Today we’re talking about dyslexia—what it is, what it isn’t, and how parents can best support their children after a diagnosis. My guest is Rebecca Bush, a Certified Academic Language Therapist, Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, and founder of Lead Changes, a private practice that supports children with dyslexia, as well as the author of the new book Dyslexia and Your Newly Diagnosed Child, a compassionate, step-by-step guide for families just beginning this journey. In our conversation, Rebecca shares the myths and misconceptions parents often encounter, and the critical importance of early intervention. We talk about the early signs to look for, how language and advocacy shape outcomes, and the support systems that can make all the difference. Rebecca also offers practical, reassuring advice for parents navigating the emotional and practical realities of raising a child with dyslexia.

About Rebecca Bush

Rebecca Bush is a Certified Academic Language Therapist, a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, and the founder of Lead Changes, a private practice that supports children with dyslexia and the families who love them. With nearly 20 years of experience in education, including roles as a classroom teacher, literacy leader, and founding director, Rebecca brings a rare blend of deep expertise and grounded empathy to every conversation.

Rebecca specializes in helping parents navigate the emotional and practical journey after a dyslexia diagnosis, offering evidence-based strategies, advocacy tools, and encouragement that’s both real and reassuring. She’s also the author of Dyslexia and Your Newly Diagnosed Child, a compassionate, step-by-step guide for families just beginning the path. Beyond her work in literacy, Rebecca is trained in equine-assisted services and believes deeply in the power of movement, connection, and trust-building as tools for emotional resilience. She’s known for keeping things honest, hopeful, and jargon-free, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but it should come with support.

Things you'll learn from this episode

• How Rebecca’s work as a dyslexia therapist helps parents understand the complexities of language acquisition in reading and writing

• Why early intervention and structured literacy approaches like Orton-Gillingham are critical for supporting children with dyslexia

• How parents often grapple with feelings of overwhelm and guilt, especially given the genetic component of dyslexia

• Why community, advocacy, and resources like Dyslexia and Your Newly Diagnosed Child are invaluable for families on this journey

• How dyslexia can overlap with other learning differences such as dysgraphia and dyscalculia

• Why understanding how the brain processes language is key to effectively addressing dyslexia

Resources mentioned

• Rebecca’s website, Lead Changes

• Dyslexia and Your Newly Diagnosed Child: Parenting Essentials, Tips and Strategies to Help Your Child by Rebecca Bush

• Free Trust Your Parent Gut Quiz

• Rebecca on Instagram

• Orton-Gillingham

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