Episode #11: Alice from Texas (Living with dyslexia)

The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity defines dyslexia as “an unexpected difficulty in reading in an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader.” Dyslexia is a common learning disability that affects about 20% of the population. When students with dyslexia receive specialized instruction from trained professionals they can go on to be quite successful adults. However, students who do not receive the help they need face a lifelong uphill struggle. In fact, some studies suggest that more than half of those incarcerated in the United States have dyslexia. In this episode of the Student Voice Podcast, you’ll hear about how Alice struggled until she got the help she needed and is now a happy, thriving sixth grader.

[0:00:19] - Host Robert Bailey introduces 11-year-old Alice from Texas to talk about her experience with dyslexia.

[0:00:53] - Alice says her favorite subject is math because it follows rules.

[0:01:38] - Alice enjoys lip-syncing and dancing in theater class.

[0:01:59] - Alice prefers sports like basketball.

[0:02:24] - Alice explains that dyslexia means the brain is wired differently and learns differently.

[0:02:46] - Alice says she struggles most with reading and spelling, but using strategies helps her bounce back.

[0:03:30] - Alice gets accommodations like a calculator in math and extra help from a dyslexia teacher.

[0:04:02] - Alice learns strategies through workbooks using different "levels" or "kits."

[0:05:04] - Alice’s teachers are helpful and approachable for asking questions.

[0:06:16] - Alice finds it hard to explain dyslexia to others who don't experience it.

[0:08:23] - Alice had one frustrating teacher in the past who taught too quickly.

[0:09:25] - Alice's mom discusses signs she noticed when Alice was younger.

[0:11:06] - Alice's previous school didn't provide adequate support.

[0:17:05] - Good teacher communication is important for parents of students with dyslexia.