For the one in every five children who has dyslexia and the millions of others who struggle to read at their own grade levels -- and for their parents, teachers, and tutors -- this book can make a difference. Dr. Shaywitz demystifies the subject of reading difficulties and explains how a child can be helped to become a good reader. She discusses early diagnosis in young children as well as the diagnosing of older children, young adults, and adults. Dr. Shaywitz explains why some bright adults can read only very slowly, and what they can do about it. Her book makes clear how research, including new brain imaging studies, is uncovering the mechanisms underlying dyslexia and has led to effective treatments for each age group. Dr. Shaywitz instructs parents in what they can do year-by-year, grade-by-grade, step-by-step for a dyslexic child. She lays out a home program for enhanced reading; guides parents in choosing the best school for their child and in working with teachers; and suggests ways of raising and preserving the child's self-esteem. She provides exercises, teaching aids, information on computer programs, and many other invaluable resources. In addition, her book corrects such popular (and harmful) myths as the belief that dyslexia is primarily a male problem, that children with dyslexia see words backward, that dyslexia is linked to intelligence. She shows us how, although dyslexia cannot be outgrown, its effects can, with careful planning and hard work, be overcome. Dr. Shaywitz lifts the barrier of ignorance surrounding dyslexia and replaces it with the comfort of knowledge.

Part INature of Reading and Dyslexia -- 1 Power of Knowing 3 -- 2 Historical Roots of Dyslexia 13 -- 3 Big Picture: Who Is Affected and What Happens over Time 25 -- 4 Why Some Smart People Can't Read 36 -- 5 Everyone Speaks, but Not Everyone Reads 45 -- 6 Reading the Brain 59 -- 7 Working Brain Reads 71 -- Part II Diagnosing Dyslexia -- 8 Early Clues to Dyslexia 93 -- 9 Later Clues to Dyslexia 102 -- 10 Should My Child Be Evaluated for Dyslexia? 120 -- 11 Diagnosing Dyslexia in the School-Age Child 131 -- 12 Identifying the At-Risk Child 142 -- 13 Diagnosing Bright Young Adults 150 -- Part III Helping Your Child Become a Reader -- 14 All Children Can Be Taught to Read 169 -- 15 Helping Your Child Break the Reading Code 176 -- 16 Helping Your Child Become a Reader 198 -- 17 Helping Your Child Become a Skilled Reader 230 -- Part IV Overcoming Dyslexia: Turning Struggling Readers into Proficient Readers -- 18 Sam's Program: A Model That Works 251 -- 19 Teaching the Dyslexic Child to Read 261 -- 20 Helping Adults Become Better Readers 288 -- 21 Choosing a School 294 -- 22 Protecting and Nourishing Your Child's Soul 309 -- 23 Accommodations: Building a Bridge to Success 314.