Gaining Knowledge and Skills with Dyslexia and other SpLDs Living Confidently with Dyslexia

Gaining Knowledge and Skills with Dyslexia and other SpLDs is the third book in the series Living Confidently with Specific Learning Disabilities (SpLDs). This book lays the foundation for skilling dyslexic/ SpLD people so that they can be autonomous, confident people, who can use their full potential with minimal disruption from the dyslexia/ SpLD. It is a comprehensive manual for helping dyslexic/ SpLD people, whether the help is given by specialist teachers, subject teachers, professionals of all kinds, family and friends, or general public such as shop keepers. There are lists of the most important ideas for policy-makers and general readers so that they can support best practice for helping dyslexic/ SpLD people. The book advocates changes of attitude that will be good for everyone but which are VITAL for dyslexic/ SpLD people. It is not proposing expensive solutions, though it does recognise that there will be times when accommodation is needed for some effects of dyslexia/ SpLD that an individual cannot work round.

The book recognises that dyslexia/ SpLDs are variable syndromes that need constant monitoring. Given a range skills and knowledge to draw on, a dyslexic/ SpLD person needs to be able to select the most suitable ones for any particular situation.

Confidence grows when dyslexia/ SpLD can be managed well; dyslexic/ SpLD people can then function at their best.

The book is addressed to someone alongside a dyslexic/ SpLD person, who may also be dyslexic/ SpLD, so the style of the book is suitable for dyslexic/ SpLD people. It uses a special layout to emphasise stories, insights, examples, exercises, tips, key points and summaries.

Useful Preface

1. Imparting Knowledge and Skills

2. Foundations for Knowledge and Skills

3. Guidance for Non-Linear Readers

4. Reading

5. Listening

6. Doing

7. Taking and Making Notes

8. Writing

9. Talking

10. Taking-Action

11. Exams

12. Group Work: Meetings, Seminars and Debates

13. Driving

14. Social Examples

Ginny Stacey did not realise she was dyslexic until her mid-20s. The challenge of learning to play classical guitar helped her to understand how her dyslexic mind works. Committed to helping other dyslexics achieve their potential, she developed a range of highly effective techniques for supporting dyslexic students in studying all subjects and coping with life in general. The techniques are widely used in universities and colleges. She has become a nationally-recognised expert in the field.

Sally Fowler stepped into the dyslexic world in her late 40s. It was a revelation to see the impacts of her dyslexia clearly. She became an approved teacher for the British Dyslexia Association with an M.A. in special education. She taught dyslexics, both children in schools and students at university. In Oxford, she met Ginny Stacey: the collaboration of two dyslexic minds has brought a wealth of experience to the Living Confidently with Specific Learning Difficulties series.