ADHD Success Triangle with Megan Penrod from Developing Readers Academy

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s struggles with reading are actually connected to ADHD, learning differences, confidence, or all of the above, this episode is going to feel like a giant exhale.

I’m joined by Megan Penrod, founder of Developing Readers Academy, who brings a fresh, whole-child approach to literacy. Yes, she teaches phonics. Yes, she uses Orton-Gillingham. But she also teaches kids what neurons are, how their brains grow, and why a mistake isn’t a failure — it’s a “pot of gold” that helps build a new pathway. (Honestly? I want someone to talk to me like that.)

Megan and I dig into what actually helps struggling readers make progress, why confidence and self-talk matter just as much as decoding skills, and how parents can feel empowered instead of overwhelmed. Her approach blends evidence-based reading instruction with emotional resilience and brain science — and the results speak for themselves.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why traditional reading interventions sometimes fall flat

• How understanding the brain boosts reading confidence

• The “ADHD Success Triangle” and where reading fits in

• What families really need to know to support struggling learners

• Why mistakes are golden (literally) when it comes to building new neural pathways

If you’ve been feeling stuck, stressed, or unsure about the next right step for your child, take a breath — this episode will leave you feeling grounded, encouraged, and better equipped to move forward with clarity.

Where To Find Megan

Website

Instagram