In 1985, through a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan, October was designated as Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia Awareness Month. In the four decades since, organizations across the country have used this month to educate the public about learning disabilities, often coordinating through each state’s Learning Disabilities Association of America office. Examples of reading-related learning disabilities include Dyslexia (reading problems), Dysgraphia (writing problems), Executive Function Difficulties (problems with organization) and ADHD (trouble regulating attention, in this case, while reading).
Children with reading disabilities often avoid reading because it can be so difficult. But there are many ways parents can encourage a struggling reader. Sometimes it helps to read about characters who have some of the same challenges that kids do. Or, kids can try high/low books for age-appropriate stories that are written at an easier reading level. Alternative media also may be attractive such as graphic novels, audio books and e-books.
Reading Rockets also offers the following resources to get families started:
- Favorite Books for Kids with Learning and Attention Issues
- High/Low Books for Children
- Graphic Novels for Young Kids
- Where to Find Free Audiobooks & Digital Text-to-Speech Books for Your Child
- Where to Find High-Quality E-books
For more information about Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia Awareness Month, please visit the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD).
About Success Won’t Wait
Founded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait is a not-for-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware. To learn more about Success Won’t Wait’s literacy projects, how to donate used children’s books in Delaware, volunteer your time, or host a Used Book Drive please click on the About Us tab above.
And, if your program, school or center needs assistance with books, please Contact Us to learn more.
Read now, because success won’t wait!