Supporting Someone with Dyslexia
Comprehensive guidance for family carers, support workers, and care professionals supporting individuals with dyslexia. Practical strategies, self-care resources, and a supportive community.
Carer-Focused
Designed specifically for carers' needs
Community Support
Connect with other carers
Evidence-Based
Backed by research & expert guidance
Your Role as a Carer
Understanding your important contribution
What Carers Can Do
- • Provide patient, understanding support
- • Help with reading and writing tasks
- • Assist with organization and planning
- • Advocate for appropriate support
- • Build confidence and self-esteem
- • Use assistive technology together
- • Encourage strengths and interests
- • Maintain your own wellbeing
Key Focus Areas
- • Understanding dyslexia and its impact
- • Daily living support strategies
- • Communication and advocacy
- • Accessing services and benefits
- • Managing healthcare appointments
- • Supporting independence
- • Emotional support and resilience
- • Respite and self-care
Daily Support Strategies
Practical help for everyday situations
Supporting Reading & Writing
📖 Reading Aloud
Read important letters, forms, instructions, or texts aloud. Take your time and be patient. Ask if they'd like you to summarize or repeat information.
✍️ Writing Support
Offer to be a scribe for important documents. Help break down writing tasks into smaller steps. Use templates and checklists where possible.
🎧 Audiobooks & Text-to-Speech
Set up and encourage use of audiobooks, text-to-speech apps, and digital reading tools. Many are free or low-cost (e.g., RNIB Bookshare, Natural Reader).
📝 Simplify Written Materials
Use larger fonts, clear layouts, bullet points, and plain language. Highlight key information. Keep sentences short.
Emotional Support & Wellbeing
Supporting mental health and resilience
🌟 Building Confidence
- • Celebrate strengths, talents, and achievements
- • Focus on what they can do, not what they can't
- • Encourage hobbies and interests
- • Share stories of successful people with dyslexia
- • Acknowledge effort, not just outcomes
- • Create opportunities for success
💚 Managing Frustration
- • Remain patient and calm during difficulties
- • Avoid criticism or showing frustration
- • Recognize when a break is needed
- • Use calming techniques (breathing, mindfulness)
- • Validate feelings and experiences
- • Seek professional support if mental health suffers
Accessing Support & Services (UK)
Know your rights and available help
📋 Education Support
- SEND Support: Schools must provide reasonable adjustments and support
- EHCP: For those with complex needs requiring statutory support
- SENDIASS: Free, impartial advice on SEN processes
💼 Work & Benefits
- Access to Work: Funding for workplace adjustments & tech
- Equality Act: Dyslexia is a protected disability; employers must make adjustments
- Benefits: May be eligible for PIP or other support depending on impact
🏥 Healthcare Support
- GP: Discuss assessment referrals and mental health support
- Educational Psychologist: For formal dyslexia assessment
- CAMHS/IAPT: Mental health services for anxiety/depression linked to dyslexia
👥 Carer Support
- Carers Assessment: Right to assessment of your needs by local authority
- Respite Care: Short breaks and respite services
- Carers UK: Advice, support, and community for carers
Self-Care for Carers
You can't pour from an empty cup
💪 Physical Health
- • Get enough sleep (7-9 hours)
- • Eat regular, balanced meals
- • Move your body daily
- • Attend your own health appointments
- • Manage your own health conditions
🧠 Mental Health
- • Take regular breaks
- • Connect with friends and family
- • Pursue hobbies and interests
- • Seek counseling if needed
- • Practice mindfulness or breathing
🤝 Practical Support
- • Request a Carers Assessment
- • Access respite care
- • Join carer support groups
- • Share caring responsibilities
- • Ask for help when needed
🌬️ Quick Breathing Exercise for Carers
When you feel stressed or overwhelmed, try this 60-second breathing technique:
- 1. Sit comfortably and close your eyes
- 2. Breathe in slowly through your nose for 4 counts
- 3. Hold for 4 counts
- 4. Breathe out slowly for 6 counts
- 5. Repeat for 60 seconds or until you feel calmer
Resources & Support Organizations
Helpful links and downloadable guides