Dyslexia and Kindles

[Lmcg46]

I have a daughter who is a reluctant reader - quite able but always finds lots of excuses as to why she doesn't want to read such as she doesn't like scratchy paper, she prefers less dense text etc. Her school aren't at all worried and I'm trying not to be either.

I was reading something on dyslexia for my job earlier in the week and some comments just started me thinking as to whether the excuses my daughter uses could indicate a very mild level of dyslexia. I had been thinking that a Kindle might be a good way to let her read books without the scratchy paper. But if she did have any level of dyslexia, do they tend to help or hinder? Are different types (standard / paper white) better or worse?

I appreciate that there are lots of different ways that dyslexia can affect people and I don't want to make a big thing of it as I could well be totally wrong - I hope I am. But equally, if I'm going to try it, I'd rather avoid anything that could make it worse.

Any advice from those who know more than me?

[hazelnunhead]

HI

I have some knowledge around dyslexia (work with students, at a HE level who are diagnosed with dyslexia).

I think a Kindle would be useful if you find that you can change the font / size. Many people with dyslexia find some of the settings difficult to read (of for example in a book, small print, some fonts are hard to read) , and if you get something like a kindle then make sure it can alter this.

http://www.dyslexic.com/fonts

(I've included an article above which speaks about fonts)

YOu can see if changing the backing colour helps with reading - usually you would not print on white, but off white/ creamy white. Some people with dyslexia find that by putting a transparent colour over the writing helps them with reading (it helps stop the words from "moving"; helps with tracking etc) So if the kindle allows you to change the colour of the background then once again that would help.

I am not sure how old your daughter is but you can get this free app (from Nessy which produces educational resources for children with dyslexia) and it gives you some insight into what its like to have dyslexia, strengths and weaknesses in learning.

Found a link to it, free app

http://www.nessy.com/dyslexia

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=colours+for+dyslexics&qpvt=colours+for+dyslexics&FORM=IGRE

Then the British Dyslexia Association is an excellent resource for information, guidance etc for parents, people who work, students of all ages who are dyslexic and seeking information.

Hope that helps ....

[Lmcg46]

Thanks Hazel. That's really useful info. I think we'll experiment and see if anything makes a difference. I suspect that if there is anything it's at the margins of having an impact as she seems to be coping with most stuff quite well. Would just be nice if I could find something that makes reading more appealing as I do think she'll get into it big time once she gets going.

[EDmummy]

If you haven't already, I'd also ask the school for dyslexia testing.

[miss]

Further to Hazel's points, choose a sans serif font and avoid e-readers or tablets which are backlit.

[m bond]

I'd get a psychologist to assess her for dyslexia as if she does have it even on a mild level it may affect her academically.the earlier you get a diagnosis the better these children do. It's not just about reading the letters and the background of the text it's about how they process language. My nephew was diagnosed by a local psychologist and now with the right support he enjoys reading