it together,” Casadaban says. “After, there was more of a plan, and my school really focused on getting stuff into my long-term memory.” Understanding the problem is key to figuring out how to take steps to fix it! Try incorporating read-aloud time (even for older kids), using audiobooks and assis- tive tech (like speech-to-text), and praising your child’s effort. DYSLEXIA TIMELINE There is no “cure” for dyslexia—it’s a life- long journey. However, early intervention can be instrumental in helping your child learn. “Early intervention or additional direct instruction should begin as early as kindergarten or first grade for struggling readers when the gap is small and students benefit from brain plasticity advantages for learning language-based information,” the IDA recommends. When you first notice your child’s struggles, be proactive in advocating for them to get the resources they need. DYSLEXIA REFRAMED Although there are certainly challeng- es that your child will face because of dyslexia, there are also advantages. “When I was little, I just wanted it to go away,”
Casadaban remembers. “But now, even on the days I’m more aware of my dyslexia, I wouldn’t change that about myself.” Casadaban’s parents would tell her growing up that it would both hurt and help her brain to have dyslexia—and now she finally understands what they meant. “It’s made me smarter. Academically, I can solve problems faster, I can make decisions based on less information, and I’m more creative, coming up with new ways to do things.” Other benefits to dyslexia include developing more patience for others and yourself, as well as increased compassion, sympathy, and awareness toward others. “It makes me more aware of others in friend- ships because I know what it’s like to have something invisible that’s wrong with me,” Casadaban says. “There are days I wish I didn’t have dyslexia, but some days when I problem-solve, I know it’s because I grew up doing that.” Encourage your child to see the ways their dyslexia will grow them into
because it would take a lot of time when I was young.” You can also set reminders and to-do lists on your phone to help with their short-term memory struggles. Programs like Grammarly can also read everything your child types and highlight potential mistakes, which can help them to better process information. Speech-to-text typing and texting can also be a helpful tool. Plus, many e-readers like Kindles have a dyslexic font that is easier to read. DYSLEXIA RESOURCES There is a world of dyslexia-related re- sources available to you and your child at the click of a button. To learn more, check out International Dyslexia Association (IDA), Understood.org, Decoding Dyslexia, and Dr. Sally Shaywitz’s book Overcoming Dyslexia . Consider enrolling your child in a dyslexia school, tutoring, programs focused on structured literacy like Orton-Gilling- ham, or a curriculum like Barton or Wilson for targeted intervention. Dyslexia may pose difficulties, but it will grow your child in unique ways. And to your child with dyslexia, Casadaban says, “I’m so sorry school is so different for you, but even if you don’t realize it, this is turn- ing you into a more understanding person.”
a better person over time. DYSLEXIA TECH TIP
Technology is a person with dyslexia’s best friend. For example, “Textbooks read to me, which can be really helpful,” Casadaban states. “Spellcheck is awesome, especially
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