Dyslexia Awareness Month is October. Let’s Spread the Word

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or individual with dyslexia, it is critical to help spread the word and combat the stigma often associated with being dyslexic. Let me share with you some resources and books that you can use to promote an understanding of what dyslexia is and isn’t.

As a tutor for over 20 years, I’ve seen firsthand that the social and emotional tolls are significant for many students with learning challenges and last a lifetime. Many students with dyslexia are bullied or laughed at, even though they are often brilliant and possess strong skills in many areas. Lack of understanding contributes to the stigma and causes low self-esteem and hopelessness. No one should have to feel that way!

I wrote Did You Say Pasghetti? Dusty and Danny Tackle Dyslexia specifically to address these concerns. This picture book tackles the challenging emotions that come with learning difficulties and helps build empathy in peers regarding learning differences. The book’s title comes from the tendency of students with dyslexia to mispronounce multi-syllable words.

Read on to find out more about Did You Say Pasghetti? and find other resources you can use to spread dyslexia awareness. (This post contains affiliate links)

Dyslexia Awareness: What You Can Do

► Educate yourself and others. The best way to stop the stigma is through education. Educate yourself and your peers about what dyslexia is and isn’t. Here is a blog post with information you can use and links to the best information sites.

What you need to Know About Dyslexia and Orton-Gillingham Instruction

► Advocate. Advocacy is critical so that those with dyslexia receive interventions and accommodations required by law and supported by research.

► Acknowledge strengths. Acknowledge the strengths of dyslexic students, including their creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Advocate for them. Speak up for their accommodation needs with other educators and parents.

4 Amazing Dyslexia Strengths You Need to Know

25 Exceptional Dyslexia Resources You Need to Explore

► Use books to teach about dyslexia. There is no better way to help kids learn dyslexia than through books. These books have relatable characters and do a great job in tackling the social/emotional side of what it means to be dyslexic.

Check out these lists.

15 Books for Kids About Having Dyslexia

Young People’s Books about Dyslexia

12 Children’s Books with Dyslexic Characters You Can’t Miss

Book Review

Did You Say Pasghetti? Dusty and Danny Tackle Dyslexia tells young picture book readers that “Everyone needs to find the special way that their brain learns best” and advocates learning, kindness, and different approaches to fostering both. It follows Danny and his best friend Dusty the dog in a humorous examination of not just the process of struggling with learning, but the associated emotional trials that accompany it.

Pieter Els provides colorful drawings of boy and dog which bring these dilemmas and their relationship to life, while discussion questions presented after the story encourage conversations about not just dyslexia and learning abilities, but handling emotions that arise during the process of overcoming adversity.

Parents who want to teach kids more about learning disabilities, fostering an atmosphere of acceptance, problem-solving, and understanding will find Did You Say Pasghetti? just the ticket for an educational conversation, whether it’s with a child newly diagnosed with learning challenges or a peer who needs to develop empathy. – Midwest Book Review, D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer

Did You Say Pasghetti? Dusty and Danny Tackle Dyslexia has been named among the best in family-friendly media, products and services by the Mom’s Choice Awards® This book is the recipient of eight children’s book awards including a first-place award Purple Dragonfly Book Award for School Issues and a Second Place Purple Dragonfly Award for Special Needs/Disability Awareness.

► Find out more about Did You Say Pasghetti? at DustytheDog.com

Download the free Discussion Guide, including lesson plans, games, and activities that help kids interact with the book.

It’s time to spread dyslexia awareness. Get educated and share with others.