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5 TOOLS TO SUPPORT KIDS WITH DYSLEXIA

Dyslexia is one of the most common neurocognitive disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. With the right resources, children with dyslexia can develop strong reading, writing, and comprehension skills, gaining confidence in their abilities. In this article, we introduce some of the most practical, evidence-based tools designed to meet the unique needs of dyslexic learners and empower them on their learning journey. Let’s dive into these essential resources and make learning more accessible for every child!

1. Multi-Sensory Instruction

Multisensory instruction is a way of teaching that engages more than one sense at a time to stimulate different parts of the brain and enhance the learning process. Combining the use of sight, sound, touch, and movement helps children with Dyslexia better understand and retain information. Techniques often include activities such as tracing letters in sand, using letter tiles, or read-alouds and echo reading. Research shows that engaging multiple senses strengthens neural pathways associated with reading, which does not only make it easier for children to process language by creating more ways for them to connect with words and their meanings, but also imrpoves memory performance (1).

2. Phonological Awareness Training

Children with Dyslexia commonly show deficits in phonological skills – the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds in spoken and written language (2). These skills directly impact reading and spelling abilities, as children may struggle to identify parts of words (rhymes, blends, syllables etc.). Therefore, phonological awareness training is crucial as it builds foundational skills by helping children recognize and manipulate the sounds in words. Targeted training can improve the ability to decode words, leading to more fluent and confident reading.

3. Speech-to-Text/Text-to-Speech

Speech-to-Text and Text-to-Speech technologies assist children with dyslexia in both reading and writing. Text-to-Speech, a tool reading digital text aloud, helps students follow along and understand content without struggling to decode every word. This allows students to access grade-level materials with ease and hence bridges the gap between reading skills and content understanding. A widely used online Text-to-Speech tool is Speechify. Meanwhile, Speech-to-Text tools allow students to dictate their thoughts, bypassing the challenges of spelling and writing. This allows children to express themselves without being limited by their reading or writing challenges.

4. Audiobooks

Audiobooks provide a valuable resource for children with Dyslexia by allowing them to access the content of books with ease. This can make it easier to enjoy literature, keep up with reading assignments, and build vocabulary without the frustration of decoding. Research have shown that audiobooks not only improve comprehension and reading accuracy, but also help children to increase their motivation and involvement in school activities (3). Thanks to audiobooks, children can build a love for reading, as they can follow along with complex stories that may be otherwise challenging.

5. Decodable Books

Decodable books are designed with a focus on phonetic patterns, allowing children to practice reading and learn to decode words by using words that align with their phonics level. Improving the ability to recognize words ability then allows young readers to focus more on text comprehension (4). Unlike standard books, which often contain complex words that may not follow predictable patterns, decodable books gradually reinforce the phonics rules children are learning, boosting their confidence and fluency. This provides opportunities for success, which is a great motivation for beginning readers facing challenges due to Dyslexia.

Seeking Support for Dyslexia?

At Anykind, we’re dedicated to helping expat children with dyslexia and other learning or social-emotional challenges reach their full potential. If you think your child could benefit from support, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Schedule an appointment with one of our psychologists today using this form or sending an email to info@anykind.org

Want to learn more?
This month we’re here not only to bust common myths, but also to share helpful tools and resources, recommend books, and highlight the strengths of dyslexia. Stay tuned for more posts! For more content make sure to follow our Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.

Resources:
(1) Okray, Z., Jacob, P.F., Stern, C. et al. Multisensory learning binds neurons into a cross-modal memory engram. Nature 617, 777–784 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06013-8
(2) Peters, L., Op de Beeck, H., & De Smedt, B. (2020). Cognitive correlates of dyslexia, dyscalculia, and comorbid dyslexia/dyscalculia: Effects of numerical magnitude processing and phonological processing. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 107, 103806. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103806
(3) Milani, A., Lorusso, M. L., & Molteni, M. (2010). The effects of audiobooks on the psychosocial adjustment of pre-adolescents and adolescents with dyslexia. Dyslexia, 16(1), 87–97. https://doi.org/10.1002/dys.397
(4) Cheatham, J. P. and Allor, J. H. (2012) The influence of decodability in early reading text on reading achievement: a review of the evidence. Reading and Writing, 25.9, pp. 2223–2246. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-011-9355-2

Understanding Dyslexia: Myths, Facts, Strengths, and Common Signs

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to spread awareness and understanding of one of the most common neurocognitive disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. Dyslexia is often misunderstood, and many myths still surround this learning difficulty. Let’s contribute together to raising awareness, debunking some of the common misconceptions and empowering individuals with Dyslexia!

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that primarily affects language processing. This disorder makes it difficult for individuals to decode written words, spell correctly, and process sounds in language. It is estimated that around 20% of the population has some form of dyslexia, and it accounts for 80–90% of individuals with learning disabilities .

Individuals with dyslexia often have difficulty with skills like reading, writing, and spelling. It’s important to note that dyslexia is not a reflection of a person’s intellect or motivation; rather, it’s a unique way of processing information.

How Dyslexia Look Like?

Dyslexia manifests in different ways, but here we listed some of the most common signs.

Difficulty spelling words: People with dyslexia may struggle to spell even common words correctly, often mixing up letters or sounds.

Confusing letters with similar shapes: Letters like “b” and “d” or “p” and “q” may frequently be confused.

Reluctance to read aloud in class: Due to reading difficulties, many children with dyslexia may avoid reading in front of others.

Mixing up the position of sounds in words: People with dyslexia may confuse the order of letters or sounds within a word, such as saying “aminal” instead of “animal.”

Trouble rhyming: Difficulty to learn how to make and hear rhymes.

Signs of dyslexia can appear as early as preschool, although they can be difficult to recognize. Some of these early clues include difficulties rhyming, late talking, or problems forming words correctly. The signs of Dyslexia become more noticeable when children enter school and start learning to read and write.

Debunking Common Myths about Dyslexia

Despite growing awareness, there are still a few myths surrounding dyslexia. Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions:

❌Dyslexia is NOT a sign of low intelligence or laziness.
Dyslexia affects how a person processes language, not their overall intelligence. Many individuals with dyslexia are highly intelligent, creative, and excel in areas like problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation. Some well-known figures with dyslexia also for example include Albert Einstein, Richard Branson, and Steven Spielberg.

⏳ Dyslexia CANNOT be outgrown, BUT early detection and the right interventions can significantly improve a child’s progress.
With the right support—such as specialized reading programs and individualized instruction—children with dyslexia can make tremendous progress in their literacy skills . The earlier dyslexia is identified, the more effectively interventions can be tailored to meet the child’s needs.

🔍 Signs of dyslexia CAN be identified as early as preschool.
Children may show early signs of dyslexia through delayed speech, trouble recognizing rhyming patterns, or difficulties learning the alphabet. Identifying these signs early allows parents and educators to provide appropriate interventions before children fall behind in school .

👁️ Dyslexia is NOT a vision problem.
Dyslexia is not caused by vision issues or difficulties with seeing letters. It is a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes written language. Vision therapy or glasses will not correct dyslexia, though some people may benefit from strategies that reduce visual discomfort during reading.

🔄 Children with dyslexia DO NOT see letters backwards.
While children with dyslexia may reverse letters when writing, this is also common in young children who are learning to write and hence is not a defining feature of dyslexia. Letter reversals are a normal part of learning and typically decrease with practice.

Strengths of Dyslexia

While dyslexia presents challenges, it is important to highlight the strengths often associated with this learning difference. Individuals with dyslexia tend to excel in areas that require creative and non-linear thinking. According to Yale University’s research, people with dyslexia often possess enhanced problem-solving abilities, strong visual-spatial skills, and out-of-the-box thinking . These strengths can lead to success in fields such as entrepreneurship, engineering, and the arts!

Seeking Support for Dyslexia?

At Anykind, we’re dedicated to helping children with dyslexia and other learning or social-emotional challenges reach their full potential. If you think your child could benefit from support, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Schedule an appointment with one of our psychologists today using this form or sending an email to info@anykind.org

Resources:

The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity (www.dyslexia.yale.edu/)

Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dyslexia/)

NHS (www.nhs.uk/conditions/dyslexia/)

International Dyslexia Association (www.dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/)

Cleveland Clinic (www.my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6005-dyslexia)

5 Best Practices for Parents to Foster a Growth Mindset in Children

As parents, we love to see our children grow, learn, and thrive – emotionally, socially as well as academically. A growth mindset can be a key factor in helping children develop resilience, confidence, and a love for learning. In contrast to a fixed mindset, with which children believe their abilities are static and unchangeable, a growth mindset encourages the belief that abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and perseverance. Children with a growth mindset are not afraid to make mistakes, face challenges, and they respond well to feedback as they recognize those as valuable learning opportunities!

Here are 5 best practices you can incorporate into your parenting to encourage the development of a growth mindset:

1. Praise Effort, Not Just Results

It is a natural reaction to praise children when they achieve success, like getting an A on a test or winning a game. However, focusing solely on results and achievements can unintentionally reinforce a fixed mindset, as children may start to believe that success is dependent on inherent talent and results. If their efforts don’t lead to a desired outcome and hence go unrecognized, they might feel that improvement is unattainable, leading to the belief that hard work and practice are pointless.

Instead, emphasize the process. Praise their effort, persistence, and the strategies they used, regardless of the outcome. For example, you might say, “I’m so proud of how hard you worked on this project,” or “Wow, I liked the way you approached that tricky math problem!”

“Believe you can and you are halfway there.” Theodore Roosevelt

2. Encourage Challenges and Embrace Mistakes

Children who have a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to grow, while children with a fixed mindset may avoid challenges for a fear of failure. As parents, you can help by encouraging your child to step outside their comfort zone and try new things.

When they encounter setbacks, remind them that mistakes are an important part of learning. Normalize mistakes by sharing your own experiences and explaining how you learned from them. You can also share stories of famous individuals who experienced setbacks and failures before achieving success, helping your child understand that even the most accomplished people have faced challenges – such as Simone Biles and her Olympic Games journey. Teach children that every mistake is an opportunity to learn something new!

“Don’t worry about failure, worry about the chances you miss if you don’t even try.” Sherman Finesilver

3. Provide Constructive Feedback

Instead of offering vague praise or criticism, focus on specific aspects of their effort, strategy, or approach. For example, instead of saying, “Good job!” you could say, “I noticed how you kept trying different ways to solve that problem, even when it was tricky. That persistence really paid off.” This kind of feedback helps children understand that their efforts and choices lead to progress, reinforcing the idea that growth is possible through hard work and learning from mistakes.

Additionally, constructive feedback should be framed positively, highlighting areas for improvement in a supportive way. Rather than focusing on what your child did wrong, offer guidance on how they can improve. For example, instead of saying, “You didn’t get it right,” try saying, “This part was challenging, but what if we try a different approach next time?” or instead of “You were selfish during our play today,” try saying “I really liked playing with you today! But sometimes, it’s hard to share. Maybe next time, we can try taking turns a little more.”

This encourages a mindset of continuous improvement and reinforces the idea that mistakes are opportunities for learning, not reasons to give up.

“We all need people who will give us feedback. That is how we improve.” Bill Gates

4. Use the Power of “Yet”

One of the simplest but most powerful ways to instill a growth mindset is to teach your child the importance of the word “yet.” When children say things like, “I can’t do this,” or “I’m not good at math,” encourage them to add the magical word “yet” at the end of the sentence.

By saying “I can’t do this yet,” or “I’m not good at math yet,” you’re helping your child shift their thinking from fixed to growth. It reminds them that their abilities are not set in stone and that, with effort and time, they can improve.

TIP: There are many storybooks embracing the power of yet, such as The Power of Yet or The Magical Yet.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Nelson Mandela

5. Be a Role Model Yourself

Children are keen observers and often mimic the attitudes and behaviors of their parents. If you model a growth mindset, your child is more likely to adopt the same approach.

For example, if you’re trying something new, like learning a new skill or tackling a tough task, talk about the learning process in front of your child. Say things like, “I’m not great at this yet, but with practice, I’ll get better.” Your attitude toward learning and persistence will influence how your child approaches their own challenges.

“Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance.” Samuel Johnson

Fostering a growth mindset in your child can empower them to face challenges with confidence, learn from their mistakes, and persist in the face of difficulties. By praising effort, encouraging challenges, modeling a growth mindset, and providing helpful feedback, you can create an environment where your child develops resilience and a lifelong love for learning.

If you’re interested in more personalized advice or support on fostering a growth mindset in your child, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help support your child along the way!

Stay tuned for more insights and tips on parenting! For more content make sure to follow our Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.

The 4 C’s Principles in Parenting

The 4 C’s principles by Dr. Conte, an american psychology professor, remind us of core principles that parents should keep in mind while raising children. The idea behind these four simple principles – Choices, Consequences, Consistency, and Compassion – is easy to understand, but may also be easy to forget at times. However, they are the key to successful parenting building a solid foundation for children’s mental well-being and balanced family dynamics.

1. Choices

“Providing your children with choices will help them learn that choices are inevitable in life.”

It is important to let children explore the world around them, try different things and give them the option to make their own decisions at times. You can provide the choices a child has according to your rules and boundaries (e.g., “you can either have X or Y”). This approach helps with the development of autonomy as well as independence. Children encouraged to make their own decisions tend to become more confident and have high self-esteem later in life. Furthermore, they learn to take responsibility for their actions and that mistakes are ineviatble part of the learning process, which further fosters their resilience.

2. Consequences

“Every choice we make has a consequence.”

Consequences, both positive and negative, are natural outcomes of the choices children make. Therefore, it is crucial to help children navigate through the real-life implications of their actions. Consequences should be applied promptly and explained clearly to reinforce the connection between actions and outcomes. Make sure to encourage positive behavior by highlighting the effort and strategies children use, promoting a growth mindset that values persistence and problem-solving. By consistently applying these principles, parents can create a structured environment where children understand that their choices have meaningful and appropriate consequences, preparing them for the broader world.

3. Consistency

“Whatever consequences you enforce, it is imperative that you stick to your guns.”

Consistency provides children with a stable and predictable environment that fosters confidence and security. When parents consistently follow through with their words and actions, children learn that their parents mean what they say, which reduces the need for repeated reminders and threats. It is crucial that there is also consistency between both parents, otherwise the environment can get very confusing for a child. Moreover, as we know, parents are role models to children, so parents being consistent also teaches children to be consistent in their words and actions later in life themselves. This reliability helps children understand the connection between their behavior and the consequences, both positive and negative, they face. Even though maintaining absolute consistency may be a bit challenging, it definitely pays off in the long run!

4. Compassion

“When you give your children compassion, you can separate who they are from what they’ve done.”

Compassion and care is essential for nurturing a loving and supportive environment where children feel safe and valued. Parents are the primary guides and teachers for children, and hence it is important to show compassion to help children navigate their world, especially when they face difficult or uncomfortable consequences of their actions. By showing compassion, parents can differentiate between a child’s behavior and their inherent worth, reinforcing that they are unconditionally loved, regardless of their actions. Creating a non-judgmental and accepting space for children to express their issues is key to fostering emotional safety. Furthermore, compassionate parents also focus on developing their child’s emotional intelligence by helping them label and understand their emotions, and by teaching empathy through perspective-taking exercises. This allows for a stronger emotional bond between a child and their parents and also supports the child’s overall emotional and psychological development.

Take this opportunity to reflect on your own parenting approach. What aspects of the 4C’s are you already implementing in your parenting? Every child is unique, and parenting approach should be adapted based on individual needs and circumstances. These principles can help provide a nurturing environment where your child can thrive.

At Anykind, we are committed to supporting parents on their journey of understanding and implementing effective parenting strategies. Contact us if you need support on your own unique journey.

Stay tuned for more insights and tips on parenting! For more content make sure to follow our Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.

References:

Conte, C. (2009). Dr. Conte’s Four Cs of Parenting. In Fostering Families Today (pp. 44-46).

Conte, C. (n.d.). Four C’s of Parenting. Retrieved from https://www.drchristianconte.com/four-cs-parenting/

Grand Canyon University (2019). The 4Cs of Parenting. Retrieved from https://www.gcu.edu/blog/psychology-counseling/4-cs-parenting

Chiu, E. (2020). Parenting strategies: The 4C’s for child mental well-being. Retrieved from https://www.sydneypsychhub.com.au/parenting-strategies-the-4cs-for-child-mental-well-being/

Understanding parenting styles

Understanding the principles of different parenting styles can empower you to choose the approach that best supports your child’s development and well-being. Let’s explore the four main parenting styles based on the work of developmental psychologist Diana Baumrind and Stanford researchers Eleanor Maccoby and John Martin.

1. Authoritarian Parenting

Authoritarian parenting is characterized by one-way communication – parents set strict rules without explanation. They tend to have high expectations of their children with limited flexibility. The home environment is less nurturing and mistakes are met with punishments rather than opportunities for learning and growth. While this approach may secure obedience, it can hinder emotional and self-esteem development. Furthermore, children may lack autonomy and hence have develop problems making their own decisions.

2. Authoritative Parenting

Despite their titles may sound similar, authoritative parenting style is very different from the authoritarian style. Authoritative parents nurture the relationship with their child with clear expectations and rules communicated openly. Open communication fosters a supportive environment where problems are solved together and children are encouraged to express themselves. While parents are respected, they are not feared or blindly obeyed.

Authoritative parenting is widely accepted as the most recommended parenting style as it leads to the healthiest outcomes. Research show that children raised by authoritative parents are confident, responsible, and able to self-regulate.

3. Permissive Parenting

This parenting style is mainly child-driven with warmth but lacks discipline, rules and clear expectations. Parents are often indulgent, taking on a friend-like role instead with little structure and respect. This can result to children having issues with self-regulation, respecting rules or boundaries, and developing healthy habits. They are more likely to have problems with authorities and to avoid confrontations.

4. Uninvolved Parenting

Uninvolved parenting is characterized by minimal engagement and responsiveness to a child’s emotional and developmental needs. Parents provide basic necessities but little emotional support, guidance, or supervision. This can lead to feelings of neglect and insecurity in children, impacting their overall well-being. Children raised this way more often show low self-esteem, lack of self-control, and are less competent than their peers. They might encounter academic, social, and emotional challenges.

Take this opportunity to reflect on your own parenting approach. What aspects resonate with your values and goals for your child’s future? Every child is unique, and parenting styles can be adapted based on individual needs and circumstances. By understanding and choosing a parenting style that aligns with your family dynamics and values, you can create a nurturing environment where your child can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

At Anykind, we are committed to supporting parents on their journey of understanding and implementing effective parenting strategies. Contact us if you need support on your own unique journey.

Stay tuned for more insights and tips on parenting! For more content make sure to follow our Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.

Resources:

Baumrind, D. (1991). Parenting styles and adolescent development. In J. Brooks-Gunn, R. M. Lerner, & A. C. Petersen (Eds.), The encyclopedia on adolescence (pp. 746-758). Garland Publishing

Pinquart, M., Gerke, DC. Associations of Parenting Styles with Self-Esteem in Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis. J Child Fam Stud 28, 2017–2035 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01417-5

Gao, D., Liu, J., Bullock, A., Li, D., & Chen, X. (2021). Transactional models linking maternal authoritative parenting, child self-esteem, and approach coping strategies. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 73, 101262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2021.101262

Morris, A. S., Silk, J. S., Steinberg, L., Myers, S. S., & Robinson, L. R. (2007). The role of the family context in the development of emotion regulation. Social Development, 16(2), 361–388. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9507.2007.00389.x

Lavrič, M., & Naterer, A. (2020). The power of authoritative parenting: A cross-national study of effects of exposure to different parenting styles on life satisfaction. Children and Youth Services Review, 116, 105274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105274

Baumrind, D. (2013). Authoritative parenting revisited: History and current status. In R. E. Larzelere, A. Sheffield, & A. W. Harrist (Eds.), Authoritative parenting: Synthesizing nurturance and discipline for optimal child development. American Psychological Association.