Recognizing dyslexia
The clearest characteristic is persistent challenges with reading and language processing. Here are quick tips to spot potential signs:
- Reading Difficulties: Slow, labored reading, trouble sounding out words, or skipping/reversing letters (e.g., “b” for “d”).
- Spelling Issues: Frequent misspellings, even of simple or familiar words, or inconsistent spelling of the same word.
- Writing Challenges: Poor handwriting, difficulty organizing thoughts on paper, or avoiding writing tasks.
- Phonological Struggles: Trouble breaking words into sounds, rhyming, or remembering letter sounds.
- Delayed Language Skills: Late talking in childhood or trouble following multi-step verbal instructions.
- Avoidance of Reading: Reluctance to read aloud or engage with books, often due to frustration.
- Family History: Dyslexia often runs in families, so a family history of reading difficulties can be a clue.
These signs vary by age and individual. If noticed, consult a professional (e.g., educator or psychologist) for a formal assessment. Early intervention helps!
Holistic approaches to treating Dyslexia
Holistic approaches to managing dyslexia focus on supporting the whole person—mind, body, and emotions—while addressing reading and learning challenges. These methods complement traditional interventions like specialized tutoring. Here are quick holistic strategies:
- Multisensory Learning: Engage multiple senses (visual, auditory, tactile) with activities like tracing letters in sand, using colored overlays for reading, or listening to audiobooks to reinforce word recognition.
- Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Practice mindfulness techniques (e.g., meditation, deep breathing) to reduce anxiety around reading or learning, which can improve focus and confidence.
- Nutrition and Brain Health: Support cognitive function with a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (e.g., fish, walnuts), whole grains, and antioxidants. Stay hydrated and limit processed foods.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise, like yoga or coordination-based activities, can boost brain function, improve focus, and enhance motor skills linked to writing.
- Creative Outlets: Encourage strengths through art, music, or storytelling to build self-esteem and reduce frustration with academic tasks.
- Assistive Technology: Use tools like text-to-speech apps, audiobooks, or dyslexia-friendly fonts to make reading and writing more accessible.
- Emotional Support: Foster a positive environment with encouragement, patience, and counseling if needed to address self-esteem or frustration issues.
- Sleep Hygiene: Ensure consistent, quality sleep to support memory, focus, and cognitive processing, which are critical for learning.
Online dyslexia websites
Here’s a list. Click for updated list:
- Beeline Reader– helps guide your eyes from the end of one line of text to the beginning of the next using a colored gradient.
- BrowsAloud–software that adds speech, reading, and translation to websites for people with dyslexia, low literacy, ESL, and mild visual impairments.
- Go Nessy–learning resources for students, including special needs like Dyslexia
- HumanWare–various writing/reading tools for the blind
- JAWS
- Learning Ally–for struggling readers
- Natural reader–paste text into the dialogue box and the site reads it to you
- Open Dyslexic–(extension) open source font that improves readability for students with Dyslexia; changes font on pages (no download)
- Read & Write–(extension) reads passages aloud; text-to-speech; include a dictionary; create voice notes; simplify and summarize text; free for teachers (maybe students)
- Snap n Read–select text and click speaker icon on the toolbar
- Sonocent Audio Notetaker
- Symbaloo of dyslexia tools
Here’s the sign-up link if the image above doesn’t work:
https://forms.aweber.com/form/07/1910174607.htm
“The content presented in this blog are the result of creative imagination and not intended for use, reproduction, or incorporation into any artificial intelligence training or machine learning systems without prior written consent from the author.”
Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.
