Questions and Answers: Dyslexia and Related Disorders

How do I know if my child may have characteristics of dyslexia?

The following are the reading/writing/spelling characteristics of dyslexia:

difficulty reading single words in isolation;

difficulty accurately decoding nonsense or unfamiliar words;

slow, inaccurate, or labored oral reading (fluency), and/or

difficulty learning to spell.

The reading/writing/spelling characteristics are the result of:

difficulty with the development of phonological awareness, including segmenting, blending, and manipulating sounds in words;

difficulty learning the names of letters and their associated sounds;

difficulty with phonological memory (remembering information about sounds and words); and/or

difficulty with rapid naming of familiar objeccts, colors, or letters of the alphabet.

What do I do if I think my child may have dyslexia?

You should meet with your child's teacher to discuss his/her reading progress and any questions or concerns you have regarding their reading.

What criteria is the dyslexia program required to meet?

The state requires that each campus have a program for students identified with characteristics of dyslexia and/or related disorders. That program must be:

individualized to meet the student's needs,

multisensory, using visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic methodologies;

phonologically based;

meaning based;

systematic, sequential, and cumulative; and

process oriented.

What can I do to help my child?

As a parent, you can help your child by

understanding his/her dyslexia; reading books to learn more;

praising your child's strengths and avoiding pressuring him/her in the area of reading/writing/spelling;

establishing routines at home;

making certain your child understands your directions; having him/her read them back to you;

breaking large tasks into small ones, allowing your child to successfully complete each small task in order to successfully complete large ones;

making certain there is a place for your child to do his/her homework;

helping your child develop a plan for completing homework and other tasks;

working closely with your child's teacher; and

being patient with your child.

Whom do I contact if I have questions/concerns?

You should contact the Campus Dyslexia Coordinator at your child's school. This is usually the assistant principal or counselor. You can also contact the District Dyslexia Coordinator at 354-3983.