Dyslexia Diagnosis and Support: Breaking Down Barriers with Technology

Last updated: March 24, 2026

You’ve watched your bright, creative child struggle through homework, feeling like they’re working twice as hard as their classmates just to keep up. You’ve sat beside them, feeling your stomach clench as simple words become impossible mountains to climb, knowing they’re not lazy or lacking in potential. That mixture of heartbreak and helplessness you feel isn’t weakness or overreaction—it’s your instincts telling you that something needs to change. And if you’ve spent late nights searching for answers while everyone else sleeps, wondering if you’re the only parent carrying this weight, I want you to know: you’re not alone, you’re not imagining it, and your fierce love for your child is exactly what they need most right now.

TL;DR

80% of dyslexic school kids are not diagnosed by the time they leave school due to limited assessors and high costs.
Talamo, a company founded by Jamie Waits, aims to solve this problem with a dyslexia screener that uses technology to provide an affordable and accurate assessment.
The company has launched its screener in 850 schools and is working on new tests for executive functioning and math ability.

Understanding Dyslexia and the Importance of Early Screening

Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, many children with dyslexia go undiagnosed until later in life, which can lead to significant difficulties in their academic and personal lives. Jamie Waits, the CEO and co-founder of Talamo, has developed a dyslexia screener that aims to identify children with dyslexia earlier, making it possible for them to receive the support they need to succeed. This innovative approach highlights the importance of early screening and intervention in helping children with dyslexia reach their full potential.

Meet Jamie Waits, CEO of Talamo, who's breaking down barriers in dyslexia diagnosis with technology, aiming to support the 80% of dyslexic school kids who go undiagnosed, and providing a more affordable and accurate assessment solution. Tweet Now Follow Learning Success

The Impact of Dyslexia on Children’s Self-Esteem and Academic Performance

Children with undiagnosed dyslexia often struggle with reading, writing, and other academic tasks, leading to feelings of frustration, low self-esteem, and a lack of confidence. Jamie’s personal experience with dyslexia, as shared in the podcast, illustrates the emotional toll that undiagnosed dyslexia can take on a child. By recognizing the signs of dyslexia and providing early intervention, parents and educators can help children build their self-esteem and develop the skills they need to succeed academically. The Learning Success System, which includes cognitive micro-skills such as auditory processing and visual closure, can be an effective way to support children with dyslexia.

Laura Lurns Learning Success Expert

As we explore the complexities of dyslexia and learning differences, it's essential to recognize the critical role of multi-system causation. The International Dyslexia Association's (IDA) recent acknowledgment of this concept validates the comprehensive approach that Learning Success has championed for over a decade. By understanding that learning struggles stem from a combination of auditory, visual, kinesthetic, spatial, emotional, and mindset weaknesses, we can move beyond the narrow view that phonetics and Orton-Gillingham (OG) based programs are the sole solution.

The brain is a complex, interconnected system that requires a holistic approach to foster neuroplasticity and build a robust foundation for learning. By engaging all systems together, we can unlock the full potential of individuals with learning differences. This paradigm shift rejects the outdated notion of "lifelong identity" and instead emphasizes the power of early intervention and neuroplasticity.

As Jamie Waits' story illustrates, dyslexia can often be misunderstood, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. However, by reframing our language and expectations, we can empower individuals to develop a growth mindset and build resilience. By focusing on skill development rather than labeling conditions, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all learners.

The use of AI-powered personalized reports, like those developed by Talamo, can help identify individual strengths and weaknesses, providing a more comprehensive understanding of learning differences. By leveraging technology and neuroscience, we can create more effective interventions and support systems that cater to the unique needs of each learner.

Ultimately, it's essential to recognize that learning differences are not a reflection of intelligence or potential. By embracing a multi-system approach and leveraging the latest research and technology, we can unlock the full potential of individuals with learning differences and create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all.

The Role of Technology in Dyslexia Screening and Support

Talamo’s dyslexia screener is an example of how technology can be used to support children with dyslexia. By leveraging AI and machine learning, the screener can identify potential indicators of dyslexia, providing a more accurate and efficient diagnosis. This technology can also be used to provide personalized support and interventions, helping children with dyslexia to develop the skills they need to succeed. The Attentive Ear Auditory Processing Program is another example of how technology can be used to support children with dyslexia, by providing targeted auditory processing exercises and activities.

Key Takeaways:

Early Struggles with Dyslexia Jamie Waits, the CEO and co-founder of Talamo, shares his personal experience of struggling with dyslexia in school, feeling unintelligent, and being in bottom sets for everything until he received a diagnosis at the age of 15.

The Problem with Current Diagnosis Methods Jamie highlights the issue of limited assessors and high costs, which leads to many dyslexic children not being diagnosed by the time they leave school, resulting in societal impacts such as exclusion rates and mental health problems.

Talamo's Solution Talamo's dyslexia screener uses technology to provide an affordable and accurate assessment, aiming to bridge the gap in diagnosis and support for dyslexic children, with plans to expand to new tests for executive functioning and math ability.

Building a Supportive Community for Children with Dyslexia

Children with dyslexia need a supportive community that understands their challenges and provides them with the resources they need to succeed. By sharing his personal experience and developing innovative solutions, Jamie Waits is helping to build a more supportive and inclusive community for children with dyslexia. Parents and educators can also play a critical role in building this community, by providing a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages children with dyslexia to reach their full potential. The Learning Success Newsletter is a valuable resource for parents and educators, providing them with the latest research, strategies, and support for children with dyslexia.

Here’s what I believe with every fiber of my being: you don’t need anyone’s permission to help your own child. You don’t need to wait for school systems to finally notice what you’ve seen for years. You don’t need credentials or certification to be the most powerful teacher your child will ever have. The system may be designed to keep you waiting in the wings, feeling helpless while your child struggles—but that design can’t survive a parent who refuses to accept it. Your love, your instincts, and your daily presence are more powerful than any program, any label, or any expert assessment. And your child’s brain is capable of more growth than anyone who uses words like ‘can’t’ and ‘never’ would ever dare to imagine.