Whether you are new to Dyslexia or just looking for fresh resources, here is a list of sites, articles, books, films and interventions that I have found helpful.
Websites:
www.madebydyslexia.org Great short videos to educate the whole family and friends.
www.ortonacademy.org Loads of information. Go to their Parents Page to request a listing of local or online certified Dyslexia tutors.
www.understood.org Helpful articles and insights.
www.additudemag.com Focused more on ADHD but great articles that include Dyslexia.
https://www.decodingdyslexia.net You can join your local chapter to help stay informed and educated.
Dyslexia Interventions
There are others, but these are programs that I feel confident to recommend:
Barton (This is the only program set up so it can be taught by the parent w/o prior certification)
Milan Method
Books for Parents and Adult Allies:
An affirming look at Dyslexia. A must read: The Dyslexic Advantage, by Brock and Fernette Eide
Tapping into the visual-spatial abilities of Dyslexia: Upside-Down Brilliance, by Linda Kreger Silverman
Jonathan Mooney’s story will give you hope and perspective: Normal Sucks, by Jonathan Mooney
I personally have not read this one, yet, but it comes recommended. I don’t love the use of the word “overcoming” when Dyslexia has amazing gifts to be embraced, or the use of the word “disorder” in the book’s description. That being said, I hear good things about the book: Overcoming Dyslexia, by Sally Shaywitz
Books for Kids:
Fiction novel that educates and affirms the Dyslexic struggle, perspective, and strengths. Great as a family read aloud or audiobook: Fish in a Tree, by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Series with a teen protagonist who has Dyslexia and ADHD. Good series for an older kid or teen. The audiobook is great and there is also a graphic novel version: The Percy Jackson series, by Rick Riordan
Great read aloud for quirky, flying under-the-radar families. Ramona Quimby is a curious, vivacious little girl who (in my opinion) exhibits the traits of a bright girl with stealth Dyslexia and ADHD: The Ramona Quimby book series, by Beverly Cleary.
The author, Dav Pilkey, is Dyslexic with ADHD. There is a blurb on the inside cover of each of his books, sharing about his neurodiversity journey. Also, graphic novels can be less intimidating and more approachable for Dyslexic children: Dogman series and other books by Dav Pilkey.
Family Movies to watch together:
Rescued by Ruby*, starring Grant Gustin
True Spirit*, starring Anna Paquin
*both of these films also normalize homeschooling, if you happen to have a homeschooler.
The Secret, starring Kirk Douglas. (I have not seen it, yet! But it sounds promising.)
Articles for Advocating and Educating Schools, SPED and teachers:
The benefit of audiobooks for the brain:
https://www.discovermagazine.com/mind/audiobooks-or-reading-to-our-brains-it-doesnt-matter
Creating a Dyslexia-Friendly Environment:
https://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/dyslexia-friendly-environment
Multisensory Math approach for Dyslexics. Rote doesn’t work; calculators do:
https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/the-fight-over-rote-math/ (You will need to register online for free access to this article.)
Explaining Stealth Dyslexia. Explaining how a child could be able to read and also be Dyslexic: Stealth dyslexia – Davidson Institute
Warning Signs of Dyslexia. Great to explain to a school why your child needs a full evaluation:
https://www.dys-add.com/resources/RecentResearch/DysWarningSigns.pdf
Evidence that math memorization and timed math assessments are poor learning methods:
Videos for Advocating and Educating Schools, SPED and teachers:
Evidence against rote math and for appropriate accommodation and intervention:
Dyslexia Awareness Part 2: Module 2 – Maths
A poignant depiction of Dyslexic kids in the current school systems:
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