October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. Studies from the National Institute of Health and Yale University show that about 15 to 20 percent of the population with average to superior intelligence struggle with reading, writing, and/or spelling. It is likely that you know someone with this brain-based learning difference.
Table of Contents
Facts about dyslexia
- People with dyslexia typically have challenges with accurate and fluent reading and spelling.
- Dyslexia is not a vision problem, and people do not see letters or words backward.
- Dyslexia runs in families.
- Dyslexia is not curable and is lifelong.
- Each person with dyslexia is unique in regard to particular challenges and strengths.
- With the right instruction and support, people with dyslexia learn to read and write.
Advice on dyslexia
We asked parents in our community to share advice from their experience with other parents.
Look for early signs. Teachers may be giving hints without actually saying the word “dyslexia,” which can cause confusion. You are better off with a diagnosis so you can educate yourself, your child, and create a plan! -Parent of an eleven-year-old
Many dyslexics learn to cope with their struggles and are able to “disguise” the symptoms until they become overwhelmed. Having a diagnosis and getting a 504 Plan from the school, makes a world of difference for dyslexics since that provides them with needed accommodations that help them thrive. -Parent of a fifteen-year-old
Dyslexia is not a bad thing. Your child may struggle before the diagnosis, but with help, can learn to harness their superpower and be amazing learners, problem solvers, and successful students. -Parent of a thirteen-year-old
From a parent with dyslexia to children with dyslexia:
Dyslexia does not mean you are not as smart as the other kids in your class. You learn differently and because of that you might just look at the world differently, and with that you can do great things.
Resources for dyslexia
The following websites are resources for parents:
The International Dyslexia Association: http://dyslexiaida.org
The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity: http://dyslexia.yale.edu
Understood: https://www.understood.org
Learning Ally: http://www.learningally.org
Steamboat Reading hosts the Learning Differences Parent Resource Group that meets on the last Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. The next meeting is Thursday, October 29. Check out Facebook for more details on these events: https://www.facebook.com/steamboatreading/.
Kim Schulz is the executive director and part of the team of reading experts at Steamboat Reading. Steamboat Reading is a nonprofit that provides a community of support for struggling readers and their families. They are part of the Routt County Youth Services Coalition.
