57. What Does Dyslexia Really Look Like – and What Can We Do About It? with Heather O'Donnell, New Paltz Multisensory Tutoring (Dyslexia Awareness Month)

We’re kicking off Dyslexia Awareness Month with a conversation that every educator and parent needs to hear: what does dyslexia really look like – and what can we do about it? In this episode of Literacy in Color, I sit down with Heather O’Donnell, founder of New Paltz Multisensory Tutoring, Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, and Associate-level Orton-Gillingham Academy member. Heather has built a thriving practice that serves students across 10+ states with structured literacy instruction, while also equipping parents with advocacy tools and teachers with multisensory resources.Key Takeaways:What dyslexia really is (and what it isn’t).Clear, parent- and teacher-friendly signs of dyslexia at different ages.The toll dyslexia takes on confidence and why early intervention matters.Common red flags teachers and parents can spot at home and in school.How structured literacy provides the explicit, systematic instruction dyslexic students need.Encouragement for parents to trust their instincts and advocate for their child.Heather also shares practical stories from her tutoring practice that show what’s possible when students finally receive the right kind of support and how quickly lives can change.Connect with Heather O’Donnell:Dyslexia FreebieWebsite: newpaltzmultisensory.comInstagram: @NewPaltzMultisensoryFacebook: @NewPaltzMultisensoryX:  @New_PaltzPinterestTPT Store: New Paltz Multisensory TutoringEmail: [email protected]🎧 For more episodes in the Dyslexia Awareness Month bonus series, check out the playlist here.Check out our Dyslexia Awareness Reel here!Connect with Michelle:Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.comFollow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademyJoin our Facebook CommunitySign up for my NewsletterShop on TPT: The Colorful ClassroomFor Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics ToolkitWant to Support the Podcast?Make a Donation to Support ProductionInterested in Learning More about Morphology?Logos Literacy Academy with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah PaulJoin: Beyond Phonics Club - our Membership CommunityMentioned in this episode:Reading Science AcademyGet your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/groupingsheets?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=podcast Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniestollarconsulting.com/register?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=literacy-in-colorSOR Fall Book Study Join us: https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.com/sor-fall-book-study-2026