How To Help Dyslexia

Once you have found out the basics about dyslexia, the next step is to learn how to help a child with dyslexia.

  • Developing pre-literacy skills in very young children will help give them the best start.
  • As soon as children start school it is important to develop essential phonological skills.
  • Many dyslexic children that have not received effective early intervention by ages of 8 to 12, are likely to have fallen behind and are going to need additional accommodations to help them get through school.
  • By High School, children are no longer learning to read and have transitioned to reading to learn. Accommodations and assistive technology are vital. Emotional support is likely to be required.
  • Dr. Torgesen was one of many researchers who discovered that early intervention prevents reading difficulties from worsening.
  • Read the story of 5 year old Shola. Blessing Ingyape, of Dyslexia Help Africa, describes the remarkable effects of intervening in the first years of school.
  • Phonics is recognizing and knowing all the sounds that can be made by letters. There are 26 letters of the alphabet but 44 sounds.
  • Structured Synthetic Phonics is the most effective way of teaching children to read and spell. It follows the principles of Structured Literacy, research proven by the Science of Reading.
  • The Science of Reading is everything that is scientifically known about how children learn to read, and the most effective way for reading to be taught.
  • Learn about Structured Literacy and the OG approach - teaching methods that have helped children with dyslexia learn to read and write.
  • Whole language, guided reading or a balanced literacy approach are NOT appropriate teaching methods for dyslexia. Find out about them to make sure your dyslexic child is learning the correct way.
  • Does your child know the essential reading skill of decoding? What is decoding and how is it different to encoding?
  • Georgia Ryan was diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia in her last year of primary (middle) school. Since then, she has become an inspiration to dyslexic children worldwide.
  • Georgia Ryan's advice for dyslexic teens regarding exams, standardised testing, and assistive tech.
  • Quick tips and advice from Georgia Ryan, a student and Youth Ambassador for the Dyslexia Mid North Coast in New South Wales, Australia.
  • Building self-esteem at home from very early childhood is the key to success in an individual’s life. Guest article by Manobina Chakraborty.
  • "I felt I knew enough about dyslexia, but unfortunately, I didn't." Melanie Brethour, Founded of Decoding Dyslexia Quebec, shares her son's journey.