American Dyslexia Association

Tag: dyslexia

  • Turning the Page: How Adults Can Help Teens Rediscover the Joy of Reading

    Turning the Page: How Adults Can Help Teens Rediscover the Joy of Reading

    By Dr. Lisa R. Hassler

    Parents hope to instill a love of reading that lasts a lifetime with their children. Reading is an essential skill that promotes cognitive, social, and emotional development, and is a crucial tool for academic and professional success. As parents, we understand this, so we stock our shelves with beautifully illustrated picture books and read to our little ones, snuggled on our laps or tucked in their beds. However, somewhere along the way, they stop consuming books as they did when they were younger, and they lose the love. As a parent and teacher, I often wonder: does the love of reading ever return?

    It made me curious, so I delved a little deeper into the relationship between teens and books. In this article, you’ll learn about teenage reading habits, banned books, the impact of COVID, the rise of BookTok, as well as fun tips. Consider this information to help regain your teenager’s love of reading.

    What does the Research Say?

    The number of adolescents who read every day significantly decreases as they transition from childhood to adolescence. Studies show a consistent decline in daily reading as children grow older, with a sharp drop by age nine that does not typically recover throughout adolescence (Scholastic, 2019). The Scholastic 2013 report indicated a decline in daily reading from 48% of 6- to 8-year-olds to 24% of 15- to 17-year-olds, while the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) revealed a decrease from 53% of 9-year-olds to 19% of 17-year-olds (2013). Additionally, NCES indicated a decrease in the proportion of tweens and teens who read for pleasure at least once a week since 1984, from 81% to 76% among 9-year-olds, 70% to 53% among 13-year-olds, and 64% to 40% among 17-year-olds (2013). Furthermore, the percentage of teenagers who say they never or hardly ever read has increased from 8% of 13-year-olds and 9% of 17-year-olds in 1984 to 22% and 27%, respectively, at present (NCES, 2013).

    Parent involvement matters. Half of parents with children under 12 read with their children every day, and 60% of children aged 8 and under read every day (Common Sense Media, 2013). Additionally, Scholastic estimates that 34% of 6- to 17-year-olds read every day, and there is a strong correlation between parents who set aside daily reading time and children who frequently read (2013). Specifically, 57% of parents of frequent readers establish daily reading time, while only 16% of parents of infrequent readers do the same.

    Continue reading here:

    https://www.drlisarhassler.com/post/turning-the-page-how-adults-can-help-teens-rediscover-the-joy-of-reading

    Available on Amazon: America's Embarrassing Reading Crisis: What We Learned from Covid

  • Where and How Children Learn: My Experience with Discovering an Optimal Learning Experience

    Where and How Children Learn: My Experience with Discovering an Optimal Learning Experience

    Written by Annie Lacey

    Where: The Inner Universe of a Student With Divergent Learning 

    It was not too long ago, when my bright, creative third grader began to dread going to school, meeting each weekday morning with resistance, which at times was fierce.

    The human need to belong to a group is rooted in survival. School age children feel this instinct acutely – at home, on the playground, and of course, in the classroom. For many students with learning differences, the primary objective in a traditional classroom is not learning, but acting, so as not to appear unlike the others. And still, it is not uncommon for these students to be the bullseye for bullies. More frustratingly, efforts to help these students (special classes, tutors, adjusted seating, etc.) often serve only to further define the separateness and validate to the child that they are different. 

    I would know, I lived this through my daughter. I am the Director of Admissions for Oakland School, and my daughter, Hadley, is also a student here. I will never forget picking her up after her first day at Oakland School Summer Camp, watching her bounce into the car, gleaming, ‘Mom! These kids are just like me!’ 

    What I failed to fully appreciate until that moment was exactly how difficult her previous school experience had been for her.

    I was witnessing a child who had just set down the cumulative weight of years of punishing self-talk because she was the only one in her class who couldn’t keep up, had a tutor, and in her mind was un-like everyone else. At Oakland, Hadley discovered a place where learning did not equate to the emotional pain of embarrassment and struggle. Hadley was relieved.

    Margaret Shepherd, the founder of Oakland School, understood that learning in a traditional classroom is strained, if not near impossible, for a child who learns differently. She believed when a child feels truly safe in their environment, they can flourish. In the summer of 1950, Shepherd converted her historical family farm into Oakland School, a small co-ed day school and overnight summer camp program for elementary through middle school students. Set upon  a backdrop of rolling hills, forests, horses and other farm animals, Oakland began by first bringing children who didn’t learn like everyone else, together. 

    How: Implementing The Oakland Way 

    Oakland School is founded on a commitment to the individual learner, and a community that backs this mission. Small class sizes and one-to-one instruction are hallmarks of an Oakland School Education. 

    At Oakland School children become confident self-advocates, curious learners, and grow moral character. ‘Where every student thrives’ is not just an idea, it’s a promise we have been keeping for the better part of a century. 

    The Oakland Way is grounded in the belief that once phonics foundations are solid, confidence is established, and the learning process can accelerate. The program uses a synthesis of several pioneering approaches including: 

    Oakland School teachers are well versed in these techniques, and most have advanced degrees and specializations – and some, decades of experience working with children who learn differently.  One example is Oakland School’s horseback riding instructor, Sarah Bailey. For close to 30 years Sarah has been guiding Oakland students to respect, care for and ride a horse – helping these children to build confidence, set goals, focus, and work as a team. Believing children can – and will – attain success is at the core of an Oakland School education.

    As Director of Admissions, the best part of my job is giving prospective students and their families a tour of the grounds. Oakland School, once just an 18th century farmhouse with outbuildings set on 450 acres, is a welcoming environment in every sense. Class sizes are small with an emphasis on multisensory and experiential learning. Foundations are built through individualized learning plans that are calibrated regularly. Children work at their own pace and to their own strengths.

    Almost always on our tours we see a teacher working one-to-one with a student, children working independently or in small groups – with at least one volunteer eager to share what they love most about Oakland School. It is usually at this point of the tour, when, just like my daughter, the prospective student and family realize that learning can – and should – be a wonderful experience.

  • Six facts about dyslexia

    Six facts about dyslexia

    1 in 5 people is affected by dyslexia

    According to the International Federation of Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Associations, 1 in 5 people are affected by dyslexia. This is a learning difference that affects an individual’s ability to read and spell words.

    Dyslexia affects more males than females

    You may have heard that dyslexia affects more males than females. This is true.

    You do not grow out of dyslexia

    Dyslexia is a lifelong language-based learning difference that affects the brain’s ability to process written language.

    It is the most common learning difference

    Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects the way you think, read, and write. It is the most common learning difference, affecting one in five people.

    80% of those in Special Education are dyslexics

    People who are dyslexic often have difficulty processing what they see on the page or hear in their head into words they can understand and say out loud.

    Some of the most brilliant people had dyslexia

    Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, Winston Churchill, and Thomas Edison were all dyslexic. They had trouble reading and sometimes writing.

    New IFDDA members

    The International Federation of Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Associations keeps growing. Read about its newest members:

  • Three Ways to Help Teens with Dyslexia Prepare for Exams

    Three Ways to Help Teens with Dyslexia Prepare for Exams

    by Hailey Thompson

    Exam period can be a stressful time for teens, parents, and teachers alike. Everyone wants their child to do their best, whatever that looks like for them, and for older teens, there can be additional pressure around needing the results to get into higher education.


    But there can be even more stress for people with dyslexia, who may struggle with the mainstream method of exam preparation offered in school. If you’re trying to support someone in this position, you may feel a bit lost when it comes to what practical assistance you can offer. Here, we take a look at three things you can do to help.


    Help them make a plan
    Especially in their mid-teens, high school students may find themselves overwhelmed with the number of subjects they need to revise for, and the number of exams they have on their timetable. This can lead to panic and a feeling of running out of time, which impacts their mental well-being as well as their ability to study.

    One thing you can do is to offer to help them make a plan to manage their time, so that they know that they have enough time to revise for all their subjects, as well as knowing clearly when exams are. They could put this up in their bedroom, or in a communal space like the kitchen, so that everyone knows when they’ll be focusing. Just make sure that you use this as a support tool for your teen, and not as a way for you to put pressure on them when they’re taking a break.


    Support shared studying
    Some people with dyslexia find it hard to study alone. Dyslexia can make it hard for teens to concentrate, and reading their notes alone can be very hard work. Instead, support your teen by facilitating shared study time, perhaps with friends or in after-school study groups. You can also ask older relatives or friends to help, if they’ve sat the exam before.

    By letting your teen know that you are ok with them having people over to study, or taking them to a friend’s house, you are giving them practical support. If you’re able to and they want to, you could also offer to quiz them, or let them talk through a specific area to check their understanding.


    Consider getting them extra support
    Your teen might not feel comfortable with you helping test them, or you might not feel that you have enough knowledge on the subject. In this instance, getting a tutor can help them get the answers they need, and teens with dyslexia might find that they have a better understanding of a topic if they talk through it rather than read it themselves.


    Tutors can also help with confidence, and show your teen that they have the tools they need to succeed in their exams. Make sure to do your homework beforehand, and choose a tutor that is right for your family, and make it clear to your child that they can let you know if the tutor turns out not to be the right fit.
    It’s really important to make sure they trust this person and feel comfortable with them in order to get the most out of their sessions.

  • A NYC Class’s “Backwards” Song About Letters

    A NYC Class’s “Backwards” Song About Letters

    Erik Arnesen, a music teacher at a New York City public school (PS 18) in Park Terrace, Manhattan, remembered hearing how some children had difficulty decoding printed letters that looked alike when reversed. At the time, he only had a vague idea that dyslexia meant seeing letters and numbers jumbled, out of order, or turned around. He decided to write a song about the subject, and subsequently created a video with the children singing and acting it out. His YouTube channel is called Mr. Arnesen School Songs and features the children starring in several musically inspired educational videos. Mr. Arnesen’s YouTube channel also has songs about opposites, manners, science, music, and more. It can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/user/fearless5009
  • An Able Workforce: Attracting Differently-Abled People During the Recruitment Process

    An Able Workforce: Attracting Differently-Abled People During the Recruitment Process

    Written by Elijah Dawson

    The recent shift towards remote working has made it possible to see how differently-abled people, including those with dyslexia, can integrate into the workforce with ease. Inclusivity is beneficial to both workers and business owners. With the right solutions and accommodations in place, talented prospective employees will feel confident and safe in applying for the opportunities you are offering.

    Transform the Culture

    Any new hires who are differently abled will never feel fully accepted in the workplace if your current employees aren’t made aware of how to behave appropriately around them. The leaders within your business should also be well-trained on what to expect during day-to-day operations and how to properly intervene if a conflict arises. 

    Although in-person sensitivity seminars can be held for employees, online courses may also be made available so that the training, which is undoubtedly necessary, does not interrupt productivity. 

    Since your employees have first-hand exposure to your workplace tactics, ensure that you allow them the opportunity to provide feedback on current inclusivity measures so that you are well aware of the extent of change that is needed. 

    Rethink Recruitment 

    When recruiting any talent, including those who are differently abled, it’s vital to ensure that the job description in your posts is enticing and attractive. Be sure to effectively communicate the job’s requirements, related responsibilities, and remuneration. 

    Consider including information on your organization’s inclusivity efforts, and ensure that employee testimonials are easy to find through a Google search. It may be worthwhile to create a social media post that boasts the quality of the working environment your company is offering.

    Implement Solutions

    When hiring a differently-abled person, it’s important to open up the conversation on what accommodations they require. Let them know that your organization will do everything possible to try to make the working day manageable for them.

    • Physical comfort: If your employee’s disability is physical, ensure that your office space is accessible and easy for them to navigate. If this isn’t possible, consider allowing them to work from home and implement the necessary remote working solutions to ensure that workflow is not disrupted.
    • Schedule: As long as they are meeting deadlines, differently-abled employees may require more flexible working hours to be able to fit in the additional doctor’s appointments or physical therapies they often need. 
    • Communication: There are loads of new technologies and software that are helpful in accommodating disabilities like dyslexia. Apart from introducing these into your daily operations, consider checking if communication trends can be more inclusive. In-person or verbal communication may make things easier for those with disabilities. 

    Evaluate Processes and Procedures

    If you’ve never paid attention to inclusivity measures before, it’s possible that policies within your company have been structured in a way that does not accommodate differently-abled people very well. All procedures, including disciplinary measures, the code of conduct, recruitment and termination processes, as well as operational expectations should be scrutinized and improved where possible. 

    Differently-abled people have a plethora of talent and value to bring to their employers, and with technology making it possible to implement accommodations, it’s easier than ever to help them become integral parts of your workforce. Take a close look at your current processes and procedures to help identify how you can transform your organization into a desirable workplace for differently-abled folk, including those with dyslexia.

    The American Dyslexia Association is a non-profit organization that is geared toward improving the lives of those with dyslexia and dyscalculia. This is achieved by making information and teaching aids free and far more accessible. Find out more about these conditions at: www.dyslexia.me

    Image by Pexels

  • Running Your Own Business: 5 Tips for Parents With Dyslexia

    Running Your Own Business: 5 Tips for Parents With Dyslexia

    Written by Justin Bennett

    If you’re a parent with dyslexia, you might find it difficult to work at a traditional 9-to-5 office job. Not only does this leave you with less time to spend with your child, your supervisors may not understand your needs, leaving you to struggle with lots of tasks. To figure out the next steps in your career, you can turn to the resources from the American Dyslexia Association. In the meantime, these tips can help you make a living as an entrepreneur!

    Outline a Business Plan

    No matter what kind of business model interests you, you need to begin by crafting a business plan that you can reference in the months ahead. You’ll want to include detailed descriptions of your planned offerings, a preliminary marketing and sales strategy, your estimated expenses and projected income, and the materials and supplies you’ll need to operate your business.

    Marketing Your Company

    Once you’ve made your products or services available for purchase, you need to start marketing your offerings in order to land your first customers. You’ll want to set up a website, create social media accounts for your business, and even give people the option to sign up for email newsletter updates from your company. 

    If you really want to make your company stand out, you’ll need to create a logo to establish your brand! This is one of the easiest ways to ensure that you make a memorable impression on your customers. If you’re launching your company on a tight budget, you might not want to spring for a graphic designer – but luckily, you don’t have to! With a free online logo design tool, you can choose your favorite style and icon, and the system will give you an array of logos to choose from with the option to change the fonts and colors.

    Avoid Burnout

    When you have dyslexia, projects that might seem simple and straightforward to someone else can feel more stressful for you. As a business owner, it’s especially important for you to maintain a manageable workload so that you don’t end up getting burned out. Startup Nation recommends planning out project deliverable deadlines so that you can give yourself full days off and setting clear expectations for clients, including boundaries around when they can expect phone or email responses from you.

    Find Childcare

    As you adjust to working from home, you may find that on exceptionally busy days, it’s too hard to balance both work and childcare. You catch yourself wishing that you had someone else around to take on certain childcare responsibilities and keep your kids occupied and entertained! You might be interested in hiring a part-time nanny to look after your children when you need to attend video meetings or run work-related errands outside of the home.

    Hire Your Team

    Bringing a few additional members onto your team can make life much easier for you as an entrepreneur with dyslexia, as your employees can take on tasks that cause you undue stress. To find the right staff for your business, Tycoon Story recommends proactively seeking out freelance workers – they are likely to have flexible schedules, a wide variety of skills, and the ability to adapt to unexpected situations. Freelancers are often already accustomed to working with home-based business owners.

    Dealing with dyslexia in adulthood can be challenging, but you also have the agency to choose your own path in life. As a parent, you might realize that pursuing entrepreneurship and working from home suits you best! With these tips, you’ll be able to thrive as a business owner with dyslexia.

    Looking for resources to help you navigate your professional and personal life with dyslexia? The American Dyslexia Organization can help! Browse our blog today for articles packed with tips.

    Photo via Pexels

  • Why Dyslexia is a Gift

    Why Dyslexia is a Gift

    by Karl Leeuw

    These are some of the dyslexic people in history:

    Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla, Michael Faraday, Stephen Hawking, Steve Jobs, Robin Williams, Henry Ford, Da Vinci, Newton, Walt Disney, Thomas Edison, Picasso, John Lennon, Winston Churchill, Alexander Bell, Thomas Jefferson, John F. Kennedy, Woodrow Wilson, George Washington, the Wright Brothers, Mohammed Ali, and many more.

    Now for the famous dyslexic people who are alive:

    Richard Branson, Cher, Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Cruise, Andy Warhol, Anthony Hopkins, Ozzie Osborne, Steven Spielberg, Sylvester Stallone, and many more.

    What do they all have in common?
    They struggled at school. Yes, they did not get A’s or 10 out of 10, and yet they became geniuses in their field.
    So, why?

    The reason why dyslexia is a gift is that we use the right side of our brains. Sally Shaywitz of Yale University put dyslexic and non-dyslexic people in a study using an fMRI tunnel and proved this.

    About 10% of the world’s population suffers from the gift of dyslexia and has this right-brain gift that is fit for creativity.
    In a study, the Cass Base Business School in the UK showed that dyslexic people are five times more likely to be innovators compared to non-dyslexic people, and this is why: We can see things that others cannot.

    So, the key is to know you have a gift and not worry about not doing so well at school, but rather concentrate on doing things you excel at and love.
    Non-dyslexic people, who make up about 90% of society, suffer from the gift of using the left brain, which is great for sequential things.

    So, great for the educational system and getting A’s and 10 out of 10. This is a massive gift in its own right.

    Yin and Yang.
    The ancient Chinese knew that for every positive, there must be a negative. In science, for every negative, there must be a positive.


    So, if you believe in Yin and Yang, know that because you are struggling at school means that you have a huge gift on the other side.
    It turns out that, as discussed before, it is because we, as dyslexic people, use the right side of the brain.

    For the full video that explains above in more detail:
  • When You Write p I See d

    When You Write p I See d

    by Margaret DeMarchi

    Attention to the social and emotional well-being of children has come to the forefront of education in recent years with good reason. As a special education teacher for the first 25 years of my teaching career, one of the greatest challenges I faced each day was helping children with dyslexia to believe in themselves and, most importantly, their ability to learn. While there is now a wealth of information to support and inform adults and educational professionals about dyslexia, little is available to help children understand and cope with their disability. Quite simply, I wrote When You Write p I See d to fill that void and to provide young children a necessary foundation of confidence and create a positive self-image to help them overcome the social and emotional challenges they face every day due to dyslexia or other learning disabilities. In short, the goal of this book is to empower students with the knowledge that they are not ‘dumb’ or ‘stupid’, but simply need to learn in a way that is different than their peers, and that’s okay! So often, students, particularly those who are dyslexic, feel isolated and alone, that they are the only ones facing these challenges as they quietly watch their classmates quickly and easily decode a text or story and wonder why the same task seems so difficult or even impossible for them. With each passing grade level, feelings of insecurity and self-doubt grow until giving up or acting out seems the best choice.

    This story works to empower young learners, giving them the confidence to believe in themselves and achieve academic success by showcasing a character they can relate to, someone who looks like them, and faces the same challenges dealing with dyslexia. The character doubts himself, but learns he is special, smart, and ultimately, successful, learning how to read and all the joy that accomplishment brings. A serious topic, dyslexia is shared in a kid-friendly story, with illustrations and a rhyming, engaging tone that children will enjoy. Learning about new things, reading stories filled with fun and imagination, is not out of reach for any student. Learning should be fun, and my story, When You Write, I See d, shows every student that it is possible to enjoy reading and be a successful student.

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