Jun 29
Can you tell that dyslexia is my current hyper-focus? This will be the last episode on the subject for a while (I promise!) but I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to speak with my extraordinary guest today, Jennifer Knopf. Jen is the Founding Director of REED Charitable Foundation, which is committed to putting an end to the literacy crisis and ensuring all children learn to read, write and spell by providing financially accessible, best-in-class structure literacy training - known as Orton-Gillingham - to all teachers.
Jen first learned about dyslexia when her son Reed was diagnosed after a long, emotional struggle to figure out why reading was so difficult for him. As she dove deep into the research to find her son the right kind of intervention, Jen discovered there was a literacy training program that was not only ideal for dyslexic students but also the best instruction for all kids learning to read, only for some reason it was not being used in schools. Ever since this discovery, Jen has made it her mission to provide this literacy training to as many teachers as she possibly can, something she knows firsthand has the power to transform lives. In the process, she discovered not only her son’s ADHD but also her own ADHD. Join our conversation to hear about Jen’s inspiring story, the incredible work of her foundation, and much more.
APPLE
SPOTIFY
YOUTUBE
"Many children will never, ever, ever get an actual identification of ADHD or dyslexia, but if their teachers are properly trained in how to provide that support from the very beginning, those kiddos don’t have to necessarily be identified to get the support they need to be successful."
- Jennifer Knopf
"Both with dyslexia and with ADHD, when we talk to individuals who are really highly successful, we constantly hear about that relentless drive, energy, grit, never giving up, resilience."
- Jennifer Knopf
"Part of the definition of dyslexia is that it’s an unexpected difficulty, and it’s unexpected because they’re so bright."
- Jennifer Knopf
- Jennifer shares her experience with ADHD diagnosis and how it relates to her son's dyslexia and her own journey as a parent.
- Jennifer struggles with interrupting and ruminating on past conversations, often attributing others' thoughts to herself and feeling self-doubt.
- Jennifer shares her experiences with ADHD and how it affects her daily life, including her relentless drive and energy, as well as her struggles with anxiety and body dysmorphia.
[23:50 - 38:32] Dyslexia and Support
- Jennifer's personal experience with dyslexia and the loss of her first child led her to create the foundation, which aims to provide resources and support for dyslexic individuals.
- Jennifer describes her 6-year-old son's struggle with reading and writing, despite her efforts to help him at home.
- Jennifer shares her experience as a parent of a child with dyslexia, highlighting the challenges and misconceptions surrounding the condition.
- Jennifer shares her experience of discovering her son's dyslexia and the challenges she faced, feeling alone and unsupported despite seeking help.
- Jennifer emphasizes the importance of accessible dyslexia training for all teachers to prevent suffering in children.
- Jennifer believes that dyslexia and ADHD are often underestimated and that proper instruction can lead to game-changing results.
Foundation website: REEDcharitablefoundation.org
Instagram: @reedcharitablefoundation
Email address: info@reedcharitablefoundation.org
