As the days for Dyslexia Awareness month, October 2021, quickly run out, does this mean that we should slow down the pace and give up talking about dyslexia until October next year?

I certainly hope not!

Each year as I have worked with many families, teachers and professionals, and of course the amazing students who endure the unknown, I have noticed the small ray of light beginning to glow over the topic of dyslexia. I find the conversation about dyslexia is now “comfortable” in most of the education community. It is now becoming a topic for some discussion (not a grey area), an open sharing of knowledge and experiences together with a global connection. 

Organisations that have evolved in Australia such as Code Read, Auspeld, Speld in each state and Five from Five, along with various dyslexia support groups online, have relentlessly lobbied for the support of dyslexic learners through education systems and politicians. Most importantly, these organisations have raised the awareness of dyslexia and that the struggle in our society is REAL for so many people!

So where to from here?

We need to keep shouting from the rooftops and assisting to dispel the myths around dyslexia, reminding teachers and parents that reading is not a reflection of intelligence! It is real and affects children and adults daily, impacting on their self esteem, opportunities, education and mental health. The potential of many dyslexic learners goes unrecognised.

Sharing the knowledge and understanding about what dyslexia really is and how to support and teach dyslexic learners needs to be constant if we are to make the necessary changes. This can happen anytime, if you have an understanding of dyslexia yourself. It has nothing to do with laziness, bad parenting or teaching.

Dyslexia is a neurological condition, genetic in origin.

I have spent many hours sharing professional development sessions at staff meetings, teacher training and parent workshops, giving a clear message of what dyslexia is and how we can teach a dyslexic learner to read, write and spell. The response is always astounding and often emotional. The research now provides us with an indisputable deep understanding of what causes dyslexia and the evidence based methodologies that can assist. Reading is a complex set of skills that require specific connections in the brain. 

What are you waiting for? All the information to start your journey is in our online course Introduction to Dyslexia.

Share the knowledge and make a difference for dyslexic learners everyday!

~ Leslie