Dyslexia: The Journey

Educators and professionals should look for indicators of dyslexia in children starting at a young age. Our system often relies on the “wait to fail” model before testing or providing interventions which can have lasting impacts on a student’s educational success. By looking for clues, educators can provide appropriate instruction and early intervention. Research has found that children at risk for dyslexia or who demonstrate reading difficulties benefit most from early intervention in kindergarten and first grade.

Parents should pay attention when their child speaks to listen for clues in how they pronounce words and sounds of the letters of the alphabet. Delays in speaking can also be an indicator of potential reading problems. It should be noted that not all delays or mispronunciations indicate a learning disorder. Parents can speak with their child's pediatrician and discuss any concerns they may have about their child's language struggles. Once in school, both educators and parents should continue to look for indictors of potential problems. Children can then be referred to licensed psychologists, educational diagnosticians, or speech-language pathologists for testing. The sooner that a child receives intervention, the better. 

Homeschool families can request that their child is tested from their local school district. This should be a written request indicating why they want their child to be tested and what kind of testing they would like to receive. Wrightslaw provides educators, advocates, and parents with resources to understand special education law. Understood is a non-profit organization also providing support and resources to those advocating for people with all types of disabilities.  

Families may also seek out private testing. An educational, neuropsychological assessment will look at the child's whole learning profile. Families can begin by seeking assistance from Certified Academic Language Therapists, speech-language pathologists, licensed psychologists, and educational diagnosticians. Identifying the signs of and diagnosing dyslexia are the first steps in the journey. Once diagnosis is made, families ask what is next. It is important for educators and professionals to have resources available for families to feel supported on their journey. Below is a list of resources that will help educate and support families and advocates of children with dyslexia. Come back for future posts as we address additional stages of the journey. 

Books

International Dyslexia Association Handbook: What every family should know

https://dyslexiaida.org/ida-dyslexia-handbook/

Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz: Updated version, provides information on screening children, choosing schools, latest advances in support, and explanation of legal rights of dyslexic individuals.

The Dyslexic Advantage by Brock and Fernedette Eide: Explanation of research that shows how dyslexic people have an advantage due to the way they perceive written words. 

Websites

Made by Dyslexia: Committed to support teachers and professional in identifying and supporting children with dyslexia

www.madebydyslexia.org

Ted Talk by Kelli Sandman-Hurley on dyslexia

Https://www.ted.com/talks/kelli_sandman_hurley_what_is_dyslexia

University of Michigan: Famous dyslexics & inspirational stories

http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/success-stories

Dyslexic Mind Strengths Poster: For classroom or professional space

https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/shop/posters/dyslexic-mind-strengths-poster/

Nessy Learning: Information and programs designed to support children with their spelling, reading, and writing.

www.nessy.com

Podcasts

The Dyslexia Quest by Dr. Elisheva Scwartz: shares journey with dyslexia

Support for Professionals

Join us March 27 for the Climbing the Ladder of Reading Literacy Conference. Connect with the science of reading as you engage with presenters and leave with actionable steps that you can use immediately with your students.

This workshop-style conference will be centered around the science of reading and social-emotional learning with access to the presenter in LIVE time!

Can’t join us live for the Climbing the Ladder of Reading Literacy Conference on March 27? Don’t worry! All attendees will have access to the recorded sessions for 6 weeks! 

Click here to reserve your spot

I hope this article was helpful. Please let me know if you are in need of additional resources. Comment below and share your favorite resource you offer families. 

Have a great week,

Casey @The Dyslexia Classroom 

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