October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. Unlike what some people think, dyslexia is not a disease, therefore, it cannot be cured. The brains of dyslexic people function differently from non-dyslexics, and that difference becomes most noticeable during the years of schooling. About twenty percent of the population is estimated to be dyslexic.

This month is a time to increase knowledge and understanding about the one in five among us.

• Time to acknowledge and affirm those brilliant boys and girls, men and women who excel in big-picture thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and resilience, yet struggle to read, spell and write, among other difficulties.

• Time to admit that, if we believe everyone is unique, then every brain has to be different, and by extension, cookie-cutter methods of instruction are ineffective ways of teaching. After all, fish don’t climb trees.

Today, also, marks the beginning of the final quarter of the year. This is a good time for reflection on what has worked in the previous quarters, what needs tweaking, and what needs to be discarded.

If you have a child who has been identified as dyslexic, the last three quarters were, most likely, challenging. Having to be your child’s teacher in the virtual, at-home classroom forced upon us by the pandemic, didn’t make things better.

As the mother of a dyslexic daughter, I know the frustration, overwhelm, and helplessness that engulfs parents when there seems to be nothing you can do to ease your child’s struggle as he pushes through the mountain of school assignments and strives to meet expectations.

Anxious brains don’t learn. So, your first step in helping your child navigate this unusual phase of his life is to alleviate his anxiety. Set aside some time when you can forget about academic work and focus on your child’s special gifts that can turn his challenge into a blessing.

Let him know that some of the world’s greatest thinkers, entrepreneurs, and celebrities were or are dyslexic. Here’s a video to get you started. After watching it, help him create his own dyslexic success story.

Remember to take time for your personal reflection. What are some things you have done in the past three quarters that are working for you?