The Literacy Keys - Dyslexia resources and structured literacy tips by an Orton Gillingham tutor

If you’ve ever stayed up late wondering if your teenager will be able to navigate the "real world" without constant help, this episode is something you’ve been waiting for.

I recently sat down with Hillary Summerbell, a powerhouse dyslexic entrepreneur who built a thriving career long before she could comfortably read a single business contract. It’s easy to feel like the clock is ticking for your dyslexic learner, especially in the high-pressure years of middle and high school, but Hillary’s story proves that the "traditional" path isn't the only way to the top.
Hillary shares how she navigated decades of "faking it" until she discovered a revolutionary visual hack (the Reading Arc) that unlocked her ability to process text at age 55.

After listening, you’ll:
Recognize the specific "entrepreneurial traits" your child is already developing.

See how a successful dyslexic entrepreneur used delegation and creative problem-solving to bypass hurdles.

Get the details on a simple tool that reshapes text into an arc, reducing visual stress and increasing reading speed instantly.

Need individualized 1:1 support for your dyslexic learner? Explore our tutoring services and find the right "key" for your child at: https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/

Resources:
Visit Summerbell.com to see the Reading Arc in action.

Lastly, if this episode gave you a glimmer of hope, please share it with another parent and follow us so you never miss a dose of encouragement!

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dyslexia and Entrepreneurship
01:27 Hillary's Journey with Dyslexia
06:29 Discovering a New Way to Read
12:40 Creating the Summerbell Tool
39:20 Advice to Younger Self

If you’ve ever tried to read a comprehensive evaluation, looked at all the norm referenced tests and thought, “Great, now I need a math degree just to read this report,” you are not alone.
Trying to Decode the results can feel like a Secret Language. When you look at a thick report of evaluation results, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. With terms like norm referenced tests and percentiles, our child is suddenly reduced to a point on a page. I’ve been there, both as a specialist and as a momfighting for my own daughter’s accommodations.

The truth is, these tests are simply tools designed to show how your child learns differently, but only if you know how to translate the information into plain English.
 
By the end of this episode, you’ll feel confident in understanding the information and the specific questions to ask to get your child the support they deserve. You’ll learn:
how to demystify norm referenced tests
why the bell shaped curve is your friend
3 questions to ask the school psychologist  

Are you ready to turn those test scores into a clear plan of action?
Click to book a discovery call or send me a message so wecan figure out the best next steps for your child together.
 
If this episode helped lower your stress levels (even a tiny bit) please share it with one other parent who is staring at a report feeling overwhelmed. Better yet, follow us (or subscribe we’re free) for more jargon-free guidance.  Your support helps us empower more parents.

Cheers,
⁠Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham Tutor⁠
⁠The Literacy Keys ⁠
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the episode and Tracy's background
01:12 Why understanding test reports is crucial for parents
03:34 What are norm reference tests? A simple explanation
05:30 The bell curve and how scores are compared to peers
07:44 Understanding standard scores and percentile ranks
09:09 Subtests, scaled scores, and confidence intervals
23:25 Turning test results into actionable next steps

You shouldn’t need a PhD just to understand why your bright child is hitting a brick wall with spelling and reading. Stop the guesswork, ask for a comprehensive evaluation and learn exactly which tests belong when testing for dyslexia, ADHD or another conditions. 

Schools often use a "triage system," identifying only the most visible cases while bright, dyslexic kids fly under the radar by memorizing and guessing. If you’ve been told a comprehensive evaluation isn't necessary because your child is passing, or you’re being given a screening when you need a deep dive this episode is for you.

I’m breaking down the alphabet soup of testing (from WISC to CTOPP) to share what each one actually reveals about your child's brilliance and their bottlenecks. 

This episode:
Translates complex test results into plain English so you can explain exactly where the "breakdown" in reading happens. 

Ensures "Norm-Referenced" accuracy by comparing your child’s skills to national peers, not just their local classroom. 

Validates your child’s experience by using oral reading tests that prove how much effort they are actually putting into every sentence. 

Don't wait for another frustrating report card; let’s get you the answers you deserve at TheLiteracyKeys.com/contact. 

Do you know a parent who's feeling overwhelmed? Send them this episode! Follow the show for more tips, leave a rating, and contact me for current Orton Gillingham tutoring availability.

Chapters
00:00 Understanding the Need for Comprehensive Evaluations
06:06 Navigating the Evaluation Process for Dyslexia
08:56 Key Areas Covered in Comprehensive Evaluations
20:52 Practical Steps for Parents in the Evaluation Process

Discover why twice exceptional kids struggle and uncover why 2e kids fly under the radar. Explore exactly what todo next to support your twice exceptional children.  It’s sometimes called double deficit dyslexia.
If you’ve been stuck in the loop of my kid is so smart… and still struggles, this episode is for you.  Leave with language to use, tests to ask for, and a plan that actually fits your child.
 
Twice exceptional kids can look like a walking contradiction: they have advanced ideas, strong vocabulary, yet reading feels painfully hard. When giftedness and dyslexia show up together, the signals get messy. Strengths can mask needs, and parents are frequently told to wait and see. Meanwhile, your child is working twice as hard just to keep up, andconfidence takes the hit. This episode breaks down what twice exceptional really means and what you can do to support your twice exceptional kids.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to spot common signs of twice exceptional kids
What types of evaluation to ask for
How to explain the 2e profile to teachers

Do you need an Orton Gillingham Tutor? Contact The Literacy Keys: https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/

If this episode resonated with you, please share this with another parent.  Hit follow/subscribe (we’re free) and leave aquick rating so you don’t miss the next episode.

Chapters
(00:00) Understanding Twice Exceptional Kids
(12:07) Challenges Faced by Twice Exceptional Kids
(24:13) Strategies for Supporting Twice Exceptional Kids

If your disorganized child forgets everything, discover executive functioning activities that help scattered minds learn to plan, start, and finish.  If your ADHD child continuously forgets to turn in homework, they might benefit from executive functioning activities. This episode shares a fun one, that even the most jaded teen will be rolling up their sleeves to try.  You don’t have to mention that they are secretly strengthening their planning, organization, and time management skills.

After listening, you’ll have a simple, playful plan to build follow-through without nagging, bribing, or burnout. When kids appear disorganized, their brains are really working overtime, so planning, organizing, and finishing can feel impossible. What looks like being forgetful is often brain overload. The disorganized child can’t hold all the steps, keep track of time, and pivot when they get stuck. That’s why Executive Functioning Activities work best when they’re hands-on, and broken into small chunks. In this episode, I’ll share an activity that helps the disorganized child practice necessary skills.  All without feeling like another lesson.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
How to turn a game into Executive Functioning Activities that builds momentum
How to help the disorganized child (with a Scattered Mind) break tasks into smaller wins
What to say when your child shuts down, so they re-engage instead of melting down

Do you want help tailoring these executive functioning supports to your child? Reach out to The Literacy Keys: https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/

If this episode helped, please follow, share it with another parent ,and leave a quick review so more overwhelmed parents can find it.

Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Executive Functioning Skills
(10:00) Building an Online Escape Room
(19:53) Steps to Create the Escape Room
(24:53) Troubleshooting and Action Plan