201 - Dyslexia, Inclusion, and the Power of Early Support with Meagan Sardana

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes speech-language pathologist Meagan Sardana for a conversation about dyslexia, literacy, and inclusion. Meagan explains what dyslexia is, how it affects reading and learning, and why early identification and support are critical. She discusses the importance of universal screening, evidence-based reading instruction, and helping children recognize their strengths rather than focusing on challenges. Together, they explore the emotional impact dyslexia can have on students and families, practical accommodations that promote inclusion, and how educators and parents can build confidence, self-esteem, and a lifelong love of learning.

Key Takeaways:

Early Screening Matters - Identifying reading difficulties early allows children to receive support before frustration and academic struggles grow.

Strength-Based Thinking - Children with dyslexia often possess valuable strengths such as creativity, empathy, pattern recognition, and big-picture thinking.

Inclusive Classrooms Help - Simple accommodations can reduce anxiety and increase participation for students with dyslexia.

Reading Requires Support - Evidence-based approaches like Orton-Gillingham help students develop the foundational skills needed for reading success.

Assumptions Create Barriers - Difficulty reading should never be confused with a lack of intelligence or potential.

Meagan Sardana’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is removing the barriers to support so that kids and families don't need to fight to get what they need.

Meagan Sardana’s Bio:

Meagan is a licensed speech-language pathologist in California. She worked in California public schools and observed that many of her students struggled significantly with reading. For years, schools failed to identify or address dyslexia, which ignited a passion in her to serve these students. Today, her mission is to educate parents about dyslexia and provide targeted, effective support to individuals with reading challenges.

Connect with Meagan Sardana:

Website: https://www.bythebooktutor.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meagan-sardana-m-s-ccc-slp-7328444b/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mwsardana/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bythebooktutoringservices

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 89

No - 110

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