Resources
Understanding Dyslexia
Featured Resource:
The National Center for Improving Literacy
NCIL's website includes lots of resources for parents and families to learn about what works! Operated by Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education and Human Development with funding from the United States Department of Education, NCIL is a partnership among literacy experts, university researchers, and technical assistance providers from the University of Oregon, Florida State University, and RMC Research Corporation.
International Dyslexia Association
The mission of the IDA is to create a future for all individuals who struggle with dyslexia and other related reading differences so that they may have richer, more robust lives and access to the tools and resources they need.
Decoding Dyslexia International
Learn more about the national network of parent-led grassroots movements concerned with the limited access to educational interventions for dyslexia within the public education system.
Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children
DABC supports Black children who are Dyslexic by empowering Black families and concerned communities.
Dyslexia Help (University of Michigan)
DyslexiaHelp is designed to help people learn about dyslexia and language disability and is housed within the School of Education at the University of Michigan.
Lessons in Dyslexic Thinking Podcast
Lessons In Dyslexic Thinking are conversations with the world’s most inspiring dyslexics where we find out what Dyslexic Thinking is and how each of us can employ it to change the world. Hear powerful stories from spies and sports stars, explorers and entrepreneurs. Hosted by the world’s leading expert in Dyslexic Thinking, Kate Griggs (founder of Made By Dyslexia).
Overcoming Dyslexia Online Course
Taught by leading researcher, Dr. Sally Shaywitz, this free course walks you through the key concepts you'll need to understand dyslexia!
Yale Center for Dyslexia
The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity is the preeminent source of cutting-edge research, informed advocacy and trustworthy resources to help those with dyslexia reach their full potential. The Center’s tools and resources are used widely by parents, educators and those with dyslexia to advocate for greater recognition and support for dyslexic children and adults.
Books
Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level
by Sally Shaywitz, M.D.; Vintage (2005) — A great book that explains what dyslexia is and gives parents tools for helping their children become fluent readers. One of the most helpful and informative books that most parents read early in their journey
that really open their eyes and pointed them in the right direction to seek the help their kids needed.
The Human Side of Dyslexia: 142 Interviews with Real People Telling Real Stories About Their Coping Strategies with Dyslexia
by Shirley Kurnoff; London Universal, (2001) — Just as the title says, this book is packed with real stories by people with dyslexia. While many books on dyslexia focus on the mechanics of the learning disability, this is the human story of the people who live with it. Through their stories we learn their strategies and tools for coping with the reading disability. Many of the stories are inspirational and will be a comfort to parents who worry about their child’s future.
The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain
by Brock L. Eide M.D. M.A. and Fernette F. Eide M.D., Plume (2012) — In this groundbreaking book, Brock and Fernette Eide explain how 20% of people—individuals with dyslexia—share a unique learning style that can create advantages in a classroom, at a job, or at home. Using their combined expertise in neurology and education, the authors show how these individuals not only perceive the writtenword differently but may also excel at spatial reasoning, see insightful connections that others simply miss, understand the world in stories, and display amazing creativity.
The Dyslexic Empowerment Plan, by Ben Foss
After years of battling with a school system that did not understand his dyslexia and the shame that accompanied it, renowned activist and entrepreneur Ben Foss is not only open about his dyslexia, he is proud of it. In The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan he shares his personal triumphs and failures so that you can learn from his experiences, and provides a three-step approach for success.
The National Center for Improving Literacy
NCIL's website includes lots of resources for parents and families to learn about what works! Operated by Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education and Human Development with funding from the United States Department of Education, NCIL is a partnership among literacy experts, university researchers, and technical assistance providers from the University of Oregon, Florida State University, and RMC Research Corporation.
International Dyslexia Association
The mission of the IDA is to create a future for all individuals who struggle with dyslexia and other related reading differences so that they may have richer, more robust lives and access to the tools and resources they need.
Decoding Dyslexia International
Learn more about the national network of parent-led grassroots movements concerned with the limited access to educational interventions for dyslexia within the public education system.
Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children
DABC supports Black children who are Dyslexic by empowering Black families and concerned communities.
Dyslexia Help (University of Michigan)
DyslexiaHelp is designed to help people learn about dyslexia and language disability and is housed within the School of Education at the University of Michigan.
Lessons in Dyslexic Thinking Podcast
Lessons In Dyslexic Thinking are conversations with the world’s most inspiring dyslexics where we find out what Dyslexic Thinking is and how each of us can employ it to change the world. Hear powerful stories from spies and sports stars, explorers and entrepreneurs. Hosted by the world’s leading expert in Dyslexic Thinking, Kate Griggs (founder of Made By Dyslexia).
Overcoming Dyslexia Online Course
Taught by leading researcher, Dr. Sally Shaywitz, this free course walks you through the key concepts you'll need to understand dyslexia!
Yale Center for Dyslexia
The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity is the preeminent source of cutting-edge research, informed advocacy and trustworthy resources to help those with dyslexia reach their full potential. The Center’s tools and resources are used widely by parents, educators and those with dyslexia to advocate for greater recognition and support for dyslexic children and adults.
Books
Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level
by Sally Shaywitz, M.D.; Vintage (2005) — A great book that explains what dyslexia is and gives parents tools for helping their children become fluent readers. One of the most helpful and informative books that most parents read early in their journey
that really open their eyes and pointed them in the right direction to seek the help their kids needed.
The Human Side of Dyslexia: 142 Interviews with Real People Telling Real Stories About Their Coping Strategies with Dyslexia
by Shirley Kurnoff; London Universal, (2001) — Just as the title says, this book is packed with real stories by people with dyslexia. While many books on dyslexia focus on the mechanics of the learning disability, this is the human story of the people who live with it. Through their stories we learn their strategies and tools for coping with the reading disability. Many of the stories are inspirational and will be a comfort to parents who worry about their child’s future.
The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain
by Brock L. Eide M.D. M.A. and Fernette F. Eide M.D., Plume (2012) — In this groundbreaking book, Brock and Fernette Eide explain how 20% of people—individuals with dyslexia—share a unique learning style that can create advantages in a classroom, at a job, or at home. Using their combined expertise in neurology and education, the authors show how these individuals not only perceive the writtenword differently but may also excel at spatial reasoning, see insightful connections that others simply miss, understand the world in stories, and display amazing creativity.
The Dyslexic Empowerment Plan, by Ben Foss
After years of battling with a school system that did not understand his dyslexia and the shame that accompanied it, renowned activist and entrepreneur Ben Foss is not only open about his dyslexia, he is proud of it. In The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan he shares his personal triumphs and failures so that you can learn from his experiences, and provides a three-step approach for success.
Navigating the Special Education Process & Understanding Your Child's Rights
Understood.org https://www.understood.org/
Understood provides resources and support for people who learn and think differently - and their parents and caregivers.
A Parent's Guide to Special Education in Massachusetts
This Guide explains the special education process so that you can work effectively with the school as a member of your child’s special education team.
DyslexiaHelp: Tests for Dyslexia and Language Disorders
Assessments are a big part of the Special Education process. Learn more about common tests you and your child are likely to encounter.
Wrightslaw
Wrightslaw is a nationally recognized source of accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for all children with disabilities.
Dyslegia
Dyslegia tracks the progress of legislation specifically related to dyslexia throughout the United States.
IDEA
The U.S. Department of Education’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) website brings together IDEA information and resources from the Department and grantees.
IDEA Parent Guide
The National Center for Learning Disabilities created the Parent Guide to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) so you can become an informed and effective partner with school personnel in supporting your child’s special learning and behavioral needs.
Parenting a Struggling Reader
by Susan L. Hall and Louisa C. Moats; Broadway (2002) — This book helped explain how school systems work and provided
real-world practical guidance on how to understand and work within the framework of the public school system. It also helped us understand the need to sometimes look outside public schools for additional resources.
Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy: The Special Education Survival Guide
by Pam Wright and Pete Wright; Harbor House Law Press (2006) — Realizing that your child has an LD (or any disability) can set parents off on a roller coaster of emotions. This fabulous book helped us distinguish facts from emotions in order to properly document the facts and best advocate for our daughter.
Dive Deeper into the Reading Process
Dive Deeper into Neuroscience and why it matters
Start here with this video to learn more about the neuroscience of dyslexia from a November 2015 Presentation on Developmental Dyslexia by Dr. Nadine Gaab. This was presented in Weston for parents and educators.
This six part series by Carol Whitney is an excellent series to explain the neuroscience of dyslexia and how it effects students and the implications for education. It consists of six segments that should be watched in order. 1. Introduction, 2. Speech, 3. Vision, 4. Reading Acquisition, 5. Dyslexia, and 6. Instruction/Remediation. A document with scholarly references for material presented in the videos is available on Dr. Whitney's ResearchGate page.
Learn more from Dr. Ken Pugh of Haskins Laboratory about Reading and Visual Spacial Abilities (video). This is a more detailed explanation of how reading creates pathways and how students build the connections brains need to read.
Watch this video with Dr. John Gabrieli and see why this brain information should be part of educational practice and policy.
The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science
by Norman Doidge; Penguin Books (2007) — An astonishing new science called “neuroplasticity” is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable. In this revolutionary look at the brain, psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Norman Doidge, M.D., provides an introduction to both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity and the people whose lives they’ve transformed.
This six part series by Carol Whitney is an excellent series to explain the neuroscience of dyslexia and how it effects students and the implications for education. It consists of six segments that should be watched in order. 1. Introduction, 2. Speech, 3. Vision, 4. Reading Acquisition, 5. Dyslexia, and 6. Instruction/Remediation. A document with scholarly references for material presented in the videos is available on Dr. Whitney's ResearchGate page.
Learn more from Dr. Ken Pugh of Haskins Laboratory about Reading and Visual Spacial Abilities (video). This is a more detailed explanation of how reading creates pathways and how students build the connections brains need to read.
Watch this video with Dr. John Gabrieli and see why this brain information should be part of educational practice and policy.
The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science
by Norman Doidge; Penguin Books (2007) — An astonishing new science called “neuroplasticity” is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the human brain is immutable. In this revolutionary look at the brain, psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Norman Doidge, M.D., provides an introduction to both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity and the people whose lives they’ve transformed.
Finding an Education Advocate
Please note that Decoding Dyslexia - Massachusetts does not directly endorse specific education advocates. It is solely the responsibility of the person seeing an advocate to vet an educational advocate to ensure they are the right fit for your family.
How to find a special education advocate https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-find-a-special-education-advocate
Questions to ask when you interview an advocate:
How to find a special education advocate https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-find-a-special-education-advocate
Questions to ask when you interview an advocate:
Summer Programs
The Landmark School | www.landmarkschool.org/summer-programs
Tufts RAVO | https://ase.tufts.edu/crlr/summerProgram
The Carroll School | http://www.carrollschool.org/summer-carroll/overview
The Kildonan School | http://www.kildonan.org/page.cfm?p=1044
The Landmark School | www.landmarkschool.org/summer-programs
Tufts RAVO | https://ase.tufts.edu/crlr/summerProgram
The Carroll School | http://www.carrollschool.org/summer-carroll/overview
The Kildonan School | http://www.kildonan.org/page.cfm?p=1044
Tutoring
Orton Gillingham | https://www.orton-gillingham.com/training/tutors/
Wilson Reading System | http://www.wilsonlanguage.com/contact-us/
Commonwealth Learning Centers | http://www.commlearn.com/
Children's Dyslexic Centers | http://www.childrensdyslexiacenters.org/ContactUs/CenterLocations/Massachusetts.aspx
Orton Gillingham | https://www.orton-gillingham.com/training/tutors/
Wilson Reading System | http://www.wilsonlanguage.com/contact-us/
Commonwealth Learning Centers | http://www.commlearn.com/
Children's Dyslexic Centers | http://www.childrensdyslexiacenters.org/ContactUs/CenterLocations/Massachusetts.aspx
