Six Family-Friendly Resources for Dyslexia

A learning difference diagnosis can be unnerving.

Luckily, today there are countless resources to help students learn confidently in the classroom. Dyslexia is a learning difference that alters the way the brain processes information, so individuals diagnosed with Dyslexia might have trouble matching letters on the page with the sounds those letters/combination of letters make. One in five people are affected by Dyslexia, and Dyslexia accounts for 85 percent of all learning differences.

Many children with Dyslexia have trouble in reading, math, and spelling, yet excel in creative, out-of-the-box thinking. Check out the list of Dyslexia resources below to help parents and students navigate the learning difference.

Student Resources:

Dyslexia Quest App

Designed by the Bristol Dyslexia Centre to test memory and learning skills, Dyslexia Quest contains six games, each testing a different learning ability associated with Dyslexia. At the end of each round, the “Yeti Master” will explain signs of Dyslexia to the user. The app is suitable for ages 10-17+ years, and can be downloaded on any Apple or Android device for $9.99.

Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote is a free tool built into Microsoft Office and Edge applications, designed to improve reading, writing and comprehension through its various dyslexic-friendly features. Learn more about the system, here: https://www.onenote.com/learningtools

“Fish in a Tree” by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

A sixth grade girl struggles to fit in because of her undiagnosed Dyslexia, yet finally realizes her potential when her teacher shows her not all great minds think alike. Great for older elementary- aged children, purchase this “New York Times” bestseller, here: https://amzn.to/2JbIaEF.

Parent Resources:

“Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World” by Deborah Reber

In a world dominated by societal viewpoint, Reber reminds parents to say “no” to comparing their children to others. She presents 18 shifts in thinking to help parents keep an open, empathetic relationship with their children. This book can be purchased from Amazon, here: https://amzn.to/2L2nRP2.

Dyslexia Quest podcast by Elisheva Schwartz

Elisheva Schwartz’s weekly podcast series speaks on various subjects, including sharing Dyslexia stories, interviews with Dyslexia experts, tackling the feelings that come with being dyslexic (shame, struggles and joy), and more. Her family-friendly series can be downloaded for free from iTunes, here: https://apple.co/1GcLw3J.

“Dyslexia Success Stories” by Understood.org

Michael Phelps, Whoopi Goldberg, Cher and more share their personal stories on overcoming Dyslexia. These short video clips are quick, and also provide encouraging reminders that can be shared with your children. View the videos at Understood.org.

Although Dyslexia is a lifelong condition and can be overwhelming at times, it can be managed when equipped with the right tools and a proactive mindset. For more information on Dyslexia, please visit:

• https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/treatments-approaches/treatment-options/treatment-for-kids-with-Dyslexia
• https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/learning-disabilities/Pages/Types-of-Learning-Problems.aspx
• https://brainconnection.brainhq.com/2016/12/22/Dyslexia-reading-disorder/

Second grade teacher Sarah Naumann is in her second year of teaching at Hill School of Fort Worth, a college preparatory, full-service school for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, high-functioning ASD and other learning differences. Sarah earned both her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and her master’s degree in special education at Texas Christian University. In her free time, she enjoys helping with the special abilities musical theater class at Casa Mañana and cooking.