Dyslexia Support

Welcome, parents! This guide provides information about dyslexia, its characteristics, and how you can support your child. We aim to empower you with knowledge and resources to help your child thrive. 95% of reading failure is preventable by using appropriate reading systems and well trained teachers. All the latest scientific, independent, replicated reading research supports using the Orton-Gillingham sequence and methodology when teaching reading to students with dyslexia. 

What is Dyslexia? 

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that affects reading, spelling, and writing. It is not a sign of low intelligence or lack of effort. Rather, it's a neurobiological difference in how the brain processes language. Children with dyslexia often have difficulty decoding words, which means they struggle to connect letters to sounds. 

Personal Example of what you may see or hear? 

My middle child has struggled from Kindergarten until now in the 5^th grade. Sight words were extremely difficult to remember. She mixed her b’s and d’s in her name. She made a necklace with her name backwards. In 2^nd grade her teacher believed she had ADHD, so we requested that the school do an evaluation for a 504. We were told it was anxiety. In 3^rd grade she took an online test that showed “signs” of dyslexia. The school observed her and she was given an IEP for oral reading fluency, but no concern for dyslexia. My 1^st grader’s reading and writing ability started to surpass her progress. This is when I decided to have outside testing done. It was confirmed based on an educational assessment that she does have dyslexia.  

Common Signs of Dyslexia 

Difficulty learning letter names and sounds Trouble sounding out words 

Slow and inaccurate reading 

Difficulty spelling 

Mixing up letters or numbers (e.g., b/d, p/q, 6/9) 

Trouble with rhyming 

Poor handwriting 

Difficulty memorizing facts 

Trouble with organization 

Difficulty following multi-step directions Avoidance of reading 

Frustration with schoolwork 

How Can You Help Your Child?

Here are some ways you can support your child at home and at school: 

1. Get an evaluation: If you suspect your child has dyslexia, seek a professional evaluation from a qualified educational psychologist or reading specialist. The following are additional testing sites: 1. Learning Matters in Nashville TN Non profit with sliding scale, 2. MTSU Dyslexia Program, 3. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Learning Assessment Clinic 4. Nashville Dyslexia Center 5. Speech Therapy assessment for dyslexia might be covered under insurance as well.   

2. Advocate for your child: Work with the school to develop an individualized education program (IEP) that addresses your child's specific needs. Examples of accommodations are extended time with testing, read aloud with testing, do not make the child read out loud unless comfortable. Provide a supportive environment: Create a home environment that encourages reading and writing, even if your child struggles. Celebrate your students strengths and successes. Use assistive technology: Explore assistive technology tools such as text-to-speech software, speech-to-text software, and audiobooks. Learning Ally is an app that is around $135 per year that has read along or audio books with 800,000 options to read.  

3. Read aloud together: Even if your child has difficulty reading independently, continue to read aloud to them to foster a love of stories and language. 

   
   

Resources 

Bright Solutions for Dyslexia: www.BrightSolutions.US 

The International Dyslexia Association (IDA): https://dyslexiaida.org/ 

Learning Ally: https://learningally.org/ 

Understood.org: https://www.understood.org/ 

Decoding Dyslexia TN Facebook Page: You can ask other parents if they have a local tutor in the area near your home that is certified.  

Learning Matters offers tutoring after initial assessment per sliding scale.  

Hoover Learning Center offers tutoring in Hendersonville TN after initial testing.  Tutoring is most helpful if you can set up tutoring twice a week for 2-3 years depending on the child. You do not need to pick more than 1 program. Programs below are recommended: Orton Gillingham and Structured literacy, Barton Reading and Spelling System, Wilson Reading System , and RISE are all good programs.  

Roberts Academy for Dyslexia Vanderbilt 2026-2027 will serve 3^RD and 5^th graders. If student is able to go, they would not require tutoring twice weekly. 

Recommended reading Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. 

Hendersonville has a wonderful tutor named Ann, you can look her up at dyslexia tutoring.org.