Look For Science-Based Dyslexia Reading Resources That Limit You and Your Child’s Worry and Stress
Parents who are trying to find the best way to help their child with dyslexia often run into a serious challenge right away: the overwhelming number of dyslexia resources online.
It seems that there is no limit to the number of companies claiming they can help children overcome their dyslexia and learn to read. However, parents desperate to find support should pause for a moment and make an informed decision when choosing from these resources.
Dyslexia programs are not made equally. You don’t deserve to end up shelling out hard-earned money for an ineffective program. After all, time is of the essence and the sooner your child gets effective instruction, the sooner they can begin to thrive as a reader, despite their dyslexia.
Think You Found a Program? Check Their Experience and Approach First.
Wherever there is a parent in need of support for their child, there’s a business that wants to take advantage of their fears. That’s just the way our world works. However, that doesn’t mean you have to be the victim.
Although it’s true that it’s important to help your child learn to overcome their dyslexia right away, you don’t want to hand that responsibility off to someone without the proper experience. \
In fact, the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) describes several characteristics of programs that make false promises in comparison to dyslexia therapy resources and programs that truly work.
Be wary of:
- False promises.
- Quick fixes.
- Program creators without proof of expertise.
Look for:
- Science-backed dyslexia resources.
- Expertise in education and dyslexia research.
- Instruction based on diagnostic testing.
- Programs that include ongoing monitoring.
- A team with credible credentials and authority in the field.
Make Dyslexia Resources Work For You and Your Child
Dyslexia reading resources, dyslexia therapies, and more come in all shapes and sizes. Some require tutoring at a specific location. Others require a workbook that you go through without guidance. Some only meet on the weekend, others on weekday nights.
After you’ve vetted a specific program to ensure their credentials and approach is sound, ensure that this program also works with your and your child’s schedule and preferences.
- Does the program work with your schedule?
- Is there flexibility and convenience for you and your family?
- Will your child respond to this kind of program?
- Are there clear lines of communication? Do you feel you’ll be able to connect with this program’s instructor
to get regular progress updates?
For example, many parents and children find success with a program that is virtual, but not entirely independent. In an ideal virtual environment, the child connects with an instructor for one-on-one individualized lessons from the convenience of home. Parents can then correspond by email or schedule conferences with the instructor to monitor their child’s growth.
This form of instruction empowers parents with busy schedules and allows children to learn in a comfortable environment. The journal Dyslexia reports on the stress and mental health challenges that parents experience when trying to help their child who is struggling with dyslexia. In the same publication, researchers have concluded that children with dyslexia experience similar difficulties.
Creating the ideal space that limits additional stressors can be a major support for you and your child. A dyslexia resource that parents and children find success with should feel promising and energizing. It shouldn’t create more hurdles. After all, dyslexia is the hurdle that deserves effort.
When a family has to exert themselves navigating what programs have red flags and which programs are inflexible or create anxiety, the point of receiving instruction falls by the wayside.
The goal of education is always to remove as many barriers to success as possible for every student. The dyslexia program you choose should feel like a partnership with one shared goal: your child’s growth as a reader.
Do Your Homework On Dyslexia Reading Resources to Help Your Child Thrive
Your child’s needs have always come first in your life. You’re willing to do whatever it takes to ensure they’re taken care of, comfortable, happy, and proud of who they are.
As you navigate your child’s challenges with dyslexia, you can continue to demonstrate the qualities that make you an excellent parent and a fierce advocate for their educational needs. Only choose dyslexia programs that bear the marks of quality, including expertise and flexibility to meet your child’s needs.
Use these dyslexia resources for parents to continue to strengthen your understanding of dyslexia and how to best support your child:
