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Cartoon describing the experience of Dylexia from a school kid's perspective- dated, but valuable.

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Dyslexia Explained | What's It Like Being Dyslexic? | Understand Dyslexia

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13:05 -Newsom discusses his Dyslexia- his mom chose not to tell him about his diagnosis, and Newsom discusses what he wishes she had done.

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America’s System Is Being Rigged From Within! California Governor’s Chilling Warning For 2028

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Read Aloud of Knees, fictional story of a boy with Dyslexia

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Knees by Vanita Oelschlager Read Aloud // Dyslexia Awareness

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Great PP & Video for Kids on Dyslexia

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Explain Dyslexia to your child

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"I got enormous support from my parents. I always had my parents just buffing me up. I thought I walked on water."

Every child with a reading difficulty is invariably going to endure ups and downs in his school experiences. So early on, each child needs to know that, no matter what, he can count on unconditional support from his parents. Renowned heart surgeon and Cleveland Clinic director Toby Cosgrove describes his parental support as such: "I got enormous support from my parents. I always had my parents just buffing me up. I thought I walked on water."

When you talk with your child, there are a number of specific steps you can take to build his or her self-image. First, let him know the nature of his reading difficulties. Children are often relieved to learn that there is a name to explain why they have such trouble reading. Second, give him or her the facts-including the benefits-about dyslexia, and be positive while speaking and working with your child.

As a mother of a six-year-old told her son and Bob-the-Builder fan put it, "You have an amazing brain and there are roads for math and the road for decoding, for learning to read has a few rocks in the way, and your tutors will help you clear the rocks. This mother wisely noted that, when talking to your children, you have to show them that it's an obstacle, not the end of the world; and HOW you talk about it is as important as what you say. Don't communicate despair."

"You have an amazing brain and there are roads for math and the road for decoding, for learning to read has a few rocks in the way, and your tutors will help you clear the rocks."

Be sure to tell your child that he will learn to read, and that there are tutors and teaching methods that will help him get there. A Connecticut mother explains, "My son is the youngest of four children and I had friends whose kids had serious behavior and emotional issues for which there seemed very little to do but simply hope. Yet, with dyslexia, there is a path that dyslexics can follow to learn to read; there are skilled tutors and technology to help young people and their parents, and dyslexia has been overcome by many, many people over many years. Children grow and change and have lots of helping hands, and this is the perspective I was able to keep in mind when talking to my son."

Keep the conversation going. "It's not as though you have one conversation with your child," says a mother in California. "It's an ongoing dialogue and, really, every kid has something different and difficult in their lives. It's important to remind them of the things they do well and support those things. Our daughter was a fabulous swimmer, though certain sports and dancing that required a lot of directional ability weren't for her, but improving her swim times in a slow and steady manner helped her realize she had many inner resources that she could draw forth when she needed them. We talked about this a lot over the years."

"It's important to remind them of the things they do well and support those things."

I had to laugh when I got the diagnosis about our daughter. I think there was a part of me that always wanted an exceptional child, and in a way she was. When the evaluator began to explain how different she was, how gifted verbally and how unique her answers to questions were, but how other areas were weaker, all I wanted at that moment was average, normal, but really I don't think I ever want average children. In talking to her about the diagnosis I was able to concretely show her areas where she was exceptional. Instead of having the test be something to simply point out weaknesses or failures, I tried to use them to show her strengths. She has recently graduated from a very prestigious college, and I happened to run into the woman who did her initial testing. She was very shocked. She spent a lot of her time focusing on what kids can't do or where their struggles will be; as parents we have to keep talking and encouraging what our kids' strengths are."

Early on, it is also critical to help your child identify an interest in a hobby-an area in which he can have positive experiences. It doesn't matter what it is; the importance is that it is an arena where he or she can feel victorious, develop confidence, and not feel as if she is the one always studying and struggling to catch up. In other words, let her strengths, and not her weaknesses, define her as a person.

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Talking with Your Child About Dyslexia - Yale Dyslexia

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"I got enormous support from my parents. I always had my parents just buffing me up. I thought I walked on water." Every child with a reading difficulty is invariably going to endure ups and downs in his school experiences.

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Some kids are aware that they read and write differently than other kids before they even hear the word dyslexia. But they don't know why, or how it may affect their future. Here's how to explain.

1. Choose the right setting for your talk.

Why: It's best to bring up your child's reading and writing challenges during a peaceful moment. Ideally, this is in a neutral place as well. Your child might be more receptive during a quiet weekend walk together than while you're supervising homework time or helping with a book report.

What to say: "Your report card came today. Let's get ice cream to celebrate how well you're doing in art and math, and how hard you work in all your other classes. I know language arts is still a tough subject. Let's talk a little about that on the drive over."

2. Explain what dyslexia means.

Why: Kids with dyslexia deserve to know that it may present challenges. But they also need to know that they're just as smart as their classmates who don't have it. And they're not alone.

What to say: "I know you really struggle with reading sometimes. It seems that the words just don't make sense. This difficulty is called dyslexia - a big word to explain why some kids and adults find it hard to learn to read, write and spell."

"You're just as smart as other kids. Your brain just works a little differently. But a lot of kids also have trouble reading. And dyslexia doesn't keep you from being great at other things - like being a science star and an awesome goalie."

3. Use clear and accurate language.

Why: Specific words can help make this "thing" causing your child's reading and writing issues feel more defined and manageable.

What to say: "You may hear the word dyslexia at school or at the doctor's office. Now that we know dyslexia is causing your reading challenges, we can use that word, too. Soon we'll start working with your teachers to create what's called an Individualized Education Program, or IEP for short. It will list your goals for reading and writing this year, how to reach them and how your teachers are going to help."

4. Explain how the school will help.

Why: Children with dyslexia may worry that their teachers think they're not trying. They need to know that the school understands their challenges - and has ways to help.

What to say: "I know some of your classes can feel really hard because there's so much reading. But schools are finding better ways to teach smart students like you all the time."

"Your teachers are committed to helping you succeed and they're specially trained, so they know how to do it. We're going to have some meetings with them. You'll be invited, too. This way you can see how we'll all work together, and you'll have a say in the plan."

5. You're there for your child. Make sure that message is clear.

Why: Kids with dyslexia may wonder whether we realize how it affects their everyday lives. Offer understanding and support - all the time.

What to say: "I know that your dyslexia affects all kinds of things, like reading the menu at the diner or learning the rules of a new board game. I'm so proud that you're interested in learning even though dyslexia makes that trickier. I'll always make sure you get the help you need - at school, here at home, and out in the community."

6. Discuss sibling relationships.

Why: Because kids with dyslexia may receive extra attention from adults, they sometimes worry about how their brothers or sisters view them. Let your child know that you'll make sure your other kids don't feel slighted.

What to say: "Your sister sees how hard you're trying to learn to read. She knows I need to spend a little more time with you on homework. I'd do the same for her if she needed extra help. I'll make sure she understands that."

7. Offer guidance on how to talk to friends.

Why: While classmates may be familiar with your child's learning differences, friends from outside school probably aren't. When your child feels like it's time to discuss it with other kids, make it clear that you're there to help figure out the best way to have those talks.

What to say: "It's up to you whether you want to talk about your dyslexia with people. If you don't feel comfortable getting into a deeper discussion with someone, you can always say, 'It's not that I can't learn to read. I just need to learn in a very different way.'"

8. Reassure your child about the future.

Why: Kids need a safe place to raise any concerns about growing up with dyslexia. Is your child thinking about college, work, and other options after high school? If you're not sure, it's OK to ask. Let your child know that a full adult life is most definitely what's ahead.

What to say: "It's totally normal to wonder how dyslexia may affect what you'll do when you're an adult. I believe you'll have lots of opportunities to do what you love. Your trouble with reading and writing won't disappear, but with determination and hard work, I'm confident you can achieve your dreams."

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8 tips for introducing dyslexia to your child

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Learn about specific tips that can help you start your first conversation with your child about dyslexia. Read more about dyslexia and conversation starters.

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Dyslexia is a common learning disability in reading. It doesn’t go away. But there are teaching strategies, tools, and tips for building skills. Discover resources to help with dyslexia.

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Richard Branson champions dyslexic education with new university

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Branson says he’s learned to embrace his dyslexia as a “superpower.”