Unleash the Dragon! (Speech-to-text)

.Did you know that up to 40% of children in the US struggle with reading by the fourth grade? In the UK, that’s the equivalent of years 4-5 in Primary School! This enlightening episode features Matthew Head in conversation with Dr. David Hurford, a renowned research scientist and professor at Pittsburgh State University, who also founded CARRD, a non-profit dedicated to supporting individuals with dyslexia.

Dr. Hurford shares his transformative journey from aspiring astronomer to a leading figure in developmental psychology, emphasising the importance of structured literacy in teaching reading. The discussion delves into the emotional toll of dyslexia on children, highlighting the benefits of early intervention for both academic and emotional well-being. Dr. Hurford also introduces CARRD’s affordable evaluations and Dyslexia101.com, a free online dyslexia evaluation platform making resources accessible globally.

A key takeaway from Dr. Hurford’s insights is the balanced perspective on dyslexia; he advises against calling dyslexia a “superpower” and advocates for providing accurate information and unconditional support to children.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone navigating dyslexia, offering valuable insights and hope for a more inclusive, literate world.

In this episode, we meet Jack Churchill OBE, Founder and CEO of Scanning Pens and Empowering Technology Group. Diagnosed with dyslexia at 14, Jack experienced firsthand the challenges of keeping up in school. After losing his job during the late 1990s dot-com bubble burst, Jack and his university friend Toby started Scanning Pens. They recognized the immense benefits of text-to-audio pens for dyslexic individuals. Today, their advanced scanning pens, including exam-approved versions, support people with dyslexia globally. In 2023, Jack and Toby received an OBE for their contributions to international trade and the dyslexia community. This episode delves into the journey of Scanning Pens, its evolution, and the future of assistive technology.

In this podcast episode, Usha Patel shares her journey from architect to neurocognitive therapist, driven by her own struggles with reading and spelling. Since 2008, she has aided numerous children and parents dealing with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD, offering tailored solutions for each individual. Through play-based therapy sessions, she uncovers how each child learns, fostering trust and understanding. One effective but underutilized method she employs is the Infinity Walk, developed by Deborah Sunbeck in the 1980s, which aims to enhance coordination and sensorimotor skills. The episode explores Neurocognitive Therapy, its potential benefits for individuals and families, the Infinity Walk method, reading techniques, and challenges dyslexic individuals face in the workplace. If you’re a parent dealing with dyslexia or ADHD, this episode is essential listening.