Understanding Dyslexia: Early Signs and Support

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, yet many famIlies aren't sure what it actually looks like or when to seek support.

Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference that primarily affects reading, spelling, and writing. It is not related to intelligence, motivation, or effort. In fact, many individuals with dyslexia are highly creative, capable, and successful learners who simply process language differently.

Some signs of dyslexia may include:

• Difficulty learning letter sounds and sound-letter relationships

• Challenges with reading accuracy or fluency

• Frequent spelling errors

• Trouble sounding out unfamiliar words

• Avoidance of reading activities due to frustration

The good news? Early identification and evidence-based intervention can make a significant difference.

At Speech & Swallowing Specialists of Kansas City, Laura specializes in supporting children with dyslexia and literacy-based learning challenges. Through individualized assessment and intervention, she helps children build the foundational skills needed for confident reading and academic success.

Meet Laura!

 Laura is a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 7 years of experience helping children and adults build stronger communication skills. She earned her bachelor's degree from Truman State University and her master's degree from University of Central Missouri.

Laura specializes in language and literacy development, including supporting children with dyslexia and reading challenges. She is dedicated to helping children build the foundational skills needed for confident reading, learning, and communication.

When she's not working with clients, Laura enjoys hiking, knitting, getting lost in a good book, and exploring museums!

If you think your child would benefit from a language and literacy evaluation, please reach out to us at info@sasskc.com or fill out a contact form.

Helping Your Loved One Make Progress Between Speech Therapy Sessions

Speech therapy doesn’t start and stop when the session ends. In fact, some of the most meaningful progress happens in the everyday moments in between. The good news? You don’t need to be a therapist to support carryover at home—you just need a few simple, intentional strategies.

Here are some ways you can help your loved one continue building skills between sessions:

1. Stay Connected Through Remote Therapy Monitoring (RTM) 

Remote Therapy Monitoring (RTM) is a simple way for your therapist to stay involved in your loved one’s progress throughout the week—not just during appointments.

In everyday terms, RTM might look like:

• Getting short home practice activities or tips sent directly to you

• Tracking how often your loved one practices

• Messaging or checking in with your therapist between sessions

Think of it as a “bridge” between visits that keeps therapy active and personalized. It also helps your therapist adjust goals in real time based on what’s actually happening at home.

2. Observe a Session and Learn the Strategies 

One of the most powerful things you can do is simply watch. Join a session (in person or virtually) and pay attention to:

• How the therapist gives cues or prompts

• What kinds of words or sounds they target

• How they respond when your loved one struggles or succeeds

Jot down a few notes and try one or two of those strategies at home. You don’t need to replicate the whole session, just small, consistent efforts that will go a long way.

3. Build Practice Into Daily Routines 

Carryover requires intention, not necessarily extra time

Look for natural opportunities throughout your day:

• Practice speech sounds during meals, bath time, or car rides

• Encourage communication during play or while reading books

• Pause and give your loved one time to respond instead of anticipating their needs

These real-life moments are where skills truly stick.

4. Find a Support System (For You and Your Loved One)

You are not alone in this. Connecting with others who understand your experience can make a huge difference.

• Join a parent or caregiver support group

• Look for community groups where your loved one can interact with peers

• Share wins, challenges, and ideas with people who “get it”

Support systems don’t just provide encouragement, they often give you practical strategies you may not have considered.

5. Keep Communication Open with Your Therapist

If something isn’t working at home, say so. If something is working, definitely say that too. Your therapist can adjust strategies, simplify techniques, or build on what’s already successful.

The more we collaborate, the more effective therapy becomes.

Final Thought

Consistency beats perfection every time. You don’t need to do everything, you just need to do something regularly. Those small, repeated efforts between sessions are what turn progress into lasting change.

What to Expect During Your Child's Speech & Language Evaluation

If your child has been referred for a speech and language evaluation, it’s completely normal to wonder what the process will look like. Our goal is to make the experience informative, collaborative, and as comfortable as possible—for both you and your child. Here’s what you can expect:

A thorough case history

  - We’ll start by asking detailed questions about your child’s development, medical history, communication skills, and any concerns you’ve noticed.

  - This helps us understand the full picture—not just what we see during the evaluation.

Standardized assessment (when appropriate)

  - Based on your concerns, we may use formal testing tools to gather objective data.

  - This could include:

    - An articulation test if speech sound production is the primary concern

    - A language assessment if understanding or using language is the focus

    - Reading and writing tasks for school-aged children, when relevant

A natural language sample

  - We’ll engage your child in conversation or play to observe how they communicate in a more natural setting.

  - With your permission, we may record this portion so we can:

    - Stay fully engaged with your child during the session

    - Review their communication more carefully afterward

Discussion of meaningful, functional goals

  - We’ll talk through what skills would have the greatest positive impact on your child’s daily life.

  - Goals are:

    - Measurable

    - Individualized

    - Appropriate for your child’s age and developmental level

A child-centered, play-based approach

  - Especially for younger children, we keep the evaluation as engaging and play-based as possible.

  - This helps us see your child’s true abilities in a comfortable, low-pressure environment.

A detailed evaluation report

  - After the evaluation, you’ll receive a written report that includes:

    - Results and observations

    - Recommended goals

    - Suggested therapy frequency (if services are recommended)

We view this process as a partnership. All the pieces: your insights, concerns, and priorities are an essential part of creating the best plan for your child moving forward.

All the pieces: a thorough case history, standardized assessment, natural language sample, discussion of goals, child-centered approach, and detailed evaluation report work together to create the best plan for your child moving forward.