BEST Tips and Resources for Dysgraphia

When a child or teen consistently struggles with the physical act of handwriting or conveying thoughts in written form, it may be a strong indication of what is called dysgraphia. This challenge can effect individuals of all ages, not just children or teens, and can not only impact a student's academic achievement but also his self-esteem---and not in a positive way.

How Will I Know If a Child Has Dysgraphia?

For years, dysgraphia was the diagnosis used for issues with writing. Now, dysgraphia is no longer a diagnosis. However, there is currently a diagnosis called specific learning disorder with impairment in written expression. This diagnosis refers to trouble conveying thoughts in writing, rather than transcription issues.

Evaluators still have ways to identify the transcription challenges, however. Some of the tests for broader writing issues include sub-tests for spelling. There are also tests for fine motor skills (the ability to make movements using the small muscles in our hands, wrists and fingers). And there are tests for motor planning skills (the ability to remember and perform steps to make a movement happen).

Several types of professionals can evaluate kids with writing issues. Psychologists test for learning issues. Occupational therapists and physical therapists test fine and gross motor skills. There are also other specialists who help kids with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) able to do this.

Trouble with writing can be caused by other learning challenges. For example, poor spelling can be the result of reading issues like dyslexia. Poor handwriting might be caused by DCD (sometimes referred to as dyspraxia).

To get the appropriate help and support for your child, it’s important to know the cause of the child’s difficulties. A full evaluation would be a good first step and can help you understand these challenges, along with your child’s strengths.

What Can Help Manage the Symptoms of Dysgraphia?

There are a number of things that can help your child with dysgraphia challenges. These include supports and services at school, therapies outside of school, and strategies you can try at home.

Types of Support and Accommodations for Dysgraphia

Appropriate Therapies: The main treatment for handwriting issues is occupational therapy (OT). Therapists can work with kids to improve fine motor skills and motor planning. Physical therapy can help with arm position and posture.

These therapies may be available free at a public school via an IEP. Some parents may also pay privately for therapy outside of school, depending on resources available.

School Supports: Kids with dysgraphia may get supports at school through an IEP or a 504 plan. There are a number of accommodations for writing issues. Kids may also get assistive technology and other tools. These can range from simple pencil grips to dictation software. As much as possible, create a classroom that is dysgraphia-friendly with accommodations like the following:

1. Yes, DO Teach Cursive Writing: Cursive writing has fewer starting points than disconnected print letters, which translates to improved writing speed, more consistent letter sizing, and neater overall appearance of writing. Watch a free webinar on the importance of cursive writing instruction for students and use cursive writing books from Handwriting Without Tears to teach cursive writing as early as first grade. Remember that cursive writing helps promote more connectivity between the two hemispheres of the human brain.

2. DO Teach Typing: Typing can be easier than writing once students are fluent with keyboards. Teach typing skills starting as early as kindergarten and allow for ample typing practice in the classroom. Many schools and districts have typing programs to support their students’ budding typing skills. Great online typing programs include Nessy Fingers Touch Typing (which costs money), TypingClub and the games at Typing.com.

3. DO Provide Access to Speech-to-Text Tools: Assistive technology accommodations can support students with dysgraphia in their classroom writing tasks in all grades. There are several free, easy-to-use speech-to-text dictation tools. Students can use Google’s Voice Typing tool, Dragon Dictation, or Apple’s Speak Screen functions.

4. DO Use Graph Paper for Math Assignments and Tests: Graph paper helps students with dysgraphia stay in the lines, which becomes increasingly important in the later grades when they’re faced with more complex math tasks. Reduce unintended errors by providing graph paper for student tests or as a background for homework assignments. Consider using the free printable math grids like those available at Do2Learn (please see Dysgraphia Resources below here).

5. DO Allow for Note-Taking Accommodations: Copying notes from a whiteboard can be a particular challenge for students with dysgraphia. Allow students to take pictures of lecture notes to review later. Students can use a free optical character reader (OCR) like Prizmo Go (for iOS) or Google Keep (for Android) to automatically read text from the photos to review those notes.

6. DO Be Deliberate about Hanging Students’ Written Work: Classroom writing is difficult for students with dysgraphia. Written assignments may take two or three times as long to complete, and often they will look sloppy even if the student has tried to produce their best work. When displaying student work, consider waiting to hang assignments until everyone has finished so students with dysgraphia don’t feel shame at having everyone else’s work on display while theirs is still in progress. Another option is to hang typed work so students with dysgraphia can be proud of the finished product that hangs alongside the work of their peers.

These are just a few things that may help a student with dysgraphia in the classroom. But mainly it’s important to be creative about accommodations and to communicate with students about their individual needs.

Help at Home: There are many ways you can help your child with writing issues. Here are just a handful:

1. Locate a good drawing exercise for improving handwriting.
2. View an expert explaining how to use dictation software on a mobile device.
3. Discover tools that can help with writing difficulties.
4. Watch a video on how different pencil grips might help your child.
5. Try a variety of multi-sensory techniques for teaching handwriting.
6. Download tools, apps and other resources to help with handwriting. (See Dysgraphia Resources below here.)

Dysgraphia Resources

Dysgraphia: What You Need to Know - by Understood
https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/understanding-dysgraphia

10 Tips to Help Children with Dysgraphia
https://www.focusandread.com/blog/post/3828864

BEST Websites for Dyslexia & Dysgraphia
https://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/10/best-websites-for-dyslexia-dysgraphia.html

Creating a Dysgraphia-Friendly Classroom - by Jessica Hamman, edutopia
Here are 6 ways to support students with dysgraphia—a learning difference that affects a person’s ability to produce written work.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/creating-dysgraphia-friendly-classroom

8 Tools for Kids with Dysgraphia - by Understood
These tools and apps can make writing easier. She may already use some of them at school, but it can help to have them at home, too. Most tools are sold in online catalogs for occupational therapists.
https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/8-tools-for-kids-with-dysgraphia

Dysgraphia-I Created an App for That - by Amberlynn Gifford Slavin, ADDitude
It’s called SnapType, and it helps kids keep up with their peers in class when their penmanship holds them back.
https://www.additudemag.com/dysgraphia-i-created-an-app-for-that/

FREE Printable Math Grids - from Do2Learn
http://www.do2learn.com/academics/Mathematics/index.htm

For information about customizable tools for readers and learners of all ages, please visit: FocusandRead.com ---Tools for challenged readers of all ages!

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC and Pixabay

Struggling to Write Those Ideas on Paper?

In today's world, it is more important than ever to be able to organize thoughts and get them down on paper or screen. Offline and online media is everywhere, and if we want to be "heard" by others, we need to be able to express and convey those thoughts WELL.

Being able to express oneself is a unique skill and even a gift for some individuals. When you encourage and cultivate this capability in your child or student, you give her the invaluable power to meaningfully share her thoughts and ideas with the world. To help her get started, you might find the following 5 steps (adapted from teacher-writer Karen Dikson) beneficial in organizing thoughts and beginning to get those ideas down on paper or screen:

5 Basic Steps to Writing Success

1. Practice, practice, practice!
2. Find examples of good writing!
3. Use Pinterest or graphic organizers to organize ideas & resources!
4. Brainstorm and plan what to write.
5. Use a tablet to get ideas down faster and more efficiently.

When Dysgraphia Adds to the Writing Challenge

There can often be an additional component for some children or teens when it is time to express their ideas and get them down on paper or screen. This component makes writing nearly impossible for a significant number of individuals. It is called dysgraphia, a handwriting challenge characterized chiefly by very poor or often illegible writing or writing that takes an unusually long time and great effort to complete. When present in children, dysgraphia is classified as a learning disability. When it occurs as an acquired condition in adults, it can sometimes be the result of damage to the brain (as from stroke or trauma).

When a person of any age or ability struggles with dysgraphia, writing takes far longer (if it can be produced at all) to complete. As a result, dysgraphia all too often negatively impacts learning success and self-esteem. To provide support for an individual with dysgraphia, keep in mind that technology can go a long way to help. A laptop or tablet device will take pressure off the proper formation of hand-written phrases and sentences, allowing the individual to focus on his ideas instead. A digital app, mp3 player or other recording device can be just the thing to free a "great thinker" and finally enable the expression of wonderful, innovative ideas. In addition, consider the following strategies from the Learning Disabilities Association of America to help someone you know challenged with dysgraphia:

Helpful Strategies for Dysgraphia

1. Suggest use of word processor
2. Avoid chastising student for sloppy, careless work
3. Use oral exams
4. Allow use of tape recorder for lectures
5. Allow the use of a note taker
6. Provide notes or outlines to reduce the amount of writing required
7. Reduce copying aspects of work (pre-printed math problems)
8. Allow use of wide rule paper and graph paper
9. Suggest use of pencil grips and /or specially designed writing aids
10. Provide alternatives to written assignments (i.e., video reports, audio reports, etc.)

Implementing one or more of the above strategies and combining them with the 5 steps for writing success will enable your child or students to be well on the road to improved writing---AND without the usual struggles and "pain" so often experienced by reluctant, organization-challenged or dysgraphic individuals. We hope you will see the transformation in the very near future!

Writing Resources to Help Your Child or Students

How To Inspire Your Kids to Write and Why It’s So Important
by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S.
https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-inspire-your-kids-to-write-and-why-its-so-important/

Books that Teach About the Writing Process (for Gr. K-5)
from This Reading Mama blog
If you teach writing to young learners, this book list has over 15 books to help you teach young writers all about the writing process.
https://thisreadingmama.com/books-teach-writing-process/

5 Steps to Help Your Kid Write a Better Essay
by Karen Dikson and Parent Toolkit
https://www.parenttoolkit.com/academics/news/general-parenting/5-steps-to-help-your-kid-write-a-better-essay

Dysgraphia Resources to Help Your Child or Students

The BEST Dictation Software for 2019
Here's the short list of the best dictation apps, with more information following, such as how we chose them, tips for using dictation software and detailed descriptions of the apps.
https://zapier.com/blog/best-text-dictation-software/

10 Tips to Help Children with Dysgraphia
Does your child struggle to write on the appropriate lines provided? Do you know or teach a child who is challenged and/or frustrated with simply forming basic letters and words? This article will provide strategies and tips to help children challenged with dysgraphia.
https://www.focusandread.com/blog/post/3828864

For information about customizable tools for readers of all ages, please visit: FocusandRead.com ---Tools for challenged readers of all ages!

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC and Pixabay

BEST Websites for Dyslexia-2018

It's no surprise that the most popular article (with resources) in our blog here was actually written and published back in 2013. The article entitled BEST Websites for Dyslexia & Dysgraphia has experienced nearly 35,000 visitors to date since its publication in early October of that year (updated in late 2016).

We thought we were long overdue in providing our readers with a brand new article with the latest and best in dyslexia websites and resources. We hope that you will discover exactly what you need in the list of links below to effectively help a reader with dyslexia whom you know and support.

BEST Websites for Dyslexia-2018

The International Dyslexia Association
Home Page: https://dyslexiaida.org
FREE Fact Sheets: https://dyslexiaida.org/fact-sheets/

The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
http://www.dyslexia.yale.edu/

DyslexiaHelp at the University of Michigan
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/

Decoding Dyslexia
National grassroots organization of parents, teachers and other adults impacting the lives of children & adults w/ dyslexia
Home Page:http://www.decodingdyslexia.net/
Links to Individual State Branches: http://www.decodingdyslexia.net/dd-states.html

For Teachers from Decoding Dyslexia Oregon
Dyslexia resources for educators---all in 1 place.
http://www.decodingdyslexiaor.org/for-teachers/

Understanding Dyslexia from Understood.org
https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyslexia/understanding-dyslexia

Dyslexic Advantage by Drs. Fernette & Brock Eide
Home Page: http://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/
Online Adult Dyslexia Checklist of Symptoms(for guidance only): http://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/dyslexia-test/

Bright Solutions for Dyslexia by Susan Barton
http://www.dys-add.com/

800+ Dyslexia Resources---ALL in 1 Place! from Brennan Innovators, LLC
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/dyslexia-resources-support/

Connect the Dots: Understanding Dyslexia (Launch Report-May 2017)
by Kate Griggs, Founder & CEO, Made By Dyslexia
http://www.madebydyslexia.org/assets/downloads/made_by_dyslexia_connecting_the_dots.pdf

LD Online-Dyslexia Basics
http://www.ldonline.org/article/16282

Reading Rockets
http://www.readingrockets.org/reading-topics/dyslexia

OpenDyslexic Font by Abelardo Gonzalez
Access to FREE download of font that helps dyslexic readers (for all possible devices)
https://opendyslexic.org/

BEST Websites for Dyslexia & Dysgraphia
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/10/best-websites-for-dyslexia-dysgraphia.html

How Well Does Your State Support Children with Dyslexia? (published 10/25/17)
by Emily Hanford, The Hechinger Report
Provides clickable map for status of dyslexia legislation in all 50 U.S. States.
http://hechingerreport.org/well-state-support-children-dyslexia/

Homeschooling With Dyslexia by Marianne Sunderland
Website with excellent information and resources for teachers, homeschooling families and others who care for and serve children with dyslexia.
https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/

Why Audiobooks? from mindspark
Reasons why audiobooks are a GOOD and WISE resource for dyslexic readers.
http://www.mindsparklearning.com/why-audiobooks/

“Don’t Worry. He’ll Catch Up” Will Condemn Your Child To a Lifetime of Struggling to Read
by Judy Santilli Packhem, Medium
Children who have difficulty when young will not just “catch up” on their own or with traditional methods of teaching.
https://medium.com/@judysantillipackhem/dont-worry-he-ll-catch-up-will-condemn-your-child-to-a-lifetime-of-struggling-to-read-2dcfbb488ed8

Exercise Helps the Brain by clnAdrian, Conscious Life News
https://consciouslifenews.com/new-finding-different-types-exercise-affect-different-parts-brain/11121031/

Differently Wired by Mike Pickle
Dyslexic/dyspraxic blogger offers tips, techniques and related guidance for working professionals with dyslexia who wish to excel in the workplace.
https://differentlywired.co.uk/

For information on customizable tools for dyslexia & other reading challenges:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC: www.FocusandRead.com and
Pixabay.com: https://pixabay.com/en/children-studying-book-reading-read-670663/

10 Tips to Help Children with Dysgraphia

Does your child struggle to write on the appropriate lines provided? Do you know or teach a child who is challenged and/or frustrated with simply forming basic letters and words? A child or student with these issues just might be challenged with dysgraphia.

Dysgraphia is a neurological disorder characterized by writing disabilities. Specifically, the disorder causes a person's writing to be distorted or incorrect. In children, the disorder generally emerges when they are first introduced to writing. They make inappropriately sized and spaced letters, or write wrong or misspelled words, despite thorough and apporpriate instruction.

Children with the disorder may have other learning disabilities; however, they usually have no social or other academic problems. Dysgraphia in adults generally occurs after some trauma. In addition to poor handwriting, dysgraphia is characterized by wrong or odd spelling, and production of words that are not correct (i.e., using "boy" for "child"). The cause of the disorder is unknown, but in adults, it is usually associated with damage to the parietal lobe of the brain.

1. First, CHANGE the paper used for writing.
A person with dysgraphia experiences significant challenges in the writing process. These challenges involve the inability to organize information that is stored in memory AND getting words on to paper by handwriting or typing them.

These 2 challenges prevent dysgraphic persons from understanding the spacing between letters, words, and sentences. In order to help your child visualize the space and to minimize frustration, first consider replacing your child’s lined paper with graph paper or turn the lined paper sideways, with each letter getting its own block/space and leaving an empty block/space between words.

You might also try using various kinds of highlighted printing papers. There are a few online sources for such supplies. (Please see FREE downloadable templates available via the link provided below here, too.)

Also, consider changing the color of the writing paper. A particular pastel color for paper may help alleviate some of the visual stress caused by white papers. Just the "right" colored paper for your child could make a positive difference, if only in the way he approaches the writing task.

2. CHANGE the writing tool or instrument your child uses.
Dysgraphia affects fine motor control. Because of this, gripping a pencil or pen lightly isn’t natural. Encourage your child to write as if she were holding a feather, or take it a bit further and give her an actual quill and ink. Feathers are delicate and children tend to handle them much more gently than they do a solid object like a pencil. If a quill is not readily available, consider using chalk, as it will crumble when pressed too hard. Also, consider the use of a thicker pen/pencil for improved grip. In addition, a soft or cushioned pencil grip added to a writing instrument can provide more comfort, stability and security for the user, especially if sensory issues are present.

As for writing surfaces, the bigger, the better! Use an easel or a large sheet of white poster board. Another option is to use sliding glass doors on which to write (with washable markers or transparency pens) as they are huge and the glass surface naturally encourages my children to write much more softly than they would on other surfaces. An added benefit is that these large glass doors can easily and quickly be washed.

In addition, adding a soft and comfortable pencil grip or holder to the writing tool currently used can provide much support for a struggling writer. These types of pencil grips can be found online from various special needs sources.

3. TEACH your child to type and effectively use a computer keyboard.
To help eliminate much of the stress of repeated writing difficulties, allow your child to express his ideas and thoughts with a word processor or computer keyboard. Providing this option can relax and enable your child to make more progress in learning in all content areas. Another option for this purpose is a portable keyboard/word processor called AlphaSmart. Although an older type of assistive technology, the AlphaSmart keyboards can provide the needed typing tool for a challenged writer and is available online either new or used.

4. INTRODUCE your child to gross motor skill exercises.
Show your child a few gross motor skill exercises to strengthen the arm and hand. Then incorporate these exercises into your child's daily routine. Make them fun, combining them with rhymes or your child's favorite kind of music. A good resource for these types of exercises is OT Mom Learning Activities (please see "gross motor" link below here).

5. INTRODUCE fine motor control exercises.
Introduce fine motor control exercises to strengthen the fingers and wrist. Add these to your child's daily activities as well. By combining these exercises with some relaxing instrumental music selections, your child may relax a bit more and be able to concentrate on the exercises more successfully. A variety of fine motor exercises can also be accessed via many special needs or OT websites such as OT Mom Learning Activities, too (please see "fine motor" link below here).

6. CONSIDER by-passing printing & proceed directly to cursive writing.
The move to cursive, too, can significantly reduce the levels of frustration experienced by many with dysgraphia, allowing them to relax and become better able to write. This might be a temporary by-pass of printing, or it could become more permanent, depending upon the results observed with the cursive writing.

7. DEVELOP & UTILIZE narration or speaking skills whenever possible.
Dysgraphia causes some individuals to experience a block between thinking something and writing it. Narration is an excellent tool for helping your child record her thoughts. Saying letters and words aloud as they are recorded on a small tech device (mp3 player or the like) or with a text-to-speech program will also be a benefit when it is time to write down those words. A handy list will have already been created.

8. WORK TOGETHER to evaluate & change your writing goals as needed.
Discuss at least once per week about how the accommodations are working to help your child. Even if your child is young, he can provide valuable input as to what is working and what is not. He may even have additional ideas to add or request, especially after you have begun to show him just a few helpful strategies or accommodations.

9. DEMONSTRATE and USE large "air writing" techniques.
Demonstrate and use large "air writing" of letters to develop a more efficient motor memory for the sequence of steps necessary in making each letter. You might also introduce "sand writing" which involves using the finder to write out letters in a sided tray of sand. These multi-sensory approaches often yield very positive results.

10.MAKE USE of a other multi-sensory techniques.
Make use of a variety of multi-sensory techniques to further develop handwriting skills. Visit Dysgraphia Resources to access more than 200 multi-sensory activities, tools and other resources to help your child with the challenges of dysgraphia (many of the resources there are FREE, too!)

Sources & Resources:

8 Strategies to Beat Dysgraphia from Homeschool Gameschool blog
http://homeschoolgameschool.com/8-strategies-to-beat-dysgraphia/

Strategies for Dealing with Dysgraphia by Regina G. Richards, LD Online
http://www.ldonline.org/article/5890

BEST Websites for Dyslexia & Dysgraphia from Help for Struggling Readers blog
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/10/best-websites-for-dyslexia-dysgraphia.html

Pencil Grips and Holders from Fun and Function
https://funandfunction.com/more/write-and-more/grips.html

AlphaSmart Keyboards
Portable assistive technology for keyboarding and word processing.
https://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aalphasmart%20keyboards

Fine Motor Activities from OT Mom Learning Activities
www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com/hand-exercises-for-kids.html

Gross Motor Skill Activities-from OT Mom Learning Activities
http://www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com/gross-motor-activities.html

Able Apps for Dysgraphia from Help for Struggling Readers blog
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/08/able-apps-for-dysgraphia.html

200+ Dysgraphia Resources---ALL in 1 Place from Brennan Innovators, LLC
More than 200 multi-sensory resources to help someone you know with dysgraphia.
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/dysgraphia-resources/?etslf=6371&eq=Dysgraphia

For information on digital & low-tech reading tools for ADHD, dyslexia and other challenges, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

BEST Resources for Dyslexia

Dyslexia can affect children and adults of all levels of intelligence and ability. However, very often, individuals with dyslexia possess an above-average intellectual level.

It is important to address the unique symptoms of dyslexia as well as accommodate individual learning challenges so that the persons affected can progress in the classroom, in the workplace and in life. Doing so will enable them to actually reach their potentials. Persons with dyslexia often have exceptional talents and gifts that can positively influence their lives and our world. If we use the right strategies and accommodations to help dyslexics, not only will the 1 in 5 persons affected with dyslexia benefit, but all of society will enjoy the positive results of addressing their learning needs.

Dyslexia Vocabulary & Definitions

Visual dyslexia is the term used for the specific learning disability called visual processing disorder. This form of dyslexia is the result of immature development of not only the eyes, but the entire neurological process that receives and manages information from the eyes to the brain.

A child's eyes that are not fully developed will send incomplete information to the brain. This incomplete information then results in poor comprehension of what the child has read or poor memory of visual information. Sometimes this process results in number and letter reversals as well as the inability to write symbols in the correct sequence. However, this does not always occur. In other words, letter reversals are not an automatic indication of this type of dyslexia, as some may believe.

Phonological (auditory) dyslexia is the specific learning disability involving poor auditory processing. The more severe condition is called Auditory Processing Disorder (OPD). This form of dyslexia involves difficulty with sounds of letters or groups of letters. With this form of dyslexia, sounds are usually perceived as jumbled or not heard correctly.

Dyspraxia refers to the learning disability term sensor-motor integration. It is a widely pervasive motor condition characterized by impairment or immaturity of the organization of movement with associated problems of language, perception and thought. Typically, the child affected by dyspraxia may appear clumsy with poor coordination.

This learning challenge called dyspraxia is separated into several groups. True dyspraxia is a lifelong condition that, to some degree, can respond to consistent, early and structured intervention. Developmental dyspraxia reflects neurological immaturity. It is evidence of a delay rather than a deficit that can be resolved over time with appropriate treatment. However, only time will determine the difference.

Verbal praxis refers to the weaknesses observed in the mechanisms of speech production which can cause articulation to be impaired and expressive language to be inhibited. Speech production and articulation are not considered learning disabilities but should certainly be addressed by a speech and language therapist.

Dysgraphia is the term referred to as an inability to hold or control a pencil so that the correct markings can be made on paper. These symptoms most often manifest themselves in poor letter formation in printing or deficient cursive writing skills. When talking about a specific learning disability, these symptoms would be identified as immature, fine-motor development.

Dyscalculia refers to an impairment of the ability to solve mathematical problems, usually resulting from brain dysfunction. Persons of any IQ can be affected and often have difficulties with time, measurement and spatial reasoning. Dyscalculia can be detected at a young age. Because of this, measures can be taken to ease the problems faced by younger students by implementing specific strategies or modifying the teaching methods. However, because dyscalculia is not as well-known as other learning disorders, it is often not recognized nor addressed.
(Source: TYPES OF DYSLEXIA by Understanding Learning Disabilities: http://www.understanding-learning-disabilities.com/types-of-dyslexia.html---Please see active link to follow.)

Our purpose here is not only to inform our readers about the semantics of dyslexia but also to provide helpful resources to aid in addressing the unique learning needs of those affected. We have gathered together here some of the links we believe might be most beneficial. We hope you will agree and use them to help a struggling dyslexic child, teen or adult.

BEST Resources for the Dyslexias

Top 10 Resources on Dyslexia
by Reading Rockets via LDOnline.com
Resources and links to help you learn about dyslexia and how to help a reader challenged with its symptoms.
http://www.ldonline.org/article/42331/

TYPES OF DYSLEXIA
by Understanding Learning Disabilities
There are several types of dyslexia (or learning disabilities) that can affect the child's ability to spell as well as read. The types are identified by the nature of the problem within the central nervous system or brain.
http://www.understanding-learning-disabilities.com/types-of-dyslexia.html

Accommodating Students With Dyslexia
by Cecil Mercer, EdD via NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities)
Teaching students with dyslexia across settings is challenging. Listed here are some accommodations that general education and special education teachers can use in a classroom of heterogeneous learners.
http://ncld.org/students-disabilities/ld-education-teachers/accommodating-students-dyslexia

Types of Accommodations(for Dyslexia)
from Davis Dyslexia
Different kinds of accommodations that can be provided to dyslexic students when studying and taking exams.
http://faq.dyslexia.com/cgi-bin/faq_wiki.pl?Types_Of_Accommodations

Reading Focus Cards Desktop App (Patent 8,360,779)
This DESKTOP app is the digital version of the low-tech, physical Reading Focus Cards tools (Patent 7,565,759), solutions for struggling readers. This app provides very practical support for children and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, autism and other conditions that can affect reading success. It promotes more FOCUSED online reading of almost ALL digital media (webpages, PDF files, Word docs, Excel spreadsheets & more.) In addition, the app supports touch-screen technology (where applicable).

1. For Macs (desktops & notebooks):
Visit the Mac App Store and search for Reading Focus Cards or go directly to
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12

2. For Windows PCs (desktops & laptops):
Visit Gumroad at https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards OR visit the Microsoft Windows Store and search for the app called Reading Focus Cards. (No URLs are ever provided for apps in the Windows Store.)

For more information on customizable reading tools for dyslexia and other reading issues, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

Dyslexia Facts, Resources & Apps for This Back-to-School Season

With the new school year beginning for most students this month, we have paid particular attention to the visitors to our blog and the information they are currently seeking. You may be interested to know that 6 out of 10 searches on our Help for Struggling Readers blog currently involve the topic of dyslexia. During the past week when many schools began the new year, we noted that the top search keywords and phrases were devices to help with dyslexia, dyslexia testing, reading tools for dyslexia and apps for dysgraphia.

This is one reason why we thought it would be a good idea to present a few facts about dyslexia that could help many of the parents and students seeking assistance with dyslexia. We also are providing a few new resources to help as well. We hope that with this information and these ready-to-go resources at your fingertips, you or someone you know will experience a much more SUCCESSFUL back-to-school season!

Happy Reading, everyone!

Dyslexia Facts

1. If young students with dyslexia receive the needed resources and support from K-3 grade, those same students will experience much more reading and academic success in later years.

2. Students with dyslexia who receive this support after grade 3 will have a more significant challenge learning to read.

3. Many children and adults with dyslexia are particularly sensitive to light or contrast on a page, so helpful reading tools may alleviate eyestrain and make reading less cumbersome for some students.

4. Dyslexic students tend to be especially adept at understanding three-dimensional objects, spatial reasoning, and things they can see in pictures.

5. Persons with dyslexia have problems with symbols, so their math challenges often stem from difficulty with the symbolic representation of math concepts.

6. Many dyslexic students also have difficulty thinking with words, so rote memory of math sums (such as multiplication tables) can be particularly difficult.

7. Because students with dyslexia are "big picture" thinkers, they often have trouble with sequential, step-by-step logic or ordering (which is critical when following a series of steps such as learning to do long division, multiplication, etc.)

8. Researchers who have studied identical twins have found that where one twin is dyslexic, the other will have dyslexia about 55 to 70 percent of the time, depending on the type of dyslexia. This research shows that there is a strong genetic influence, but that environment and life experiences also play a role in the development of symptoms.

9. There is a wide range of careers and professions that can enable a dyslexic to be successful. A few examples are:

-Science/research
-Psychology
-Teaching
-Business/management/marketing/sales
-Interior design/garden & landscape design
-Culinary arts
-Woodworking/carpentry
-Art/painting/sculpting/acting/graphic art
-Architecture/design
-Mechanics/engineering
-Photography/music
-Athletics
-Computing/software design/electronics

10. "When we look at the gift (of dyslexia) as well as the disability we promote a wider understanding of dyslexia, more tolerance, and development of better educational and workplace tools for enable dyslexic people to learn and work more effectively." (Source: Abigail Marshall, DDAI---http://www.dyslexia.com/qagift.htm#981026)

Dyslexia Resources

Methods & Therapies to Help with Dyslexia
from Davis Dyslexia Association International
http://www.dyslexia.com/library/dyslexia_methods.htm

Horatio Humble Beats the Big D
by Margot Finke
A book about dyslexia for young readers ages 5-10 years.
Synopsis: When a young student named Horatio has difficulty reading, his parents meet with the teacher to discover why. Horatio hears the words Dyslexia and Special Ed. "No way! Kids will think I'm dumb." However, after working with the teacher, things begin to look much brighter for Horatio. This is an excellent book for children with dyslexia.
http://www.amazon.com/Horatio-Humble-Beats-Big-D/dp/1616331011

Interactive Mathematics Miscellany and Puzzles
from Cut the Knot
Hands-on math resources for dyscalculia & other math challenges
http://www.cut-the-knot.org/

Links to FREE Software for Dyslexia
from Davis Dyslexia Association International
The programs on this page are available via the internet, without charge for the initial download.
http://www.dyslexia.com/helpread.htm

Reading Made Simple-Book 1: Sounding Out Words-2nd Edition
Written by Dyslexics for Dyslexics - A Parent/Teacher Guide [Kindle Edition] (Price: $0.99) by Russell Van Brocklen, Aliza Sager, Zack Erickson-Grabowski
This book describes a scientifically-based writing program. It is provided for parents, educators and tutors to learn how to teach dyslexics how to read a basic sentence simply and easily.
http://www.amazon.com/Dyslexia-Solutions-Reading-Made-Simple-ebook/dp/B00KKSLKU6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1402519450&sr=8-2&keywords=russell+van+brocklen

FREE Online Test for Dyslexia
from Davis Dyslexia Association International
This link offers a free on-line questionnaire that will provide a short learning profile and help determine the level and severity of dyslexia symptoms. The test takes about 5 minutes to complete and is confidential. This website does not require submission of any personal identifying information.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that this online assessment is not a substitute for a formal diagnosis. It is intended primarily for educational purposes, to help individuals, parents and teachers better understand their learning profile and to learn more about dyslexia.
http://www.testdyslexia.com/

The Positive Aspects of Having Dyslexia
from Happy Dyslexic
Special characteristics, talents and abilities of dyslexics enable them to be successful in a wide range of careers. Lists of each are provided here.
http://www.happydyslexic.com/node/6

Dyslexia Solutions: Navigating to the Best Solution
from DyslexiaConsultants.com
Learn what you can do to overcome dyslexia and many of the types of learning disabilities children face today.
http://www.dyslexiaconsultants.com/

Dyslegia: A Legislative Information Site
This site is maintained by Davis Dyslexia Association International to report and track pending dyslexia legislation in the United States.
http://www.dyslegia.com/

Dyslexia Apps

APP: Dyslexia |Your News Read Aloud (FREE)
by Volacent---Limited
(For Android)
This app reads aloud any news, magazines and blogs websites of your choice and is perfect for persons with dyslexia. Start listening to CNN, FOX news, USA TODAY and many more. Provides the best clear & natural reading voice experience. Real time news articles are read aloud for you while driving your car, jogging, cooking or even drifting to sleep.
Note: After download you will be asked to upgrade.
http://www.appszoom.com/android_applications/news_and_magazines/dyslexia-your-news-read-aloud_fwndq_download.html

APP: Dyslexia and Dysgraphia (Price: $4.99)
by Katherine Johnson
(For iOS 5.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad & iPod touch. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.)
Do you or someone you know have a hard time reading, especially with reversing letters and numbers at an older age? Do you have poor handwriting? Do you have a hard time getting your thoughts down on paper? This app contains exercises that, if done daily for at least 30 days, have helped many people overcome just that!
https://itunes.apple.com/app/dyslexia-and-dysgraphia/id570607504?mt=8

APPS: List of Apps for Dyslexia (Price: FREE & Various prices)
from DyslexiaHelp and the University of Michigan
(For iOS and Android devices)
Frequently updated online list of apps to help with dyslexia challenges
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/apps

Desktop APP: Reading Focus Cards (Patent 8,360,779) (Price: $5.99)
From Brennan Innovators, LLC
This desktop app is the digital version of the physical Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), solutions for struggling readers. This app for Windows PCs and Macs provides practical READING SUPPORT for children and adults with dyslexia, ADHD, autism and other conditions that can affect reading success. It promotes more FOCUSED online reading of almost ALL digital media (webpages, PDF files, Word docs, Excel spreadsheets & more.) In addition, the Reading Focus Cards app is compatible with and supports touch-screen technology. The application can be moved on the screen over text by the fingers, mouse or arrow keys as needed.
1. For Macs (desktops & notebooks):
Visit the Mac App Store and search for Reading Focus Cards or go directly to
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12
2. For Windows PCs (desktops & laptops):
Visit Gumroad at https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards OR visit the Microsoft Windows Store and search for the app called Reading Focus Cards. (No URLs are ever provided for apps in the Windows Store.)

For more information on customizable reading tools for dyslexia, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

Helpful Activities for Your Child with Dyslexia

You've finally received a diagnosis of dyslexia for your child from a developmental optometrist or other appropriate medical professional. Now what? What does this mean for your child---and you? Which strategies will work best for her? What can you do as a parent to help your child manage the symptoms of this learning difference called dyslexia?

Not to worry. There are many things you can do as a parent to help your child or teen with the reading and learning issues involved with dyslexia. Some of those things include activities that can actually help manage the symptoms your child may be experiencing. This week, we wanted to provide a list of links to such activities that can be helpful to your child or teen AND you. As always, we hope you will find that these will assist you in your efforts to improve the quality of life for your child with dyslexia.

Helpful Activities for Children with Dyslexia

Look carefully! One shape is missing.
by Stephany Koujou (from the American Dyslexia Association)
For this FREE resource, you will need to look carefully! One shape from the field on the right is missing in the field on the left. Can you find the missing shape? There are two levels of difficulty. Level one: The shapes have been mixed. Level two: The shapes have been mixed AND turned around and/or mirrored. This trains attention and visual and spatial perception – important skills for good reading, writing and calculating. This is also good brain training for adults. Have fun searching!
http://www.dyslexia.me/look-carefully-one-shape-is-missing/

Monster – Perception training
by Stephany Koujou (from the American Dyslexia Association)
Who can say “no” to these monsters? This FREE download is full of monsters! Children can find monsters, connect monsters, recognize clippings and find monster shadows. These exercises train attention and visual and spatial perception – important skills for reading, writing and calculating.
http://www.dyslexia.me/monster-perception-training/

Great FREE and Affordable Activities and eBooks for Your Dyslexic Child
These FREE animated reading books can help improve children's reading, vocabulary and listening skills at home. The careful choice of graded words provides vital reading practice at the beginning stages of reading but story content is suitable for a slightly older age group who may have fallen behind. These interactive books can act as a vital bridge between listening and reading. Reading ability 5-7 years, appropriate content to age 12.
http://donnette.squidoo.com/educational-activities-for-dyslexic-kids

All Kinds of Brain-Training Exercises---for You & Your Child!
(related article from this Help for Struggling Readers blog)
Many FREE resources for improving brain function both with specific, physical exercises and with other brain-building activities. By adding a few of these to your and your child's daily regimen, you'll both be ready for just about any cognitive skill workout. What's more, your child's next school year could be even more productive! Do them together, and imagine what great things could develop for BOTH of you!
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/06/all-kinds-of-brain-training-exercises.html

Dyslexia Games (Teaching Children with Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism or Asperger's Syndrome)
Creative Kids can help overcome reading confusion with art, drawing & logic games! Use fun activity books to QUICKLY overcome reading confusion, messy handwriting, poor spelling, concentration problems, and letter reversals that are common to children with these learning challenges.
http://www.dyslexiagames.com/order-here.html

For information on customizable reading tools for ADHD & other reading challenges:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

BEST Websites for Dyslexia & Dysgraphia

The 2nd in a series of 5 articles with specific special needs resources
Updated November 2016

In last week’s article, we mentioned that this month was ADHD Awareness Month, and we provided our readers with some helpful ADHD website resources to commemorate the next 31 days---BEST Websites for AD/HD. That same article was the first in a series of five this month of October, also designated as Learning Disabilities Awareness Month. To continue our series AND address the needs of other learning disabilities, this week’s article will address some helpful resources for two other learning challenges---dyslexia and dysgraphia.

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a lifelong challenge. This language-based processing disorder can hinder reading, writing, spelling and sometimes even speaking. Dyslexia is not a sign of poor intelligence or laziness or the result of impaired hearing or vision. Children and adults with dyslexia have a neurological disorder that causes their brains to process and interpret information differently.
(Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities---NCLD: Please see website link to follow below here.)

Studies show that individuals with dyslexia process information in a different area of the brain than do non-dyslexics. Many people who are dyslexic are of average to above-average intelligence.
(Source: The International Dyslexia Association---IDA: Please see website link to follow below here.)

What Is Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing, which in itself requires a complex set of motor and information processing skills. Dysgraphia makes the act of writing difficult. It can lead to problems with spelling, poor handwriting and putting thoughts on paper. People with dysgraphia can have trouble organizing letters, numbers and words on a line or page. This can result partly from:

• Visual-spatial difficulties: trouble processing what the eye sees
• Language processing difficulty: trouble processing and making sense of what the ear hears
(Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities---NCLD: Please see website link to follow below here.)

We hope that the website resources listed below for dyslexia and dysgraphia will be helpful to you or to someone you know.

BEST Websites & Resources for Dyslexia

The International Dyslexia Association
https://dyslexiaida.org

The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
http://www.dyslexia.yale.edu/

DyslexiaHelp at the University of Michigan
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/

Articles and Resources for Dyslexia from Understood.org
https://www.understood.org/en/about/search-results?q=dyslexia

800+ Dyslexia Resources & Support---ALL in 1 Place! from Brennan Innovators, LLC
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/dyslexia-resources-support/

BEST Websites & Resources for Dysgraphia

The International Dyslexia Association
https://dyslexiaida.org/understanding-dysgraphia/

Dysgraphia from National Center for Learning Disabilities
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/what-is-dysgraphia

Dysgraphia from LD Online
http://www.ldonline.org/article/5890/

Dysgraphia from Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)
http://www.ldanatl.org/aboutld/parents/ld_basics/dysgraphia.asp

Articles and Resources for Dysgraphia from Understood.org
https://www.understood.org/en/about/search-results?q=dysgraphia

Handwriting Problem Solutions from Handwriting Problem Solutions, LLC
http://www.handwriting-solutions.com/dysgraphia.asp

200+ Dysgraphia Resources---ALL in 1 Place---Brennan Innovators, LLC
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/dysgraphia-resources/?etslf=9438&eq=dysgraphia

For information on customizable tools for dyslexia & other reading challenges:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC