Supporting Your Child with Dyslexia
Everything parents need to help their child thrive with dyslexia. Evidence-based strategies, home activities, school communication tools, and a supportive community.
Evidence-Based
Backed by NHS & research institutions
Parent Community
Connect with other parents
Practical Tools
Ready-to-use activities & templates
You're Not Alone
Understanding your journey as a parent
What Parents Can Do
- • Create a supportive, stress-free learning environment
- • Focus on strengths and celebrate small wins
- • Communicate regularly with teachers
- • Advocate for appropriate accommodations
- • Use multi-sensory learning techniques
- • Build confidence and resilience
Key Focus Areas
- • Early identification and intervention
- • Structured literacy instruction
- • Homework support strategies
- • Emotional well-being
- • Technology tools & assistive tech
- • Building independence
Home Learning Strategies
Evidence-based techniques for home practice
Multi-Sensory Reading Techniques
📖 Shared Reading
Read together daily for 15-20 minutes. Let your child choose books that interest them, even if they're "too easy."
🎵 Phonics Games
Use rhyming games, sound matching, and letter-sound activities. Make it fun and multi-sensory.
🎧 Audiobooks
Use audiobooks while following along with the text to build comprehension and vocabulary.
Working with School
How to advocate and collaborate effectively
📋 Request These Accommodations
- ✓ Extra time on tests and assignments
- ✓ Audio format for reading materials
- ✓ Use of assistive technology
- ✓ Reduced reading/writing load
- ✓ Alternative assessment formats
- ✓ Access to notes/materials in advance
- ✓ Preferential seating
- ✓ Break tasks into smaller steps
💬 Communication Tips
- • Schedule regular check-ins with teachers
- • Share what works at home
- • Ask for written summaries of meetings
- • Keep records of all communications
- • Be specific about your child's needs
- • Approach collaboratively, not confrontationally
- • Ask about school's dyslexia support
- • Request formal assessment if needed
Age-Specific Guidance
Tailored support for different developmental stages
Ages 3-5: Early Signs & Support
Early identification can lead to earlier intervention. Look for these potential signs:
- • Late talking or unclear speech
- • Difficulty learning nursery rhymes
- • Problems with rhyming
- • Difficulty following multi-step instructions
- • Struggles to recognize letters or write name
What helps: Read together daily, play rhyming games, practice letter sounds, use multi-sensory activities.
Resources & Downloads
Printable guides and useful links
Recommended UK Organizations
Breathing for Calm & Focus
Help your child regulate stress and anxiety
Children with dyslexia may experience stress, anxiety, or frustration around reading and school. Simple breathing exercises can help regulate emotions and improve focus.
🟦 Box Breathing
Breathe in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4. Great for calming before homework or tests.
🟪 4-7-8 Breathing
Breathe in for 4, hold for 7, out for 8. Perfect for bedtime relaxation.
🆘 SOS-60
60-second emergency calm technique for meltdowns or overwhelm.