Stars 4 Kidz

Hi would like to know your experiences of having dyslexia and studying at the same time. What do you do to overcome difficulties?

Oh my goodness I am dyslexic and currently studying, and due to another medical condition the dyslexia is causing me some real issues, I have to do a lot reading for research assignment.

However these are the things that I am currently using, to help a little.

A list of the most commonly misspelt words
Spelling rules such as I before E except after C (I only learnt this a few years ago).
Homophones is handy too, as it is not unusual to confuse similar sounding words such weather/ whether. (Laminate them and keep a copy on the fridge, and a copy to keep in my folder).

Ask teachers to write each paragraph in different colours, so I can keep track of were I am if copying from the board. (Some teachers were more than happy to do this, other not so).

Class handouts to be on coloured paper, for my daughter and I its a cream or buff colour. I now take coloured paper so my note taker can copy assignments and class notes onto the coloured stuff, which really does help with reading.

For reading text books etc, I use a coloured overlay. When reading I take my time, but at the moment it has been extremely difficult, because after half an hour of reading causes nausea and a mean headache.

I start on assignments as soon as I get it. Most teachers are happy to check on progress if asked. This year I have asked for one extension for an assignment.

I use a computer to do assignments etc, ensuring I use spell check to keep spelling mistakes in check.

Dragon Naturally Speaking is an excellent computer program which does word processing, and uses speech recognition, that allows you to dictate your work. (My daughter used this program and loves it).

Another is Read & Write gold which I am trying to get, for my self, and I can scan in text books etc, and it will read it to me.

When doing tests/exams, ask if I am allowed to take note paper in with me, if its a multi choice test, ask if I can mark the question sheet, this helps by crossing out the incorrect answers. Or ask for a verbal exam is done, or for extra time to complete the exam.

Thankfully my lecture is very supportive, and has granted me an extension for the research assignment. And have only had a few exams, which I passed with very little help.

The link below shows what dyslexics see when trying to read.

Edit;
The coloured overlay comes in different colours, because no person is exactly the same. I know someone who uses a yellow colour which makes me feel sick, but a pink & blue work for me.
This the same for printing out notes etc on coloured paper, I use a cream or a light blue.

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