Roberts Academy at Mercer University

Dyslexia Resources for Parents, Educators, and Advocates

Being a parent of a dyslexic child can be challenging, but having access to the right resources can make all the difference. At Roberts Academy at Mercer University, we believe in equipping families, educators, and community members with tools to support individuals with dyslexia. Below is a regularly updated collection of websites, videos, books, and other resources designed to inform and empower.

Informative Websites for Dyslexia Support

1. International Dyslexia Association

The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is a nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive library of resources for parents and professionals. From fact sheets to video libraries, the IDA serves as a go-to for learning about dyslexia and effective strategies for support.

Recommended Sections:

  • About Dyslexia: Fact sheets, success stories, FAQs
  • Families: Dyslexia Handbook, conferences, and workshops

Resources: Infographics, structured literacy guides, and video libraries.

2. Understood

Understood is a nonprofit organization supporting individuals with learning and thinking differences, including dyslexia. It provides insights into how co-occurring learning challenges may affect children, offering tools for navigating multiple diagnoses.

3. Learning Ally

Learning Ally offers audiobooks, assistive technologies, and a supportive online community for parents and educators. This platform is ideal for tackling reading comprehension challenges and supporting structured literacy efforts in schools.

4. GeorgiaCAN

GeorgiaCAN is a policy-focused organization advocating for student success within the public education system. Their work includes addressing learning differences like dyslexia through state-level educational initiatives.

Must-Watch Videos on Dyslexia

Dyslexia Video Series by Georgia Department of Education

This series is a fantastic introduction to dyslexia, designed for educators and parents. The videos cover topics like reading development, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and structured literacy approaches.

Video Titles:

Documentaries

YouTube Highlights

  • What is Dyslexia?: Dr. Horowitz from the National Center for Learning Disabilities explains dyslexia’s impact.
  • Made by Dyslexia: Features insights from dyslexic celebrities and educators.
  • Keira Knightly Interview A delightful interview with Keira Knightley. The actress is charming, honest, and informative as she discusses her childhood after being diagnosed with dyslexia at six years old.

Inspiring TED Talks

What is dyslexia? by Kelli Sandman-Hurley

Kelli Sandman-Hurley urges us to think again about dyslexic brain function and to celebrate the neurodiversity of the human brain.

The True Gifts of a Dyslexic Mind by David Bragonier

In this inspiring talk, advocate and educator Dean Bragonier offers a different take on dyslexia. By looking at the unique mindset of dyslexics as a strength, Dean reframes a perceived weakness as a powerful tool and teaches us all an important lesson about the power of an open mind and an open heart.

Books for Parents and Educators

Dyslexia. Wrestling with an Octopus, by Beth Beamish

From the author: “This book took me over five years to write. As any parent of a child with learning challenges knows, it is difficult and expensive trying to find out how best to help your child. I hope that parents reading this book will learn from my mistakes and be able to use my 10 tips to find the answers they need. Having seen the impact dyslexia has had on my health, I explore this topic in the hope it will prevent others from suffering in the same way. Dyslexia is much more than a reading, spelling, and writing issue. It affects the whole of life. My holistic approach gives parents the tools to help their child thrive socially, academically, and physically.”

The Dyslexic Advantage. Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain, by Brock Eide, M.D., M.A., and Fernette Eide, M.D.

The Dyslexic Advantage provides invaluable advice on how parents, educators, and individuals with dyslexia can recognize and use the strengths of the dyslexic learning style in material reasoning (used by architects and engineers), interconnected reasoning (scientists and designers), narrative reasoning (novelists and lawyers); and dynamic reasoning (economists and entrepreneurs).

 Overcoming Dyslexia, A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level, by Sally Shaywitz

Dyslexia is the most common learning disorder on the planet, affecting about one in five individuals, regardless of age or gender. Now, a world-renowned expert gives us a substantially updated and augmented edition of her classic work: drawing on an additional fifteen years of cutting-edge research, offering new information on all aspects of dyslexia and reading problems, and providing the tools that parents, teachers, and all individuals with dyslexia need.

From ABC to ADHD: What Every Parent Should Know About Dyslexia, by Eric Q. Tridas

From ABC to ADHD is an understandable, reliable source of information for parents of a child with a developmental or behavioral problem. Written by an experienced team of physicians and neuropsychologists, this essential guide walks parents through topics that include the role of attention in reading, the causes of ADHD and dyslexia, and a range of instructional, behavioral, and medical management strategies, including a detailed analysis of medications and their side effects.

Books to Read With Your Child

 Did You Say Pasghetti? Dusty and Danny Tackle Dyslexia

The story, which is told by Danny’s best friend, Dusty the Dog, gives kids a fun yet realistic look at some of the struggles associated with dyslexia and other learning challenges – like frustration, low self-esteem, and negativity.

D is for Darcy – Not Dyslexia

This book is the first in The Empower Empathy Early Series. The story showcases the strengths and struggles of dyslexia through the main character, Darcy.

Fish in a Tree

Ally, the story’s main character, learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. Ally feels free to be herself as her confidence grows and the world opens up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her—and to everyone—than a label and that great minds don’t always think alike.

 The Hank Zipzer Series – based on the life of Henry Winkler who has dyslexia

Inspired by the life experiences of Henry Winkler, whose undiagnosed dyslexia made him a classic childhood underachiever, the Hank Zipzer series is about the high-spirited and funny adventures of a boy with learning differences.

Empowering Individuals with Dyslexia

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or advocate, these resources can help you better understand dyslexia and empower those who live with it. Bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates as we continue to expand our list of tools and support networks.

Do you have a resource to recommend? Contact us to share it!

About Roberts Academy at Mercer University

Located in Macon, Georgia, Roberts Academy at Mercer University is a specialized school serving students in grades 2–5 with dyslexia and related learning differences. In August 2025, we will launch our 6th grade class.

As the first school of its kind in Middle Georgia, we are dedicated to fostering a love of learning in a supportive environment where dyslexic students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our mission is to provide evidence-based instruction tailored to the unique needs of each child, helping them unlock their full potential. Using the Orton Gillingham Approach in a nurturing environment, we celebrate the strengths and individuality of every student.

For more information about our programs, admissions process, and community impact, visit robertsacademy.org and schedule your campus tour.

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