SLPs Talk Dyslexia: Myths, Gaps, and What They Wish They Learned

By Reading & Language Learning Center (RLLC)

Episode Summary

In this powerful episode, we’re unpacking what Speech-Language Pathologists really know, and wish they knew, about dyslexia. After interviewing dozens of SLPs and graduate students at the 2024 ASHA Convention, we discovered clear themes: misinformation, missing training, personal stories of struggle and resilience, and a deep desire for better tools to support dyslexic learners.

Joined by Susan (RLLC Owner) and Maggie (RLLC Therapist), host Tristen dives into what today’s SLPs are experiencing in the field: everything from misconceptions like “letters flipping” to the reality that most grad programs barely touch structured literacy or dyslexia at all. We explore what this means for families, how SLPs fit into the dyslexia landscape, and why specialized language-based literacy training is more important than ever.

This episode is honest, validating, and packed with insight for parents, educators, and clinicians who want to understand dyslexia through a truly language-based lens.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

The top myths SLPs reported hearing about dyslexia
Why dyslexia is not a visual issue, but a language-based learning difference
The nationwide training gap in graduate programs
Emotional stories from SLPs who personally have dyslexia
System-level challenges around screening and assessment
Why SLPs are the right professionals to support dyslexia — when properly trained
Practical questions SLPs are asking: identification, intervention, evaluation, bilingual learners, and more
How training, clarity, and a structured literacy framework can transform SLP confidence

✨ Professional Development for SLPs & Educators

If this episode left you thinking, “I want to learn this, I just never got the training.” you’re not alone. And we can help.

RLLC now offers several professional development courses, including:

Orton–Gillingham Spelling Rules — practical and immediately applicable
How to Test for Dyslexia — evaluation guidance for SLPs and educators

And coming soon:

Sounds2Print™ Structured Literacy Cohort

Our signature structured literacy training is now IDA Accredited at the Accreditation Plus level, the highest recognition IDA offers. This program provides the tools you need to become a: