Preparing for College With Dyslexia (Child Mind Institute) Available in Spanish

Description:

Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes it hard for kids to read. The workload in college can be challenging for kids with dyslexia, but they can prepare by practicing using reading strategies and tools while they’re still in high school.

College students with dyslexia need to be especially careful about managing their time. Keeping a detailed schedule and blocking off time to study can help kids make sure that they don’t get behind. It also helps them learn how much time tasks really take them and plan accordingly.

Reading comprehension can also be a challenge for college students with dyslexia. To keep up with more challenging reading, a technique called the SQR3 method can help. A student using this method starts by looking over the text to preview what’s coming. Then, the student writes out the questions they expect the text to answer and reads with the goal of finding those answers. This active reading tool can help students understand what they read more easily. Parents can encourage kids to start using the SQR3 method in high school.

There are also tools that help students who have learning disabilities. For example, students can get software that reads assigned reading material aloud or helps with spelling in written assignments. Disability services offices at some colleges provide students with software and even training in how to use it. And again, it’s important for students to practice using these tools before college starts so that they’re ready when the work gets more challenging.