If you’re a parent of a child with dyslexia, it can be challenging to know where to start. Fortunately there are several books that can help you better understand dyslexia and how to support your child's reading journey.
Here are our top four must-read books on dyslexia for parents, each offering valuable insights and practical strategies for helping your child thrive!
1. The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain
by Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide
In The Dyslexic Advantage, Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide shift the narrative from seeing dyslexia solely as a challenge to recognizing its unique strengths.
This book on dyslexia for parents explores how the dyslexic brain processes information differently, often excelling in areas like problem-solving, creativity, and spatial reasoning.
Rather than focusing only on what dyslexic individuals struggle with, this book encourages parents to celebrate their child’s strengths.
Why You Should Read It:
Offers a strengths-based approach to understanding dyslexia.
Helps you reframe dyslexia as a difference, not a deficit.
Provides practical strategies for unlocking your child's potential.
Key Takeaway: Dyslexia has hidden advantages, and recognizing these strengths can help your child excel unexpectedly.
2. Overcoming Dyslexia
by Dr. Sally Shaywitz
Overcoming Dyslexia by Dr. Sally Shaywitz is considered one of the definitive books on the topic. Based on decades of research, Dr. Shaywitz explains the science behind dyslexia and provides a comprehensive guide for early identification.
The book also offers evidence-based methods to help children improve their reading skills, even if they’ve struggled for years.
Why You Should Read It:
Provides a clear explanation of the science behind dyslexia.
Offers practical, research-backed methods for improving reading skills.
Includes advice on how to advocate for your child in school.
Key Takeaway: Early intervention and proven techniques can help your child overcome reading difficulties and reach their full potential.
3. The Gift of Dyslexia: Why Some of the Smartest People Can't Read and How They Can Learn
by Ronald D. Davis
In The Gift of Dyslexia, Ronald D. Davis takes a unique approach to dyslexia, focusing on the visual-spatial abilities that many dyslexic individuals possess.
Davis, who is dyslexic himself, presents his Davis Dyslexia Correction Program, which aims to help individuals overcome their reading challenges through methods that leverage their natural strengths.
Why You Should Read It:
Offers an alternative perspective on how to address dyslexia.
Written by someone who has personal experience with dyslexia.
Focuses on visual learning strategies to help your child improve their reading skills.
Key Takeaway: Dyslexia is not a flaw but a different way of thinking, and there are unique methods that can help children succeed.
4. Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary "Executive Skills" Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential
by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare
While Smart but Scattered isn’t exclusively about dyslexia, it addresses executive function skills—areas where many children with dyslexia may struggle.
This book on dyslexia for parents provides practical strategies to help kids improve their organizational, time-management, and task-completion skills.
These are essential tools for children with dyslexia, who may find managing schoolwork and staying focused particularly difficult.
Why You Should Read It:
Focuses on executive function skills that are often a challenge for children with dyslexia.
Provides actionable strategies to improve organization and task management.
Helps parents understand how to build a supportive environment for their child’s success.
Key Takeaway: Strengthening your child's executive function skills can greatly improve their overall academic performance, helping them manage their dyslexia-related challenges more effectively.
Getting Additional Support
Understanding dyslexia is key to supporting your child’s reading journey. Each of these books offers unique perspectives and valuable strategies to help you better understand and address the challenges your child may face.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate their strengths, improve their reading skills, or help them develop better organizational habits, these books provide the guidance you need to help your child thrive in school and life.
If you need more resources or want some 1:1 support for your dyslexic child, schedule a free consultation with our Literacy Specialists and see how we can help you!
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