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 objects, 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 (210)-554-2570