Some examples of helpful strategies for individuals with dyslexia include:
Many people - including dyslexic individuals - prefer practical, hands-on teaching methods and learn more efficiently if they are using all sensory pathways. Sitting for long periods just listening is often not an effective way of delivering information!
The Orton–Gillingham Method
This popular method has long been used to teach children with dyslexia how to read. By focusing on the connection between letters and their sounds, children can assign more meaning to the language and develop better overall comprehension.
Understanding and supporting individuals with Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Dyspraxia is essential for fostering an inclusive and effective learning environment. These disorders can also coincide with other conditions such as ADHD and Autism, requiring a comprehensive approach.
The most effective way to teach kids with dyslexia to read and spell is to use a multisensory structured language education (MSLE) approach. Programs that use this type of instruction are often referred to as Orton-Gillingham based approaches. There are also things you can do at home yourself to help with reading.
The recommended seven hands-on learning strategies that can promote learning and support for struggling readers during literacy instruction include Build the Words, Feel the Words, Whole Body Letters, Five Finger Retell, Sight Word BINGO, Elkonin Boxes, and Word Swat.
5 things not to say to your child about dyslexia
Three dimensional thinking and making connections
Many people with dyslexia demonstrate better skills at manipulating 3D objects in their mind. Many of the world's top architects and fashion designers have dyslexia.
Bill Gates, one of the richest people in the world didn't let his dyslexia hold him back.
The BDA Level 7 Diploma in Dyslexia Assessment and Intervention (AMBDA and AMBDA FE/HE) provides training for individuals who already hold ATS/APS (or equivalent) and have a professional interest in assessment for dyslexia.
It is Orton-Gillingham based. Phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency are the core of the program.
Choosing a language
Some languages may be more problematic for dyslexic learners. Languages such as French and English are less transparent than other languages. This means that the sounds of the language don't match clearly to letter combinations and there are more irregularities in pronunciation and spelling.
Reading material that is full of familiar single and closed syllable words will make decoding easier. It's also helpful for texts to include frequently used sight words and a few harder words. These kinds of books apply just the right amount of load to the dyslexic brain.
Both mothers and fathers can pass dyslexia on to their children if either parent has it. There is roughly a 50% – 60% chance of a child developing dyslexia if one of their parents has it.
The brain of an individual living with dyslexia processes information in a different way than someone who does not have the affliction. This results in difficulty with accurate and automatic word recognition, spelling, and decoding or breaking down words—which is what makes learning so difficult.
Research by the University of Strathclyde has found that people with dyslexia are much better at being curious and exploring new ideas and more likely to be found in careers where this is an advantage, such as art, media, architecture, creativity, engineering and inventing things!
Albert Einstein
Often at the top of the list of historical figures with dyslexia, Albert Einstein, known for his brilliant mind, also struggled with delayed speech, language difficulties, and putting thoughts on paper.
Singer and songwriter Robbie Williams is known for being open about the challenges he's faced – as seen in the 2024 film based on his life, Better Man – and he's no different when talking about his dyscalculia and dyslexia.
In reality, the two – dyslexia and intelligence – are not related. The misconception that children with dyslexia are not intelligent arises from a few factors: Performance Misinterpretation: Since dyslexia primarily affects reading and writing, children with dyslexia might struggle with academic tasks.
High spatial awareness – People with dyslexia can sometimes be much spatially aware than the average person. Many have the ability to manipulate 3D shapes in their minds. They may find it easier to think in images which works well in careers such as architecture, performing arts and design.
Being dyslexic means that you think and process information on the right side of your brain, instead of the left side, where neurotypical people think.
In the medical field, per the American Psychiatric Association (APA), dyslexia falls under the category of specific learning disorder, since disorder is the term used when making a diagnosis.
Famous actors like Johnny Depp, Keira Knightly and Orlando Bloom all have dyslexia. Pablo Picasso's teachers described him as “having difficulty differentiating the orientation of letters”.
Here's a summary of some of the strengths dyslexic individuals often possess:
The recommended seven hands-on learning strategies that can promote learning and support for struggling readers during literacy instruction include Build the Words, Feel the Words, Whole Body Letters, Five Finger Retell, Sight Word BINGO, Elkonin Boxes, and Word Swat. Young children learn in a variety of sensory ways.