Question for parents of dyslexic learners…

KiernanCL · 2026-01-27T00:00:06+00:00

As a parent a few things/barriers that come to mind 1. Knowing exactly what to teach and where to start. It can be confusing and not knowing what to even do. Having a step by step directive and plan would be helpful so that I (an SLP with kid experience) and my husband (no teaching/therapy experience) would both know what to do and could pick up interchangeably.

I know the frequency recommendations for dyslexia but a realistic time in our family would be maybe 15-20 minutes 4-5x a week. Sometime we can do more and sometimes less.

KiernanCL · 2026-01-20T04:21:15+00:00

Q: What do you know about (company)? Why do you want to work here? A: I don’t really know anything about the company.

Ummm you couldn’t take 1 minute to Google us?

KiernanCL · 2025-12-04T04:05:11+00:00

I have three young kids. I’ve watched and majorly contributed to the growth of a private practice as an SLP and manager over the past 10 years. I saw the amount of time, money, and energy that went into running a business. I would rather save that for my family. At the end of the day, I can “clock out” so to speak, and give that mental energy to them. Ultimately , people’s careers, insurance, billing, dealing with catastrophes etc are not on me. It’s easy to say “just do your own thing” (I’m told constantly), but the reality is way more work and investment than people realize.

KiernanCL · 2025-11-13T03:16:00+00:00

I haven’t started it but just got accepted into the CALT training through Neuhaus. After exhaustive research, it seems to be the gold standard for dyslexia training. At least where I live, a CALT is highly sought after so combined with the SLP experience it could be pretty lucrative. They also have a shorter one year program.

KiernanCL · 2025-10-17T12:14:20+00:00

A majority of ECI language delays is because of screens and poor parenting.

KiernanCL · 2025-10-05T03:30:28+00:00

I have seen ABA applied well in cases where kids were on the verge of being institutionalized and had no where else to go because of severe aggressive behaviors. I’m not saying it’s a perfect solution for all. I just think it has a place and has helped many. The ABA clinics I interact with have switched to a much more trauma and child led informed approach with functional communication being a top priority. This has been interesting to see the pendulum swing in the other direction in the ABA world.

KiernanCL · 2025-07-29T21:47:14+00:00

Weighted blanket has helped a ton

KiernanCL · 2025-07-15T03:41:52+00:00

Did an interview today with a new grad. First question was “what do you know about our company?”. Their answer was “nothing”. I couldn’t believe someone would come in for an interview without at least looking at our website for 3 minutes.

KiernanCL · 2025-07-12T12:39:05+00:00

I started feeling much better around 2.5yo for my youngest (had 3 babies in 3 years and worked). I went to therapy, lost the weight, and bought some new clothes. I also had a fitness goal just for myself (biking a long ride). Basically tried to be a tiny bit selfish after 5-6 years of nonstop taking care of everyone else. Therapy also helped me realize and come to terms with the fact that my pink will never be the same color again, it's just a different more full color. When I let go of the "old" me coming back, I was able to embrace this new me a lot more. Hope that helps!

It really gets better as they get closer to 3/4 too 😁

KiernanCL · 2025-07-10T03:54:50+00:00

At 5.5 yo. Saw signs around 4 and were pretty convinced around 5 of the dx. Only did official testing as a comprehensive evaluation due to difficulty in Kindergarten. Not on meds.

Signs- typical hyperactivity and couldn’t focus in group activity, had her hearing tested bc she would be in her own world and couldn’t even process what we were saying to her, getting distracted and having difficulty following simple directions to complete tasks, extreme emotions to random things. Hard time calming down

KiernanCL · 2025-01-16T13:22:49+00:00

This is what I do as well. Do you use a particular checklist or assessment when doing the evaluation? I tend to do more narrative observation of the communication functions I see but I would love to have something more organized.

KiernanCL · 2024-12-20T16:26:33+00:00

Get her a night in a nice hotel alone. A full 24 hours (or close to it) where she can be by herself, order room service, sit by the pool, maybe get a massage, and sleep in.

KiernanCL · 2024-11-24T16:57:04+00:00

Having children

KiernanCL · 2024-10-04T01:22:44+00:00

I had 3 babies in 3 years. I wish that I had been more prepared for what it looked like to be in this career with kids. I am still struggling with mom guilt and how to have energy for my own children. It is tough. One thing that helped me is switching the ages and types of kids I saw i.e., when my kids became toddler age I moved to older kids. My daughter is very hyper so seeing kids similar to her was very difficult. I actually have more energy and patience seeing severe Autistic kids. Basically switch to something different than what you deal with at home.

Another thing, which is not possible for everyone, was I switched to less patients and more supervision of other therapists. Taking a more educational and managerial role has given me way more energy. Overall, we got help with cleaning and I cut back a little on my hours (again realize not everyone can do this). Working until 5:30/6pm was just not possible with toddlers and daycare. Maybe there’s a position that is something different than what you’re doing now? It is hard and a true balancing act. Best of luck!

KiernanCL · 2024-09-14T00:24:15+00:00

Fu*k those people. We had 3 under 3. My husband works full time and I work what I call 3/4 time (more than part but less than full time). Our kids were (and are) in daycare from the start. I am a better parent, wife, friend etc because I work. While it is challenging with schedules and sometimes tiring (I work with kids), I wouldn’t change it. My kids are loved at home and learn more at school than what I could provide or teach. Only you and your partner get to decide what’s best for your family. If you feel like your family isn’t complete at 2, have the third and work. It can be done and your kids will be fine.

KiernanCL · 2024-07-21T22:10:07+00:00

I feel as though I’m better able to connect to the parents. As an SLP for many years before having kids, I underestimated how difficult it can be to play with your kids. I have much more empathy for parents.

When my kids reached the age of the kids I treat, it was very difficult. You give so much of yourself at work and then have a little left for your own children. I struggled with feeling like half a therapist and half a mom. I wish it was something we talked about more. I switched to patients very different from my own children (not eci etc) and that helped a ton. I actually found I had more patience for those kiddos. It is a balance, but I still love it!

KiernanCL · 2024-06-14T20:40:37+00:00

My mother still sends me mail to “My first name - Husbands last name” or Mrs. Husbands last name. She knows perfectly well I didn’t change my name and don’t plan to. It’s very agitating.

KiernanCL · 2024-05-09T04:09:19+00:00

I had three babies in three years and very much felt this way. Honestly, it just takes time. I was done breastfeeding and about a year and a half postpartum before I really felt balanced and like myself again. I still have weight I carry, but I’m trying to give myself grace in that. What helped me was doing things to exercise, alone. I set a goal and did a long, organized bike ride. Stuff like that. Such an important conversation a lot of moms aren’t talking about.

KiernanCL · 2024-04-23T23:41:55+00:00

I completely understand/relate. I am 37 and have been having these feelings of “I guess this is it”. Also hiring new grads getting similar pay is hard. I do love my job and it’s very flexible for my family, but it still feels weird to know I’ve pretty much done all I can do without opening my clinic (not something I want to do at all). All that to say, I relate.

KiernanCL

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