with Meagan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meagan-sardana-m-s-ccc-slp-7328444b/ Facebook:     https://www.facebook.com/bythebooktutoringservices Instagram:     https://www.instagram.com/mwsardana/ Email:     meagan@bythebooktutor.com Enjoying the show? If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent families. Thank you! Connect With Us:  §  Follow us on Instagram or Facebook: @piecesformypuzzle §  Email us:  Info@piecesformypuzzle.com §  Learn more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com §  Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/   If you found this episode inspiring, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to Pieces For My Puzzle! Leave us a comment below to share your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you.

Grandparenting on the Spectrum & Autism Safety with Jennifer Kaufman

Discover how a school principal and grandmother navigate autism, support families, and train first responders to keep neurodiverse kids safe. Tune in now! In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Kaufman to explore her powerful journey from both sides of the desk. We discuss practical strategies for grandparents, how to support adult children raising neurodiverse kids, and the critical importance of autism safety training for law enforcement. Whether you are a parent, educator, or first responder, this episode offers hope, humor, and real help. Key Topics Discussed: The     dual perspective of being both a school principal and a grandmother of an     autistic grandchild. The     biggest misconceptions grandparents have about autism, including the idea     that "he doesn't seem autistic." How     grandparents can support their adult children without overstepping—following     the parents' lead and listening without judgment. Creating     sensory-friendly, predictable home environments that help autistic     grandchildren feel safe and comfortable. How     First Response Autism trains police, first responders, and educators to     support neurodiverse community members. Shifting     perspective from "they're giving you a hard time" to     "they're having a hard time" to prevent crisis situations. The     power of unconditional presence—showing up consistently without trying to     "fix" everything. The     critical importance of water safety and swimming lessons for individuals     with autism. Guest Info and Contact Details: About Jennifer Kaufman: Jennifer Kaufman is a school principal, grandmother, author, and the founder of First Response Autism. She offers authentic, lived experience to help families navigate autism with practical strategies and deep understanding. Resources & Links: Read     the Book: Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides     of the Desk (Available on Barnes & Noble and Amazon) First     Response Autism: Learn more about autism support training for law     enforcement and get community safety resources for your family. Email     Jennifer (Grandparenting): jen@grandparentingonthespectrum.com Email     Jennifer (First Response): jennifer@firstresponseautism.com Follow     Jennifer on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! (Search: Jennifer Kaufman) Visit     her website to book her for grandparent workshops, first responder     trainings, or school consultations. Connect With Us:  §  Follow us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle §  Email us:  Info@piecesformypuzzle.com §  Learn more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com §  Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/ If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent families. Thank you! #JenniferKaufman #GrandparentingOnTheSpectrum #AutismSupport #AutismParenting #GrandparentsOfAutism #SpecialEducation #AutismAdvocacy #FirstResponderTraining #AutismAwareness #NeurodiverseInclusion #Neurodiversity #AutismFamily #DeEscalationTraining #SpecialNeedsParenting #PiecesForMyPuzzle #AutismPodcast  #ParentingPodcast

Calm Isn't Quiet: Shifting from Reactivity to Self-Mastery

Feeling overwhelmed? Learn how to step out of survival mode and build calmness as a skill! Pennie Wilson shares the 5 Pillars of Calm Self-Mastery to transform your leadership, parenting, and teaching. Discover how emotional regulation brings clarity and joy back into your life. Tune in now and take your first step toward true inner peace! Key Topics Discussed: The     hidden cost of holding it all together. Why     survival mode is a learned state, not a flaw. The     TED* framework for escaping reactive drama. Building     the 5 Pillars of Calm Self-Mastery. Navigating     the messy middle of parenting neurodivergent kids. Guest Info and Contact Details: About Pennie Wilson: Pennie Wilson is a Mental Fitness coach, certified Hypnotherapist, and the founder of Kokoro Creators. Drawing from her lived experiences, she helps parents, teachers, and leaders move out of fight-or-flight mode and into grounded self-mastery. Resources & Links: Take the Next Step: Ready to step     out of stress? Join Pennie's 2-hour Calm     Self-Mastery Reset. This guided experience offers practical tools to     build consistent inner practices for calmer responses and clearer     decision-making. Visit: https://kokorocreators.com/ ·        Take the Kokoro Mental Fitness Quiz! https://kokorocreators.com/quiz ·        Check out their blog at: https://kokorocreators.com/post/why-overthinking-feels-automatic Website: https://kokorocreators.com/ Email: pennie@kokorocreators.com Connect with Pennie on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kokorocreators Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kokoro.creators/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennie-wilson-mental-fitness-coach/ Enjoying the show? If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent families. Thank you! Connect With Us:  §  Follow us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle §  Email us:  Info@piecesformypuzzle.com §  Learn more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com §  Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/   If you found this episode inspiring, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to Pieces For My Puzzle! Leave us a comment below to share your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you. #PennieWilson #KokoroCreators #CalmSelfMastery #EmotionalRegulation #MentalFitness #SurvivalMode #ReactingVsResponding #TheEmpowermentDynamic #TEDFramework #CalmLeadership #LeadershipUnderStress #ParentingSupport #NeurodivergentParenting #AutismParenting #SpecialNeedsParenting #NervousSystemRegulation #StressManagement #OverwhelmedParents #MindfulParenting #SelfMastery #EmotionalResilience #ConsciousParenting #MentalHealthTools #ParentingPodcast #AutismPodcast #PiecesForMyPuzzle

A New Path for Autism: Understanding the Linear Autism Method with Jeanne Beard

What if there were a more effective way to understand and support individuals on the autism spectrum? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jeanne Beard, founder of the National Autism Academy, author, and mother of three adult sons with autism. Drawing from a lifetime of personal and professional experience, Jeanne introduces the Linear Autism Method (LAM)—a groundbreaking approach developed with Dr. Tim Wahlberg. She explains why traditional methods can fall short and offers a new framework for parents and therapists to foster function and success. Tune in to explore why autism seems more prevalent today, what truly drives behavior, and why parent training is a critical component of success. This conversation provides a fresh perspective and actionable hope for anyone living or working with autism. Guest Info and Contact Details About Jeanne Beard: Jeanne Beard is the founder of the National Autism Academy and the author of "Autism & The Rest of Us." With three adult sons on the spectrum and over 16 years of professional experience, she has dedicated her life to translating the Linear Autism Method (LAM) into accessible training and support for families and professionals. Jeanne offers a unique, first-hand perspective on the pathway to success for individuals with ASD. Connect with Jeanne and learn more: Website: For autism solutions,     training, and information on the Linear Autism Method, visit the National     Autism Academy at: https://www.nationalautismacademy.com/ TikTok:National Autism     Academy on TikTok Learn More about LAM: Discover the     Linear Autism Method developed with Dr. Tim Wahlberg at: https://www.drtimwahlberg.com/ Linkedin     Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-beard-44b367 Facebook     Profile Link: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=national%20autism%20academy Email:     jeanne@nationalautismacademy.com Enjoying the show? If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent families. Thank you! Connect With Us:  §  Follow us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle §  Email us:  Info@piecesformypuzzle.com §  Learn more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com §  Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/   If you found this episode inspiring, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to Pieces For My Puzzle! Leave us a comment below to share your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you. #JeanneBeard #NationalAutismAcademy #LinearAutismMethod #AutismSupport #AutismParenting #AutismParentTraining #AutismEducation #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #NeurodivergentFamilies #Neurodiversity #AutismStrategies #AutismBehaviorSupport #ParentTraining #AutismTherapist #TherapistSupport #SpecialNeedsParenting #AutismMoms #AutismDads #AutismFamily #NeurodivergentSupport #AutismPodcast #ParentingPodcast #SpecialNeedsPodcast #PiecesForMyPuzzle

From "I Hate Reading" to "I Love Reading" with Daniela Feldhausen

Does your child struggle with reading and spelling? Do you worry they might have dyslexia or dysgraphia but don't know where to turn? This episode is for you. We sit down with Daniela Feldhausen, a former attorney turned special education expert and founder of Kids Up Reading Tutors. Daniela shares her incredible journey and unpacks the "Science of Reading"—a revolutionary, evidence-based approach that is transforming struggling students into confident readers in months, not years. Tune in to learn the early warning signs of dyslexia, understand the difference between general tutoring and targeted intervention, and discover practical strategies parents can use to support their children. Whether your child is just starting their reading journey or is an older student who has always struggled, this conversation offers real solutions and a healthy dose of hope. Guest Info and Contact Details About Daniela Feldhausen: Daniela Feldhausen is the founder of Kids Up Reading Tutors, a team of specialists helping students across the country overcome reading challenges like dyslexia and dysgraphia. After 25 years as an attorney, she pursued her passion for education and now uses evidence-based, structured literacy programs to help kids find confidence and success in reading. Connect with Daniela and learn more: Website: For more information     about reading, dyslexia, and to schedule a call with Daniela, visit: https://KidsUpReadingTutors.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidsupreading LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-feldhausen-1a3b5b244/ Enjoying the show? If this conversation inspired you, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring these important discussions to more listeners and empowers neurodivergent families. Thank you! Connect With Us:  §  Follow us on Instagram: @piecesformypuzzle §  Email us:  Info@piecesformypuzzle.com §  Learn more:  www.piecesformypuzzle.com §  Check it out! We are one of the Top 35 Special Need Parenting Podcasts! https://podcast.feedspot.com/special_needs_parenting_podcasts/   If you found this episode inspiring, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to Pieces For My Puzzle! Leave us a comment below to share your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you.