In this episode of Parenthood Unscripted, I sit down with Melissa, special education teacher, Wilson Reading instructor, and mom of two, for an honest conversation about dyslexia, reading challenges, parent advocacy, and what it means to support children who learn differently.

Melissa shares how her experience as both an educator and a parent has shaped the way she works with families. Together, we discuss the early signs of reading difficulties, why some children need more than traditional classroom instruction, and how parents can confidently advocate for the evaluations and supports their child needs.

Whether you're wondering if your child is struggling with reading, navigating intervention services, or trying to understand what dyslexia really looks like, this episode is filled with practical guidance, encouragement, and reassurance that you're not alone.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why early intervention matters when children are struggling with reading and spelling
• The differences between classroom reading instruction, intervention services, and Wilson Reading
• What makes structured literacy effective for children with dyslexia and other reading challenges
• Early signs of dyslexia and reading difficulties parents should watch for
• How reading, spelling, handwriting, and comprehension are all connected
• Understanding Response to Intervention (RTI) and knowing when it's time to ask, "What's next?"
• Why some children compensate for reading challenges—and why those struggles often become more noticeable in later elementary school
• Melissa's perspective as both a special education teacher and a mom navigating speech delays and medical challenges with her own children
• Why labels don't define a child. They simply help identify the supports they need
• Practical steps parents can take if they suspect their child is struggling with reading
• The importance of trusting your instincts and advocating early for evaluation and intervention
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Connect with Melissa:

🌐 Website: https://pittsfordreading.com/

📩 Contact Melissa through the contact form on her website.

Ready to Walk Into Your Child's Next IEP Meeting with Confidence?

One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that parents know their children best.

If something doesn't feel quite right, trust your instincts. Asking questions, requesting data, and understanding your child's options are all important parts of advocating for the support they need.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the special education process or unsure how to prepare for your child's next IEP meeting, I'd love to invite you to my FREE live workshop:

How to Walk Into Your Child's IEP Meeting Calm, Prepared & Confident

📅 Friday, August 14th
🕑 2:00 pm EST

During this free workshop, you'll learn how to:

• Walk into your child's IEP meeting feeling calm and prepared
• Know which questions to ask (and when to ask them)
• Better understand the special education process
• Advocate confidently while building collaborative relationships with your child's team
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✨ Reserve your free spot here

I can't wait to see you there!

If this episode encouraged you, please follow Parenthood Unscripted, leave a rating or review, and share it with another parent who may be wondering if their child needs additional reading support. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and every parent deserves the confidence to advocate for the support their child needs. 🤍