A diagnosis for your child can feel like a relief–you finally have answers–and overwhelming–now what? In particular, a diagnosis of Dyslexia can make you feel vindicated. Now you know what was causing your child’s difficulties in school.
But, what comes next?
The next step is to get your child support in school and build a community to help you and your child navigate growing up with Dyslexia. Take these next steps to move from confusion to confidence.
Understand the Psychologist’s Dyslexia Report
A psychologist’s report, filled with tables and scales, can be overwhelming. Talk with your child’s psychologist to understand your child’s strengths and growth areas. The most important thing isn’t the diagnosis, per se, but how it impacts your child’s daily participation in school and how they learn best.
Make sure you understand the diagnosis, which accommodations the psychologist is recommending and why.
Set up a Meeting at School
If your child attends a public school, they can receive support either through an Individual Education Plan or a 504 Plan. As a parent, you can request a meeting to discuss your child’s report, diagnosis, and needs at any time.
Write an email (always put things in writing!) to your child’s teacher, the school principal, and the school special education coordinator. Request a meeting as soon as possible, but also know that based on school scheduling, the meeting may occur in days or within a few weeks.
Draft your Requests
Use your “wait time” before a meeting to write down what you think your child needs and why. For example:
- Does your child need to be taught by a special education teacher? If so, why?
- Which accommodations from the psychologist’s report would you like to include? Why?
Keep in mind that federal disability law requires schools to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education, not the best education or an education with a specific program or approach. So, keep your requests focused on your child and what they need to succeed.
Think: Sara requires explicit reading instruction to make progress in learning to read.
Not: Sara must be taught using the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Tip: We can connect you with a tutor or advocate that can assist your family. Fill in the questionnaire here to get assistance.
Build Community
Reach out to other parents. Not only can you learn about how they’ve advocated for their kids, but you will build an important network of people who know what it’s like and have gone through a similar experience.
Raising a child with Dyslexia is a unique parenting experience, so having a community will make it easier.
Talk with your child about Dyslexia
Once your child has struggled in school and gone through the evaluation process, they know there is something going on. Tell your child as much as you think is appropriate for their age.
A young child might benefit from hearing that their brain works differently, so they will be getting extra help so they can show everything they know.
An older child may understand that they have Dyslexia and how it impacts their learning.
Your psychologist may also have ideas on how to share their strengths and areas of focus so they feel empowered by all the work they’ve already done.
Read
Help your child connect with characters that have Dyslexia through picture books and read aloud. Especially if you don’t know any other children with Dyslexia, book characters can help your child see their own experience and that they’re not alone.
Dyslexia Book Recommendations for Children
Picture books
A Walk in the Words by Hudson Talbott
Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beatty
It’s Called Dyslexia by Jennifer Moore Mallinos
Middle grade books (for grades 4-6)
Here’s Hank series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
Diary of a Dyslexic School Kid by Alais Winton and Zac Millard [Fun fact: This book was co-authored by a kid with Dyslexia!]
Novels
Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Close to Famous by Joan Bauer
Dyslexia is my Superpower (Most of the Time) by Margaret Rooke [This is a non-fiction book with quotes from kids who have Dyslexia]
Connect with a Dyslexia Community
Once you’ve completed the evaluation process, you’re through a major challenge and can focus on how to move forward.
For instance, connect with us at LexicMinds for ongoing resources, community, and support.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the psychologist’s report is crucial for effective support. Do not hold back any questions.
- Communication with school personnel guarantees necessary accommodations. Together, you can make the best decisions for your child.
- Building a community with other parents provides valuable insights.
- Books with dyslexic characters can help your child feel understood!
Points of Action
- Gather all documents related to your child’s diagnosis and create a binder for easy reference. Include the psychologist’s report, school communications, and notes.
- Fill in the Lexic Minds Dyslexia advocate and tutor form. Our team will connect you with a professional to advocate for your family. Start here.
- Outline a personal plan with goals for your child‘s academic and emotional support. This should include meeting timelines, accommodation requests, and community resources.
- Attend a local or virtual Dyslexia parents support group meeting—exchange contact information with other parents for ongoing support and advice.
- Look into assistive technologies and educational programs that can benefit your child. Make a list of potential tools to discuss with your kid’s school.
- Spend time reading books with dyslexic characters with your child and discuss their feelings about the stories. This can help your child feel less isolated and more understood. 🩵
Written by: Samantha Cleaver
Samantha Cleaver, PhD, has more than 15 years of expertise in reading disabilities, including Dyslexia. She has taught students with Dyslexia in elementary and middle school and has worked as a school-level director of special education.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Please consult with a licensed professional when in doubt. Lexicminds is not liable for actions taken from this page. Images of books are shared solely for reference purposes. All rights to the images and content of the books are owned by their respective authors and publishers.
