Dyslexia is more than just struggling with reading. It’s a unique way of processing language that can affect a person’s writing, spelling, memory, and organization. If you’re the parent of a child with dyslexia, you might feel like your family is navigating uncharted waters, especially as you see the impact on your child’s school experience and confidence. But you’re not alone – many families face similar hurdles, and there’s a wealth of knowledge, resources, and effective strategies to help your child succeed.
Through my experience teaching students with dyslexia (I was the MTA – Multisensory Teaching Approach – teacher at the high school level), I have seen firsthand the difference that structured support can make. When you pair the right resources with a supportive learning environment at home and school, it creates a strong foundation that helps your child build confidence and overcome challenges.
This guide will introduce you to the essentials, from understanding dyslexia’s nuances to practical strategies and resources that empower your child on their learning journey. With the right support, your child can grow confidently and be equipped for success.
Understanding Dyslexia
Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences. The International Dyslexia Association estimates that dyslexia impacts about 15-20% of the population, meaning roughly 1 in 5 people experience some form of it. While it primarily influences reading, dyslexia is a complex condition with broader effects on learning. Here’s a quick look at what it is and what it isn’t.
What Dyslexia Is:
- Reading and Language Processing: Dyslexia mainly affects the brain’s ability to process written language, making reading, decoding, and spelling challenging.
- Broader Learning Challenges: Many kids with dyslexia also experience difficulties with spelling, writing, working memory, and, at times, comprehension, as these skills all connect with processing language.
- A Lifelong Learning Difference: Dyslexia isn’t something a child will “outgrow”; rather, they’ll learn tools to help manage and work with it over time.
Common Misconceptions:
- Myth: “Dyslexia is just reversing letters.”
Fact: While some children with dyslexia may reverse letters, it’s not a defining trait and is only one of many ways dyslexia affects learning.
- Myth: “Kids with dyslexia will eventually grow out of it.”
Fact: Dyslexia is a lifelong learning difference. Although children develop skills to manage it, it remains part of how they process language.
- Myth: “Kids with dyslexia just aren’t as smart as the other kids.”
Fact: Dyslexia has no relation to a child’s intelligence. Kids with dyslexia are just as capable as their peers; they simply process language differently.
My dad has dyslexia and grew up in the 1950s when learning disabilities/differences were not acknowledged or supported. The way his dyslexia “works” is that he saw the mirror image of all of his words and even wrote them that way. One of his teachers realized he might have a learning disability, and instead of penalizing him for it, she would grade his assignments by holding them up to a mirror. She quickly realized what many of my dad’s teachers did not – he was extremely intelligent, but his brain just made reading and writing difficult. Over the years, my dad “trained” his brain to be able to read and write properly, but he still has times when letters and words will change as he’s reading – especially if he’s tired.
Every child’s experience with dyslexia is unique. Some may have milder difficulties, while others face more pronounced challenges. Taking a personalized approach, one that’s tailored to your child’s specific strengths and needs, can be incredibly effective. It’s all about discovering strategies that work best for them.
Securing a Formal Diagnosis and Why It Matters
If you suspect your child has dyslexia, getting a formal evaluation is a vital step toward unlocking the support they need. A diagnosis opens doors to resources, accommodations, and personalized strategies that can help your child succeed in school and beyond.
The Benefits of a Formal Evaluation
- Tailored Support: A diagnosis helps educators and specialists better understand your child’s unique challenges, allowing them to customize their teaching methods.
- Access to Accommodations: Schools often require formal documentation to provide accommodations, such as extended time on tests or access to assistive technology.
- Clarity and Validation: Understanding your child’s learning difference gives you and your child a sense of direction and relief once you know there’s a clear explanation for their struggles.
How to Get an Evaluation
- Requesting an Evaluation Through the School:
- Submit a written request for a special education evaluation to your child’s school.
- Schools are required by law to respond and assess whether your child qualifies for services.
- Private Evaluations:
- Seek out a licensed psychologist, neuropsychologist, or educational diagnostician specializing in dyslexia.
- Private evaluations may be quicker but can come with additional costs.
When evaluating your child for dyslexia, you can expect common assessments such as reading tests, phonological processing tasks, and working memory evaluations. In addition, evaluators may review your child’s academic history and ask you about developmental milestones to gain a complete understanding of their learning profile.
Interpreting the Results
Once you receive the evaluation report, it’s important to review it carefully. The results will highlight your child’s strengths and areas of difficulty, as well as recommendations for support. Use this information to:
- Advocate for Accommodations: Work with your child’s school to create a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Communicate Effectively: Share the results with teachers and specialists so they can adjust their instruction methods.
A formal diagnosis isn’t just a label; it’s an opportunity to better understand your child’s needs and provide them with the right support for their learning journey.
Working with Your Child’s School
Once your child has a formal diagnosis of dyslexia, partnering with their school becomes essential to ensuring they receive the support they need. From creating formal plans to building relationships with teachers, there are many ways to advocate effectively.
Understanding IEPs and 504 Plans
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): These are designed for students who qualify for special education services. An IEP outlines specific learning goals and the services the school will provide, such as specialized reading instruction or one-on-one support.
504 Plans: These focus on providing accommodations in the general education classroom, ensuring equal access to learning. For students with dyslexia, accommodations might include:
- Extra time on tests and assignments.
- Access to audiobooks or text-to-speech tools.
- Use of graphic organizers to assist with writing tasks.
- Note-taking assistance or copies of teacher notes.
Both plans require collaboration between you, your child’s teachers, and school administrators.
Collaborating with Teachers and School Staff
As a high school English teacher, I worked closely with parents to adjust assignments and strategies for my students with dyslexia. For example, one student made a big improvement when we decided to have his tests read aloud to him. His parents had pointed out that he always did better with verbal instructions since it took away the challenge of reading the words on the page. This change only happened because we kept the lines of communication open with his parents, who helped us better understand his strengths and needs.
Here are some tips for productive collaboration:
- Share Your Insights: You know your child best. Let teachers know what strategies have worked well at home or in other settings.
- Be Specific About Concerns: If you notice your child struggling with a particular task or subject, provide examples and ask for targeted support.
- Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Request periodic meetings with teachers to review your child’s progress and adjust strategies as needed.
Advocating for Tailored Support
Talking about your child’s needs can be tough, especially if there’s resistance or misunderstanding, but your voice really matters. When you bring up concerns, try to stay solution-focused by presenting ideas as collaborative goals, not demands. For example, you could ask, “How can we help my child stay engaged during reading assignments?” It’s also helpful to come prepared with documentation from the diagnosis and examples of accommodations that might make a difference. If you face any pushback, remind yourself that your role as an advocate is crucial to your child’s education. The more you and the school work together, the more your child will benefit from an environment that understands and supports their learning style and strengths.
Dyslexia Resources Beyond School
While school accommodations are important, many other resources are available to support your child’s learning journey outside of the classroom.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology can be a powerful tool for students with dyslexia because it helps them access learning in new ways. Here are some popular tools:
- Speech-to-Text Apps (like Dragon Anywhere or Google Dictate): These help children with dyslexia express their ideas without the barrier of writing.
- Audiobooks and Text-to-Speech Tools (such as Audible, Learning Ally, or NaturalReader): These allow your child to listen to books and texts, improving comprehension and reducing reading fatigue.
- Organizational Tools (like Microsoft OneNote or Google Keep): These apps help with note-taking and organizing ideas, making it easier to keep track of assignments and deadlines.
These tools provide support, encourage independence, and boost confidence by allowing your child to work more efficiently and feel more in control of their learning.
Local and Online Resources
- International Dyslexia Association: Offers extensive resources for parents and educators, including information on dyslexia and access to local chapters.
- Decoding Dyslexia: A grassroots movement with state-specific resources and support for parents navigating dyslexia.
- Understood.org: An excellent resource for learning differences, including dyslexia, with practical advice and articles for parents.
Also, don’t overlook local community resources. Many libraries offer specialized programs, workshops, or book collections tailored for dyslexic learners. Exploring these options can provide valuable opportunities to reinforce learning outside of school.
Empowering Your Child to Embrace Their Dyslexia
Helping your child embrace their dyslexia is an important part of building their confidence and self-esteem. By teaching self-advocacy skills and celebrating their unique strengths, you can empower them to approach learning with a positive mindset.
Building Self-Advocacy Skills
As your child grows, it’s essential to encourage them to communicate their needs clearly at school and in other areas of life. Here are some age-appropriate ways to help:
- Early Steps: For younger children, start by teaching them to say, “I learn differently” when they need help with reading or writing.
- School Conversations: As they get older, encourage them to speak with teachers about the best strategies for their learning. It’s so important that they learn to advocate for themselves since not every teacher will remember to put certain accommodations in place.
- Understanding Dyslexia: Help your child understand that dyslexia is simply a different way of processing information and doesn’t define their abilities. This perspective will allow them to view their learning difference as a strength rather than a limitation.
Celebrating Strengths and Successes
Focus on your child’s big and small achievements to boost their self-esteem and keep them motivated.
- Set Small, Achievable Goals: Break tasks into manageable steps so your child can experience a sense of accomplishment along the way.
- Praise Effort and Progress: Recognize the hard work your child puts into each task, not just the final outcome, and celebrate milestones along the way.
- Highlight Non-Academic Strengths: Encourage your child to pursue activities they enjoy, such as art, music, or sports, where they can showcase their talents.
Focusing on your child’s strengths and encouraging open communication can help them embrace their dyslexia with confidence and pride.
Taking It One Step at a Time
Supporting your child with dyslexia is a journey, and it’s important to approach it one step at a time. Progress may not always be immediate, but each small action—whether advocating for accommodations, working on self-advocacy skills, or creating a supportive learning environment at home—makes a significant difference.
Remember, you are not alone in this process. The effort you put into understanding and supporting your child’s needs plays a crucial role in their success in school and beyond. With patience, persistence, and the right resources, your child can build the skills and confidence they need to navigate their learning journey with resilience and determination.
