Dyslexia
Information and Community Resources
for Parents and Caregivers
WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?
“…[a] struggle to read fluently, spell words correctly and… is an unexpected difficulty in reading…” (Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity)
“…a language-based learning disability that affects reading…” (Reading Rockets)
WHAT CAUSES DYSLEXIA?
Differences in neurological development and genetic factors
DYSLEXIA IS NOT CAUSED BY:
Parenting practices
Lack of exposure to a given language
Lack of effort by the child or parent
“Wrong” approaches to reading
A lack of intelligence
Vision problems
HOW CAN I TELL IF MY CHILD HAS DYSLEXIA?
A child with dyslexia may have difficulty with (but not limited to):
Rhyming
Spelling
Learning letter names
Learning letter sounds
Learning new words
Reading words and parts of words
Understanding what is read
Reading fluently
I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT DYSLEXIA:
Dyslexia Basics and Dyslexia Handbook from International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
Dyslexia Resource Guide from AZ Department of Education (AZDOE)
What is Dyslexia? from Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity (YCDC)
HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD?
Providing your child systematic, explicit reading intervention as soon as possible.
With early intervention and long-term support, a child with dyslexia can learn to read successfully. See: Effective Reading Instruction for Students with Dyslexia (IDA)
WHAT TYPES OF RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE?
TUTORING SERVICES
Local and national tutoring centers
Directory of Service Providers (IDA)
Choose carefully! Check out: When Educational Promises are Too Good to Be True (IDA)
SCHOOL SUPPORT & SPECIAL EDUCATION
School Strategies (YCDC)
School & Learning (Understood)
AZ Dyslexia Handbook (AZDOE)
Special Education Services (Learning Disabilities Association of America)
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
IDA Membership: scholarships and discounts for dyslexia resources
Dyslexia Service Foundation funds services for low-income families
LEGAL SUPPORT & ADVOCACY
Understanding the Law (YCDC)
AZ Dyslexia Legislation (AZ IDA)
Advocating for Students with Dyslexia in Public Schools (IDA)
APPS, GAMES, & ONLINE RESOURCES
Tech Finder (Understood)
Tech Tips (YCDC)
University of Michigan (UMich):
o Tools
GROUP SUPPORT
Stories from Parents (YCDC)
Living with Dyslexia (UMich)
Understood Community (Understood)
Groups on Social Media
Example:
FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT & INFORMATION:
International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
AZ Branch of IDA (AZ IDA)
For Families (Understood)