Scroll down to find helpful links for evidence-based information
- What is Dyslexia ?
- Facebook Groups/Pages
- Websites
- Videos
- Books/Authors
- Also other Learning Differences such as Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia.
What is Dyslexia?
“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.”
Adopted by the IDA Board of Directors, Nov. 12, 2002. This Definition is also used by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Many state education codes, including New Jersey, Ohio and Utah, have adopted this definition. Learn more about how consensus was reached on this definition: Definition Consensus Project.
Facebook Groups/Pages we find helpful
Membership may be required for some closed groups but well worth it.
“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.”
Adopted by the IDA Board of Directors, Nov. 12, 2002. This Definition is also used by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Many state education codes, including New Jersey, Ohio and Utah, have adopted this definition. Learn more about how consensus was reached on this definition: Definition Consensus Project.
Facebook Groups/Pages we find helpful
Membership may be required for some closed groups but well worth it.
- Albury Wodonga Dyslexia Support : our local closed group for confidential questions/posts, Coffee Catch-Ups, Information Workshops and other events, etc.
- Dyslexia Support Australia : closed group, excellent support from experienced members, can be more anonymous posting here if you prefer.
- Dyslexia NSW Support Group : closed group, excellent support from experienced members, can be more anonymous posting here if you prefer.
- Dyslexia Victoria Support Forum : closed group, excellent support from experienced members, can be more anonymous posting here if you prefer.
- Dyslexia SA: public group, excellent support from experienced members, very proactive.
Websites we find helpful
There is so much info out there on the internet, we thought it might be useful to share some reliable links here.
There is so much info out there on the internet, we thought it might be useful to share some reliable links here.
- International Dyslexia Association : The International Dyslexia Association’s mission is to create a future for every individual who struggles with dyslexia and other related reading differences that results in a richer, more robust life and the access to tools and resources when they need them.
- Australian Dyslexia Association : Solutions for those that Learn Differently
- AUSPELD : Australian Federation of SPELD Associations, supporting people with learning disabilities. State SPELD Associations include: QLD, SA, NSW, VIC.
- Understanding Learning Difficulties for Parents : ** Excellent handbook for parents, free download or order a printed copy $25 - a very helpful place to start if your child may have a learning difficulty. **
"This Guide has been designed and produced to provide parents and carers with current information about the nature of learning disabilities in children, and to offer practical guidance on the most appropriate identification, intervention and support."
There is also a version for Schools/Teachers (link to follow). - Learning Difficulties Australia : Is an association of teachers and other professionals dedicated to assisting students with learning difficulties through effective teaching practices based on scientific research. LDA on Facebook
- Five from Five : Is an initiative of the Centre for Independent Studies that aims to improve literacy levels by ensuring all children receive effective, evidence based reading instruction.
- Dyslexia Victoria Support : Evidence based information. Their "Quick Information" page includes lots of useful documents.
- Code Read Dyslexia Network Active Australian not-for-profit organisation working hard to raise awareness about dyslexia; support and empower those with dyslexia and their families; work with government and other decision makers to improve the education system and workplaces for those with dyslexia; enhance the everyday experience of people with dyslexia.
- MUSEC Briefings : Excellent resource from Macquarie University Special Education Unit - one page summaries "provided as a community service to inform special educators and other professionals about the evidence base for a variety of educational practices".
If you are wondering if a therapy is evidence-based look here first.
NB: It seems access is now restricted to those with a Macquarie University login. We have found another link called Fig Share, switch to list view to see approx 40+ MUSEC Briefings, eg, Reading Recovery, Brain Gym, Behavioural Optometry. - Understood : US organisation - their goal is to help the millions of parents whose children, ages 3–20, are struggling with learning and attention issues. Reliable info, online seminars/interviews, helpful tips.
- Spelfabet : run by very experienced Speech Pathologist, Allison Clarke; very good info, videos, comments and news; some free resources.
- Vision Australia : in relation to 'print disability', eg, dyslexia; print accessibility service; advocacy service. Free access to audio library, can help source text books, etc. Including self advocacy toolkit resources such as '5 Top Tips for Getting What You need in School', 'Stand Up for Your Rights' documents/webinar focusing on low vision but very relevant in general to dealing with schools, etc.
- Australian Human Rights Commission: A Brief Guide to the Disability Discrimination Act, including Education and Learning difficulties. (We have heard that sometimes it is a good idea to take a copy of the DDA 1992 to a meeting...)
- OTHER WEBSITES
- Bright Solutions for Dyslexia, USA, by Susan Barton - excellent info, including videos, always very clear and well organised.
Susan Barton is also the author of Barton Reading and Spelling System - a very well respected, evidence based program parents can use to help their kids with reading and spelling. - Elisheva Schwartz, USA : includes The Dyslexia Quest Podcast - browse for engaging podcast interviews with experts including Steven Chin, Keli Sandman-Hurley, and Susan Barton.
- Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre, UK, fantastic UK centre dedicated to supporting dyslexic children, adults and teachers; includes many links to YouTube teacher training webcasts.
- Luvnmydyslexia, Australia : podcast interviews by dyslexics Cheryl Hooper and Stephen Anderson including experts, heroes and parents.
- My Red Letter, Australia
- https://www.nessy.com/uk/Nessy, UK : paid monthly or annual subscription; "We are NESSY. We Have a Different Way Of Learning.
✔ Nessy motivates, inspires and engages students to learn like nothing you have seen before.
✔ With Award winning educational software, the Nessy approach to learning has been proven in helping overcome dyslexia or for children with learning difficulties. Want to see how the Nessy way of learning will benefit you and your students?" trailer; website; FREE 7 day trial available - The Codpast, UK : "fresh content for students and adults with dyslexia"
- The Way We Teach Most Children To Read Sets Them Up To Fail - Clear article co-authored by Prof Pamela Snow; and Alison Clarke of Spelfabet. Explains why learning to read in English is tricky and that evidence shows that synthetic phonics is a better way to teach reading.
- Understanding Learning Specific Learning Difficulties - one page Tip Sheet from Australian Psychological Society.
- Yale Centre for Dyslexia and Creativity, Dr Sally Shaywitz & co, USA; excellent website from leading researchers and advocates; includes info for parents, educators, on policy/advocacy and Successful Dyslexics.
Videos we like
- Dyslexia Ireland - Hidden Potential : "a new short film on dyslexia"; just 11 minutes to open your eyes; youtube
- Nessy, UK - Dyslexia Explained - What's It Like Being Dyslexic : comic book styled video great for kids or adults (7 mins); youtube; website
- Embracing Dyslexia : "a thoughtful and moving exploration of dyslexia from an insider’s perspective, weaving together interviews with parents, adult dyslexics, researchers, educators and experts to provide an accurate portrayal of a learning difference that affects between 15-20% of the population." : trailer (3 mins); documentary (50 mins); website
- Outside the Square : 3 x "Dyslexia education and advocacy documentary films to empower students with dyslexia in Australian schools; excellent and current information for Educators and Parents; Professional Development - designed to be completed as three short 60-90 minutes professional learning sessions, website includes links with PDF suggestions for focus questions; certificates of completion, APST details; filmed 2015 featuring many leading advocates including Tanya Forbes, Sarah Asome, Dr Jennifer Buckingham, Jodi Clements; trailers (3 mins); website; set of 3 x DVDs available for purchase online A$70 and now available FREE on you tube.
- "The Simple View of Reading", presentation by Sir Jim Rose, courtesy of Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre, UK.
Sir Jim Rose is author of the landmark Rose Report, 'Identifying and Teaching Children and Young People with Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties' published June 2011, more info here: https://senmagazine.co.uk/articles/articles/senarticles/dyslexia-the-rose-report - TedTalk Dean Bragonnier - The True Gifts of a Dyslexic Mind : youtube; NoticeAbility website
- TedTalk Sally Taylor - The Beautiful Dilemma of our Separateness : dyslexic Artist and Musician : youtube; Consenses website
Books/Authors we like
Dyscalculia
- Understanding Learning Difficulties - A Guide for Parents, Australia - A really good place for parents to start, "designed and produced to provide parents and carers with current information about the nature of learning disabilities in children, and to offer practical guidance on the most appropriate identification, intervention and support.", produced by Speld WA, 2016, 56 pages, can be downloaded, excellent info.
- Dr Sally Shaywitz, 'Overcoming Dyslexia'; 'Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills'; any articles, interviews or research
- Brock Eide, 'The Dyslexic Advantage'
- Dr Maryanne Wolf, 'Proust and the Squid'; any articles, interviews or research
- Louisa Moats, 'Teaching Reading IS Rocket Science', is this more about education?? ; any articles, interviews or research
- Ben Foss, 'The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan'
- 'Looking for Heroes : One Boy, One Year, 100 Letters' by Aidan Colvin, high school student, 2016.
- Lyn Stone, 'Reading for Life - High Quality Reading Instruction for All'. Australian linguistics expert, Lyn Stone asks, "Why is it that more people can't read and write?", 2019
- Dysgraphia is a specific learning disability that affects written expression. Dysgraphia can appear as difficulties with spelling, poor handwriting and trouble putting thoughts on paper. Dysgraphia can be a language based, and/or non-language based disorder.
- More information and links to come.
Dyscalculia
- Dyscalculia (dis-cal-cool-ee-a) is a term referring to a wide range of life-long learning disabilities involving maths. It includes all types of maths problems ranging from an inability to understand the meaning of numbers, to an inability to apply mathematical principles to solve problems.
- Dyscalculia Awareness Australia - facebook group moderated by Belinda Dekker - a reliable source of info.
- Ronit Bird : A specialist working on numeracy with children who have dyscalculia, dyslexia and other specific difficulties. You Tube Videos, including a Parents Guide video
- Steven Chin : This site provides information on maths learning difficulties and dyscalculia. International expert and author.
Podcast interview by The Dyslexia Quest with Steven Chinn. - Ted Talk : My Life Without Numbers by Line Rothmann
- Marilyn Zecher, Multisensory Maths: website;
Fractions - video from ASDECorg.; Tracking Numeracy to Algebra video; Division with rectangular arrays video
Also associated with ASDEC which offers some online courses, website - More information and links to come.