Is It Dyslexia?: An At-Home Guide for Screening and Supporting Children Who Struggle to Read

Hands-on resources for screening readers of all ages for dyslexia.

In Is It Dyslexia?, certified dyslexia assessment specialist April McMurtrey delivers an accessible, hands-on framework for screening readers of various ages for dyslexia. The book offers comprehensive, clear, and step-by-step processes you can apply immediately to confidently and accurately screen readers for dyslexia. The author shares the tools and strategies used by professional screeners, as well as first, next, and final steps you can take as you move forward with your screening results.

Is It Dyslexia? is divided into three parts:

• Part one describes in detail the signs and symptoms of dyslexia, debunks myths, and explores the strengths often inherent in children with dyslexia.
• Part two includes step-by-step screenings for students ages 5-105. These comprehensive screenings include printable pages, detailed instructions and a guide to analyse the results.
• Part three addresses the “what now” question that many parents ask after discovering dyslexia.

The book includes:

• Explanations of what dyslexia is, as well as an overview of common talents and strengths often found in readers with dyslexia
• A collection of recommended accommodations for students with dyslexia in the home and school and effective literacy instruction for students with dyslexia
• A comprehensive dyslexia questionnaire, eleven different screening tests, and step-by-step instructions for administering them

Ideal for tutors, homeschool teachers, parents, instructional coaches, counsellors, and speech-language therapists, Is It Dyslexia? comes complete with reproducibles and links to video tutorials required for screening students of various ages.

Table of Contents

About the Author vii

Introduction ix

Part I Understanding Dyslexia 1

1. Recognizing the Signs of Dyslexia 3
• Michael’s Story 3
• Signs of Dyslexia 12
• Summary 23
2. Unraveling Misinformation about Dyslexia 25
• John’s Story 25
• Myths about Dyslexia 28
• Summary 32
3. Embracing Dyslexia 33
• Emma’s Story 33
• Systematic, Synthetic, Explicit Code-Based Instruction 35
• Summary 36
4. What to Do If You Suspect Dyslexia 37
• Your Story 37
• Summary 38

Part II Screening for Dyslexia 39

5. Understanding the Dyslexia Screening Process 41
• Introduction to the Screening Process 41
• Dyslexia Screening Q&A 42
• Summary 44
6. Instructions for the Dyslexia Screening 45
• Prepare for the Screening 45
• Administer the Screening Tasks 47
• Evaluate the Results 48
• Summary 48
7. Dyslexia Screening Packets 51
• Kindergarten Screening Packet 52
• Grade 1 Screening Packet 60
• Grade 2 Screening Packet 88
• Grade 3 Screening Packet 117
• Grade 4 Screening Packet 147
• Grade 5 Screening Packet 178
• Grade 6 Screening Packet 209
• Grade 7 to Adult Screening Packet 240

Part III Moving Forward with Dyslexia 271

8. Taking 7 Steps after Screening 273
• Step 1: Talk to Your Student 273
• Step 2: Celebrate! 274
• Step 3: Evaluate Your Current Reading Program 274
• Step 4: Study the Effective Literacy Instruction and Recommendations in the Following Pages 275
• Step 5: Talk to Your Child’s Teacher 275
• Step 6: Read at Home 275
• Step 7: Educate Yourself Further on the Topic of Dyslexia 276
• Summary 276
9. Effective Literacy Instruction for Students with Dyslexia 277
• Phonological Awareness 278
• Phonemic Awareness 278
• Knowledge of the Correct Sounds of Each Grapheme, Especially Vowels 279
• Proper Teaching of Phonetically Irregular Words 279
• Phonics Instruction 281
• The Importance of Connected and Controlled Text 282
• Fluency Development 283
• Vocabulary Development 284
• Comprehension Development 285
• Summary 286
10. Recommendations for School and Home 287
• Recommendations for School 287
• Recommendations for Home 288
• Summary 290

Index 291

"An indispensable resource for parents seeking to understand and support individuals with dyslexia. With a unique blend of personal experience and extensive research, April's book provides both comprehensive insights about dyslexia and practical screenings for personal use. Her compassionate approach empowers readers to recognize dyslexia, access crucial accomodations, debunk myths about dyslexia, and tap into the strengths often inherent in dyslexic individuals. This book's importance cannot be overstated, and it is a testament to April's expertise and dedication to making a profound difference in the lives of those affected by dyslexia."
- Tania Van Thiel Berghuys, Teacher, Certified Learn Reading Tutor

"As a pediatrician, I see that dyslexia is a widespread, often undiagnosed problem, causing considerable anguish to children and parents when not diagnosed and managed early in life. Also, as a mom with two kids, I feel that this book clarifies so much about this condition and would be an asset to both parents and practitioners alike."
- Pamelo Britto-Williams, MD, FAAP, FAAAAI, CHCQM

"A realistic and inspiring journey that provides much needed tools for families as they navigate new landscape with their child's education."
- Amy Noall, Psychologist, Educator, founder of The Scholars Grove

"This manual outlines a roadmap for identifying at-risk children, including early signs of dyslexia and detailed screening tools and evaluations. April McMurtrey's knowledge shines through as she guides you step by step through the screening process, so that no child's struggle with dyslexia is overlooked."
- Patrice Badami, MA in childhood and special education, Acorn to Tree family podcast host