Things We as Parents Learned Along the Way

Dyslexia can be complicated, frustrating... and very rewarding!

We are parents, not experts, and we want to share a few things we have learned along our journey:

It WILL be OK. Your child will be OK, and you will be OK.
Dyslexia typically does not come alone, it comes with "others." Examples of "others" include but are not limited to: dysgraphia, anxiety, ADHD, gifted, dyscalculia, vision problems (glasses or visual processing complications), and central auditory processing disorder.
Before a formal diagnosis was obtained, we all lost our patience with our children. "You read this word before, why can't you do it now?" If you said something to this effect, you are not alone! We have all been frustrated, the child included. Formal diagnosis helps bring an understanding for both parents and children. Diagnosis gives a concrete reason as to why this is happening, and a reassurance that it is not due to lack of effort. These children are estimated to put in 5 times more effort than an "average reader," which can also make them physically, emotionally, and mentally drained during and by the end of the school day.
Dyslexia is not the same in everyone. There are varying degrees of dyslexia and each individual experiences it differently. Most people with dyslexia do not see floating words, moving or vibrating letters, but some do.
You may come to the realization that you, your spouse, or close relative likely has non-diagnosed dyslexia. Dyslexia has strong genetic ties. Sometimes a child's diagnosis can help explain our own similar struggles or the struggles of other family members (i.e. grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc.).