Russell Van Brocklen — Rethinking Dyslexia: Why Typing, Not Tracing, Unlocks Reading and Writing

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In this conversation, Michelle Choairy sits down with Russell Van Brocklen, founder of Dyslexia Classes, to uncover a radically different way of helping kids with dyslexia, ADHD, and learning differences thrive—by flipping traditional methods on their head and using neuroscience, technology, and writing itself as the therapy.

Russell shares:

🧠 A senator’s wake-up call. When a New York lawmaker discovered his daughter’s dyslexia too late for early intervention, he created the Dyslexia Task Force—and inspired a new look at what really works in literacy instruction.

⌨️ Why typing beats tracing. Instead of overloading fine-motor memory, Russell’s approach builds neural bridges through typing—using repetition, self-correction, and measurable output to strengthen both spelling and comprehension.

🔄 From “Orton-Gillingham or bust” to modern neuroscience. He explains why 1940s-era multi-sensory methods miss key discoveries about how the dyslexic brain processes language—and how simple tech tools can fill the gap.

💡 The half-circle method. By combining reading, listening, and writing around a child’s deepest interests (Disney, animals, iPhones—anything!), parents can cut through chaos and spark genuine progress at home.

💬 A parent’s perspective. Michelle shares how her son Drake’s unique learning profile reframed her belief in what literacy should look like—and why “different” doesn’t mean “less.”

Quote to tape on the fridge:

“We don’t need to prompt-engineer the computer. We need to prompt-engineer our brains.”

Whether your child has dyslexia, ADHD, or simply struggles to get words on paper, Russell’s message is clear: with structure, curiosity, and consistency, the brain can rewire itself for success.

👤 About Russell Van Brocklen
A New York-based educator, researcher, and founder of Dyslexia Classes
, Russell helps students and parents replace frustration with measurable progress through practical, brain-based literacy strategies.

🔗 Connect with Russell
🌐 Website: dyslexiaclasses.com
💼 LinkedIn: Russell Van Brocklen
#ComplexKidsSimpleSolutions #DyslexiaSupport #Neurodiversity #ADHDAwareness #ParentAdvocate #SpecialEducation #ReadingStrategies

Listen to this episode and more at
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🎧 Connect with Michelle:
Website: www.wisdom4complexkids.com
Instagram: @michellechoairy
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💌 Have a question or want to share your story? Email Michelle at [email protected]

🧠 Want simple tools that actually work?
Download the free advocacy toolkit: wisdom4complexkids.com/the-ultimate-advocacy-toolkit-pdf