“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. I can teach others really well and explain how to do things better because I had to teach myself my entire life.” 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 friendships 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 a 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 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 resources available to you and your child at the click of a button, both locally and nationally. To learn more about better person over time. DYSLEXIA TECH TIP what dyslexia is, 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-Gillingham, or a curriculum like Barton or Wilson for targeted intervention. Remember, dyslexia may pose difficulties, but it will grow your child in unique way. 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 turning you into a more understanding person. One day you’ll find out something you’re great at and it will be so much better.”
NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2025 19
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software