The Everything Parent's Guide To Children With Dyslexia

Summary of Contents

1. Understanding Dyslexia

   What Dyslexia Means * Learning Styles * Genetic Factors * Brain Research

2. Characteristics of Dyslexia

   Early Signs of Dyslexia * Hearing & Vision Issues * School Age Children * Adolescents

3. Getting a Diagnosis

   Deciding to Seek Help * Common Diagnostic Tests * Types of Dyslexia * Gifted Children * Commercial Screening

4. Related Conditions

   Math Difficulties * Handwriting Problems * Clumsy Child Syndrome * Attention Deficit Disorder * Mood Disorders * Autistic Spectrum Disorders

5. Learning to Read

   Reading Development * Phonemic Awareness * Morphology * Orthographic Knowledge * Fluency * Comprehension * Phonics vs. Whole Language

6. Reading Instruction

   Early Prevention * Classroom Teaching * Orton-Gillingham Tutoring * Other Multisensory Techniques * Building Fluency * Visualization and Reading Comprehension

7. Dyslexia Treatment Programs

   Choosing a Program * All Kinds of Minds * Davis Dyslexia Correction * Audiblox * Lindamood-Bell * Fast ForWord * Irlen Lenses * Vision Therapy * Dore Achievement

8. Beyond Reading -- Therapies for Related Issues

   Occupational Therapy * Sensory Integration * Brain Gym * Neurofeedback * Auditory Training * The LCP Solution * The Feingold Diet

9. Choosing a School

   Charter Schools * Montessori * Waldorf * Specialized Schools for Dyslexia

10. IDEA and the IEP Process

    Qualifying for Services * IEP and FAPE * Texas Dyslexia Law * Appeals and Due Process Hearings

11. Additional Legal Protections

    ADA and 504 * Suggested Classroom Modifications * Standardized Tests * No Child Left Behind * Florida McKay Scholarships

12. Working with Your Child's Teacher

    Effective Communication with the Teacher * Building Self-Advocacy Skills * Assessment and Grading * Dealing with a Problem Teacher

13. Academic Barriers

    Speed Contests and Rote Learning * Privileges & Punishments * Organizational Skills * Grade Retention * High-Stakes Testing

14. Teaching Reading at Home

    Homeschooling * Choosing a Curriculum * Motivating your Child * Early Literacy Skills * Games and Software to Build Skills

15. Helping with Homework

    Setting Limits on Study Time * Setting Priorities * Group Projects * Technology * Study Guides * Cheating

16. Strategies for Spelling, Writing and Math

    Visual Memory & Spelling * Word Families * Writing Tips * Math Concepts * Word Problems * Programs for Math

17. Home and Family Issues

    Effective Communication * Chores * Behavior & Discipline * Sibling Rivalry * Sports * Rest & Relaxation

18. The Teen Years

    Fostering Independence * New Challenges * Extracurricular Activities * Getting a Job * Learning to Drive

19. Making Choices in High School

    Choosing a High School * The School Guidance Counselor * Electives * Foreign Language Learning

20. Planning for College and Career

    College Entrance Exams * Test Accommodations * Choosing a College * Financial Aid * Career Planning