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Podcast Episode

DLD, Dyslexia, and Teaming Up for Student Success with Tim DeLuca

School of Speech··14 October 2026·1h 3m

About this episode

Guest: Tim DeLuca, PhD, CCC-SLPEarn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=dld-dyslexiaJoin Carolyn Dolby in this episode of School of Speech, presented by Speech Therapy PD. Today's discussion focuses on Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and Dyslexia, specifically, best practices for school-based SLPs. Special guest Dr. Tim DeLuca, assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, shares his insights on effective ways to improve language and literacy outcomes for children. Drawing from his extensive experience as a speech-language pathologist and reading specialist, Dr. DeLuca covers various topics, including the importance of consistent terminology, the high co-occurrence of DLD and Dyslexia, and the benefits of interprofessional practice. Discover how shared understanding and collaboration among educators and therapists can better support students with language disorders. Don't miss the valuable take-home advice and practical steps you can implement in your practice tomorrow!Episode Timeline:00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:19 Meet Dr. Tim DeLuca01:04 Housekeeping and Disclosures01:56 Dr. DeLuca's Journey to SLP05:25 Understanding Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)18:10 Defining Dyslexia21:36 Identifying DLD and Dyslexia in Schools28:08 The Importance of Collaboration31:40 Interprofessional Collaboration in IEP Meetings32:20 Challenges and Benefits of Interprofessional Practice33:17 Understanding Multidisciplinary, Interdisciplinary, and Transdisciplinary Approaches34:33 Implementing Theory into Practice35:11 The Role of SLPs in Reading Comprehension37:48 Building Research-Practice Partnerships42:38 Addressing Barriers to Interprofessional Practice56:47 The Importance of Shared Terminology59:48 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsAbout the Guest: Tim DeLuca is an assistant professor in the department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research examines best practices for improving language and literacy outcomes for schoolchildren, especially those with developmental language disorders, dyslexia, and complex communication needs. This work is informed by his years of experience as a speech-language pathologist and reading specialist.