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Home  |  Children & Teens  |  Literacy Resources | Dyslexia

Help with dyslexia

Find out about dyslexia and how the library can help your children

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a language processing problem, a specific difficulty in learning one or more of spelling, writing or reading. Many dyslexics experience visual stress and have difficulty in distinguishing between printed letters in books and in tracking words across the page when reading.

It should be diagnosed by a professional. Always speak with your child’s school first if you have any concerns.

 

How our libraries can help children with dyslexia

We stock physical books from the dyslexia-specialist publisher, Barrington Stoke. These books are dyslexia-friendly by having the following features:

  • Text printed on cream paper with a matt surface to mitigate the effect of glare from white paper.
  • Thick paper, since dyslexics experience reading problems when print from overleaf show through on the reading page.
  • Specially-created type face designed to minimise visual stress by using slightly longer ascenders and descenders on letters.
  • A wider gap between each line of text, clear punctuation and a more defined gap between paragraphs.
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Our eBook services allow you to change both page colour and font size to create a bespoke visual experience for your child. Learn more about our eLibrary services.

We also stock physical and digital audiobooks free of charge. Your child may enjoy just listening to the story, or want to read the print version at the same time. We also stock books for adults about dyslexia and other learning difficulties.

 

How you can help children with dyslexia

Dyslexic children often have problems with spelling and handwriting. The British Dyslexia Association has useful information and resources. They also have a guide on signs of dyslexia in children, as does the NHS website.

BookTrust has an informative blog written by Eve Wersocki Morris on tips to get children with dyslexia hooked on reading.

Further reading and tips

Tips on choosing books
  • If a child is unable to read 5 or more words on a page, then the book is too difficult.
  • Choose a book about a topic they are interested in.
  • Factual books may be easier for children with reading difficulties. Look for well-illustrated books with short captions.
  • Avoid books with cluttered pages.
  • Cookery books, craft books and joke books convey a lot of meaning in simple sentences.
  • There is a list of dyslexia-friendly books for children of all ages at Lovereading4kids. Many of these titles are available to borrow from the Suffolk Community Libraries catalogue.
Tips on searching the catalogue

Visit our online catalogue.

Search for everything we have about dyslexia

  • In Quick Search click on the drop-down menu to the left of the search box
  • Select Subject, type ‘dyslexia’ then press OK

‍Search for books suitable for children and teens with dyslexia

  • In Quick Search click on the drop-down menu to the left of the search box
  • Select Publisher, type ‘Barrington Stoke’ then press OK

Search for books suitable for adults with dyslexia

  • In Quick Search click on the drop-down menu to the left of the search box
  • Select Publisher, type ‘Clarity Books’ then press OK

To filter the search results

Use the links on the right-hand side to narrow your search results down to, for example, age group, series or author.

To reserve a book from the list

  • Select the title you’d like to read
  • Check the box next to it
  • Follow the instructions on the screen.
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