Strategies and Tools to Support Individuals with Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning difference that is thought to affect around 10% of the population, with up to 4% being severely affected. It primarily affects reading, writing and spelling abilities. Being dyslexic has no correlation with your intelligence, and although it is a lifelong problem, with the correct support and intervention, people with dyslexia can go on to achieve academic success and do well in their careers. 

Dyslexia often becomes apparent once a child starts school, although the signs may also be present in preschool children. Failing to recognise that a child has dyslexia deprives them of the opportunity to learn strategies and access support that can significantly reduce the effects dyslexia has on their academic, professional and personal lives. 

In this article we will cover a range of strategies and tools that can be used to support dyslexic individuals, from simple interventions to specialist software. 

Understanding the Challenges of Dyslexia

Not everyone with dyslexia is affected by it to the same extent, with some people being significantly impacted and others only showing mild signs. 

Key challenges that individuals with dyslexia may face include:

• Problems with spelling (including writing letters in the wrong order, mixing up similar letters such as b and d)
• Issues with reading fluency (including reading very slowly, missing out words, stuttering or taking long pauses)
• Poor handwriting and presentation of work

In addition to problems with spelling and reading, people with dyslexia may face additional cognitive challenges such as:

• Problems with organisation and planning 
• Poor memory
• Difficulty processing and understanding written information (even if they understand it when told verbally)
• Problems carrying out a sequence of instructions
• Finding it hard to learn sequences of information in order (such as the days of the week or months of the year)

Teachers are often best placed to spot the signs that a child in their class is dyslexic, although to do so they need to have the correct training. However, others involved with the child including teaching assistants and caregivers may also notice that something is wrong. Early identification of dyslexia improves outcomes as it gives more time to put strategies in place to support students and helps them to make sense of their struggles. 

Failing to spot dyslexia can sometimes lead to a child being incorrectly labelled as lazy, careless or being of low intellect. This can significantly impact an individual’s self-esteem and cause avoidant behaviour, such as refusing to attend school or not doing homework.

It is very important that students who are struggling to keep up at school are given the right help and support. This means identifying the underlying cause of their issues. Some of the signs of dyslexia may overlap with other conditions such as ADHD or dyspraxia. If a child continues to have the same problems despite interventions in the classroom they can be referred for a specialist assessment which will be done by an educational psychologist or other dyslexia professional. 

Strategies to Support Individuals with Dyslexia 

Strategies to support individuals with dyslexia in the classroom include:

• Phonics interventions 
• Structured literacy programmes 
• Multisensory learning approaches 
• Adjustments in the classroom 

Phonics interventions – children are taught to read in school using phonics, which is the process of matching letters to sounds. Children with dyslexia often find it difficult to learn phonics and will need to be taught in a slow, structured way.

Phonics interventions for dyslexic children may involve one-to-one lessons with a teacher or teaching assistant or working in very small groups. Successful phonics interventions can teach a dyslexic child to:

• Learn to recognise and identify sounds in spoken words 
• Combine letters to create words and gradually build up to make more complex words 
• Check their understanding of texts by teachers encouraging them to ask questions when they don’t understand something 

Structured literacy programmes – structured literacy programmes are evidence-based programmes that have been developed by experts, usually based on the Science of Reading. These programmes aim to teach reading skills using a highly specific, structured approach that focuses on all of the important components of literacy. 

Examples of structured literacy programmes include:

• The Orton-Gillingham Approach 
• The Wilson Reading System 
• The Barton Reading and Spelling System 

Multisensory learning approaches – multisensory learning integrates different teaching methods that are designed to activate different parts of the brain. 

A multisensory approach to learning incorporates elements of visual, auditory, tactile (touch) and kinaesthetic (movement) techniques. Multisensory methods make learning more fun and are especially useful for dyslexic students. 

The approach you use in the classroom will depend on the age of the students that you teach but may include using strategies such as:

• Flashcards
• Reading aloud 
• Story sticks 
• Acting out parts of stories or showing actions using puppets 
• Building words with syllable cards 
• Providing hands-on activities 
• Asking students to stand up every time they hear certain words in a story 
• Routinely using visual aids to explain text or concepts 
• Air writing 
• Building models to explain narratives or represent characters 
• Playing music or sound effects to convey emotion or make stories more immersive 

Using a multisensory approach can help to break sequences of information down and allows students to learn using more than one sense as they absorb concepts through what they see, hear and do. 

Adjustments in the classroom – in addition to structured approaches and one-on-one teaching sessions, students with dyslexia may require some additional adjustments during group work and general classroom learning. 

Useful adjustments for dyslexic students may include:

• Extra time to complete work or tests
• Using audiobooks, videos and assistive technology 
• Allowing them to write using a computer instead of a paper and pen
• Giving additional, explicit instruction
• Sending our extra reminders about deadlines 
• Encouraging the use of software and computer programs 
• Creating a supportive classroom culture where questions and collaboration are encouraged
• Using visual aids, including calendars and schedules, and posting them somewhere visible 

Under the Equality Act 2010, you may be able to ask your boss to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate you at work if you have dyslexia. Sometimes making small, simple changes can help employees with dyslexia to overcome their obstacles and reach their full potential. 

Strategies that may help accommodate people with dyslexia in the workplace include: 

• Clear communication 
• Flexible work arrangements 
• Regular feedback and support 

Clear communication – clear communication is the backbone of a well-functioning workplace and is even more important if you have employees who have dyslexia. 

Clear communication methods include providing simple, jargon-free instructions, repeating key information, making sure employees have the opportunity to ask questions and giving information in multiple methods (for example, verbally and also by email). 

Use dyslexia-friendly fonts, increased line spacing and a consistent structure for bulletins and other written communication.

Flexible work arrangements – flexible working arrangements that may help employees who have dyslexia may include offering flexible deadlines, allowing for alternative ways to complete tasks (such as voice-to-text software), enforcing regular screen breaks and encouraging an inclusive and collaborative culture. 

Regular feedback and support – it is important that employers provide regular feedback and support to their employees, highlighting their strengths and helping them to improve on their weaker areas. 

Self-help techniques and strategies for everyday life:

• Time management techniques
• Organisational tools
• Building confidence and self-esteem 
• Mind mapping 
• Making use of assistive technology and apps 

Time management techniques – dyslexia can affect a person’s organisation skills and memory, meaning that they may need to employ strategies to help them manage their time effectively. Useful time management techniques include:

• Setting timers for focus periods
• Breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable parts 
• Using reminders for important appointments or deadlines 

Organisational tools – organisational tools range from a traditional pen and paper diary to apps and online calendars and planners.   

Building confidence and self-esteem – having dyslexia means you have to work harder to succeed at some tasks that others find simple. This can become frustrating and cause low confidence and low self-esteem. It is vital to look after your wellbeing by doing activities you enjoy outside of work and taking time to wind down. This includes playing sport, making art, listening to music and socialising. 

Mind mapping – mind mapping software can help dyslexics map out ideas visually. They can also be drawn physically on paper. They can be useful if you struggle to process linear information and they can help organise and sequence information, as well as boost creativity.

Mind mapping software includes:

• MindMeister
• Miro
• XMind

Making use of assistive technology and apps – there are a number of different types of software and apps that can make life in the workplace easier for dyslexics. Learning how to use these apps and implement them into daily tasks can improve productivity and boost morale. 

Tools to Support Individuals with Dyslexia 

Assistive technology to help individuals with dyslexia includes speech recognition software, audiobooks and learning apps aimed at younger people. 

Speech-to-text software

Some tools allow users to dictate their writing which can remove the constraints of typing and reduce spelling errors.

Tools include:

• Dragon Naturally Speaking 
• Google Voice Typing 

Text-to-speech programs

Some dyslexics like to use tools that can read text aloud which can make reading comprehension easier for those who struggle with printed words.

Notable programs include:

• Natural Reader 
• Kurzweil 3000

Audiobooks and e-books

Problems with reading, especially at a young age, can lead to avoidant behaviour and a lifelong aversion to reading for pleasure. Resources such as Audible, Learning Ally, and Bookshare provide access to a wide range of audiobooks, enabling individuals to absorb content and get lost in great stories without the pressure of having to read text. 

Dyslexia-friendly fonts and software

Some fonts, such as OpenDyslexic, as well as tools like Dyslexie Font, are designed to make reading easier by adjusting letter spacing and shapes to reduce visual confusion.

Learning apps and programs

Learning apps and programs designed to help people with dyslexia include:

• Ghotit Real Writer & Reader – a comprehensive literacy software designed to help children and adults to read, write and correct texts.
• ClaroRead – an app that offers text-to-speech features, screen masking, and dictation tools to help users with reading and writing.
• Nessy Learning – this is a fun, interactive platform for younger children with dyslexia, designed to improve reading and writing skills through games and engaging content.

Tools for organisation and time management

As dyslexia can also cause issues with memory, information processing and sequencing, some dyslexics embrace organisational tools to help them overcome these challenges. 

Options include:

• Digital planners and task management tools such as Trello, Evernote, or Google Keep which help with organising tasks, setting reminders, and prioritising work.
• Mind mapping software, e.g. Mind Meister or Inspiration, which can help users by enabling them to visually organise ideas. This can help individuals with dyslexia to brainstorm, organise and make sense of ideas. It can also help with writing assignments for school and working on projects in the workplace.

The Role of Support Networks 

Students with dyslexia require a supportive home environment where they feel understood and valued. Although families and caregivers can help to reinforce strategies that help an individual with their education, they are uniquely placed to ensure that their loved one develops a positive self-image and remains confident in their abilities.

Tips for families and caregivers to support someone with dyslexia:

• Educate yourself about what dyslexia is to avoid judgement and assumptions 
• Avoid putting too much pressure on a child to succeed at school (this can be overwhelming) 
• Don’t compare one child to another
• Praise strengths rather than focusing on weaknesses 
• Don’t get frustrated with them – it is better to take a break and come back to the task later
• Offer practical help and support, especially with organisation and planning tasks
• Find ways to make learning fun and engaging 

Individuals with a learning difference or difficulty may be more at risk of developing low confidence, emotional problems and poor mental health. It is also important that families and carers look after their children’s overall wellbeing, as this helps them to thrive both in and out of a school environment. 

• Ensure children are eating a healthy, balanced diet and staying hydrated. Vitamin deficiency and dehydration can lead to low mood, lack of energy and poor concentration 
• Encourage young people to get active and exercise. Physical activity boosts mood by releasing endorphins and increases oxygen levels. Being active during the day can also help develop healthy sleeping habits 
• Establish a routine of good sleep hygiene. Children and young people need additional sleep while they are growing. Lack of sleep can interfere with mood, energy, motivation and concentration levels, which can exacerbate pre-existing problems in the classroom 

Teachers, tutors and mentors can offer a secondary support network by providing ongoing support and guidance to help students with the unique challenges they face. They can also advise families and carers about how they can help outside of the classroom by having regular meetings and updating families about a student’s progress. 

Structured and professional support is also available for individuals with dyslexia, for example:

• Dyslexia support groups
• Educational psychologists  
• Professional coaches 

Much of the advice for children with dyslexia also relates to adults with dyslexia. If having dyslexia is making life at work difficult, consider speaking to your manager about reasonable adjustments they could make to help you. Additionally, make use of the technology that is available to help you in the workplace. Lastly, make sure you look after your health and wellbeing, find ways to relax and learn to recognise signs of stress and burnout. 

Conclusion 

Whilst having dyslexia does pose challenges at school, work and in everyday life, strategies and tools exist to help with these struggles. In this article we have highlighted several online tools, platforms and apps that may be useful to dyslexic learners and we encourage you to do some research of your own and find the resources that may support you in facing your own, individual challenges.