Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis: An Integrated Approach to Dyslexia with Casey Harrison

In this episode of the LDA Podcast, Monica McHale-Small sits down with Casey Harrison—licensed dyslexia therapist, certified academic language therapist, and author of Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis—to explore what it truly means to support the whole learner. Casey shares her integrated framework for working with students with dyslexia, which weaves together proper academic instruction with executive function skills, metacognitive awareness, self-esteem, and self-advocacy. Together, they discuss why a diagnosis is just the starting point, why one-size-fits-all intervention falls short, and how understanding each student's individual learning profile—including their strengths—is essential to meaningful progress. Topics include: • What an "integrated framework" for dyslexia looks like in practice • Why student learning profiles matter more than isolated test scores • Building trust and helping anxious students find their voice • The concept of "warm demanders" and holding high expectations • Practical advice for teachers, school systems, and parents • Casey's book Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis and her podcast Together in Literacy Whether you're an educator, a parent, or a professional supporting students with learning differences, this conversation offers practical insights and an empowering reminder: we're teaching humans first. Guest: Casey Harrison, LDT, CALT — Author & Founder of The Dyslexia Classroom (thedyslexiaclassroom.com) Host: Monica McHale-Small, Director of Education & Interim CEO, Learning Disabilities Association of America Links: Learn more at ldaamerica.org. Find Casey at thedyslexiaclassroom.com and listen to Together in Literacy wherever you get your podcasts.