Resources for Navigating Learning Differences

Navigating learning differences can feel like learning a new language. To help families Sensible Learning has compiled a list of the most reputable, evidence-based resources available. These organizations offer a mix of scientific research, practical "at-home" strategies, and legal advocacy to help you support your child’s unique journey.

Instruction & Research

If your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia, these organizations represent the "Science of Reading" and the most effective instructional methods.

Orton-Gillingham Academy

  • What it is: The primary accrediting body for the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach.

  • Why it’s essential: Their directory is the best place to find a certified tutor who uses the proven multi-sensory, structured approach required to help dyslexic students thrive. The Subscriber Course provides an introduction to OG

International Dyslexia Association (IDA)

  • What it is: The leading global organization focused on dyslexia.

  • Why it’s essential: Their "Fact Sheets" break down the mechanics of reading in a way that is easy to digest and share.

Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA)

  • What it is: The national certifying body for highly trained literacy specialists.

  • Why it’s essential: ALTA sets rigorous professional standards for its practitioners. Their "Find a Professional" directory is a critical tool for parents seeking evidence-based instruction available for their child.

The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity

  • What it is: A premier research center led by Dr. Sally Shaywitz, author of Overcoming Dyslexia.

  • Why it’s essential: They are the leading voice in the "strengths-based" approach. Their work proves that dyslexia is an isolated weakness in a sea of strengths, focusing on the high levels of creativity and intelligence often found in dyslexic thinkers.

Essential Reading for Family Members

Navigating learning differences can feel like learning a new language. To help the parents visiting your website, I’ve compiled a list of the most reputable, evidence-based books. These titles offer a mix of scientific research, practical "at-home" strategies, and legal advocacy.

Overcoming Dyslexia

  • Author: Dr. Sally Shaywitz

  • What it is: The most comprehensive and respected guide to dyslexia, recently updated with the latest brain-imaging research.

  • Why it’s essential: Dr. Shaywitz (co-founder of the Yale Center) explains exactly how the dyslexic brain works. It is the ultimate resource for understanding why your child struggles and exactly what kind of "evidence-based" instruction they need to succeed at every age.

Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy

  • Author: by Pam Wright and Pete Wright

  • What it is: A practical "how-to" manual for navigating the special education system and the law.Why it’s essential: It teaches parents how to move from feeling overwhelmed to being an effective advocate. It includes templates for letters to the school, tips on prepping for IEP meetings, and advice on how to maintain a professional, results-oriented relationship with your school district.

Practical Tools & Daily Support

These sites offer "boots on the ground" advice for managing the day-to-day challenges of learning differences.

Understood.org

  • What it is: A massive library of resources for ADHD, dyslexia, and executive functioning.

  • Why it’s essential: Their "Through Your Child’s Eyes" simulators are a must-see for parents.

Learning Ally

  • What it is: A nonprofit providing a massive library of human-read audiobooks.

  • Why it’s essential: It allows students to access grade-level content and foster a love for stories even while they are still building their decoding skills.

Reading Rockets

  • What it is: An incredible resource for teaching the "how-to" of literacy.

  • Why it’s essential: It’s filled with activities you can do at the kitchen table to strengthen phonics and fluency.

Supporting the Whole Child

Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities

  • Author: by Daniel Franklin, PhD

  • What it is: A guide that focuses on the emotional and organizational toll that school struggles take on a family.

  • Why it’s essential: This book is all about the "at-home" experience. It provides strategies for reducing homework stress, improving executive function, and maintaining a positive parent-child relationship when the academic load feels heavy.

Smart but Scattered

  • Author: by Peg Dawson, EdD, and Richard Guare, PhD

  • What it is: A practical guide for parents to help children strengthen their executive function skills—like task initiation, organization, and emotional control.

  • Why it’s essential: Often, children with dyslexia or other learning differences also struggle with "executive skills." This book provides a clear assessment to help parents identify their child’s specific weak spots and offers step-by-step "sensible" strategies to help them get started on homework, stay focused, and keep track of their belongings.

Fish in a Tree

  • Author: by Lynda Mullaly Hunt (Fiction)

  • What it is: A middle-grade novel about a bright student who hides her inability to read through clever disruptions.

  • Why it’s essential: While written for students, it is a "must-read" for parents. It provides deep insight into the internal emotional world of a child who feels "less than" because they learn differently.

Advocacy & Legal Rights

Understanding the school system is sometimes overwhelming. These resources help you advocate for the support your child deserves.

Wrights Law

  • What it is: The definitive source for special education law.

  • Why it’s essential: Use this to research IEPs, 504 plans, and how to prepare for school meetings.

Decoding Dyslexia

  • What it is: A parent-led grassroots movement with chapters in every state.

  • Why it’s essential: It’s the best place to connect with other parents in your local community who are navigating the same school districts.