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Resources and referrals

Referrals

Neuro - and educational-psych referrals

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Educational therapist and tutor referrals

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NorCal IDA referral list

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Consultants 

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Screening resources 

Referrals
Dyslexia Resources

ORGANIZATIONS

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International Dyslexia Association 

IDA is one of the leading organizations to support, promote, and disseminate interdisciplinary reading research to professionals and the general public.  This site could be your “one stop shop” for basic information, fact sheets, provider directories, accreditation, conferences, workshops, articles, and even a video library.

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International Dyslexia Association (Northern California)

IDA branch for the Bay Area.  Site contains more specific, locally relevant content than the IDA site, including CA dyslexia laws, upcoming teacher training programs, college and scholarship resources, dyslexia simulation kits and events calendar.

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Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity

One of the leading research and treatment centers for dyslexia.  The site is updated frequently with featured content, including interviews, stories, creative projects, blog posts, tips and research.  The emphasis on creativity, growth and inspiration for parents, educators and people with dyslexia sets this site apart.  

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Understood for Learning and Thinking Differences 

Treasure trove of content on a wide range of topics, including dyslexia.  Articles are written in clear, simple language, with embedded supplementary information.  Understood also produces original videos, fact sheets and infographics.  They recently launched a community app, Wunder

 

Children’s Health Council 

South Bay-based organization that provides clinical services for ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, depression and autism, using a multi-disciplinary team model.  CHC runs a school for students with dyslexia, as well as a therapeutic day school.  The site offers extensive community resources including podcasts, webinars, expert blog, online resource library, support groups and collaboratives.

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National Center for Learning Disabilities

DC-based nonprofit “working to improve the lives of the 1 in 5 children and adults nationwide with learning and attention issues.”  NCLD conducts research—primarily around policy issues impacting our community—and publishes briefs, reports, recommendations and analyses.  Excellent resource to “learn the law,” understand the issues, and stay abreast on legislation.

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Decoding Dyslexia CA

A grass-roots movement composed of parents, educators and professionals which strives to raise awareness around dyslexia.  DDCA continues to be a driving force in passing legislation that supports all learners.

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Slingerland Literacy Institute

Classroom-adapted literacy approach based on Orton-Gillingham principles of multi-sensory learning (used at North Bridge Academy).  Site includes basic information about this approach, as well as a list of Slingerland-certified tutors.

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BOOKS

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Overcoming Dyslexia, 2nd Edition 

Definitive text by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. and Jonathan Shaywitz, M.D. largely based on their research at the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity.  Dense, but highly readable for parents, educators and clinicians. If you could only read one book on dyslexia, this would be our recommendation.

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Parenting a Struggling Reader 

“The first comprehensive practical guide for recognizing, diagnosing, and overcoming any childhood reading difficulty” by reading expert Louisa Moats and dyslexia advocate Susan Hall.  Good for parents who suspect learning differences in pre-k or school-age child.

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The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan

Written by entrepreneur (and dyslexic) Ben Foss, this book focuses on celebrating your dyslexic child’s strengths by identifying their profile; coaching them to become resilient, self-aware, confident self-advocates; and creating community.  

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Language at the Speed of Sight

Mark Seidenberg 

 

Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain

Neuroscientist Maryanne Wolf’s erudite chronicle of how the human species developed written language—alongside the story of a child growing up with dyslexia—rewards the reader with a fascinating journey.

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VIDEOS 

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What is Dyslexia?

Five-minute TED-Ed video that explains dyslexia from a brain science perspective <>

 

The Science of Reading: a Top-Level Primer  

Short video from Education NC advocating for structured literacy instruction; based primarily on the work of Emily Hanford and Louisa Moats 

 

The Other Side of the Mind

Collaborative symposium with SF Conservatory of Music, UCSF Dyslexia Center and the Global Brain Health Institute exploring “the intersection of music, creativity and brain science” Scroll about halfway down the page to access video links.

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Dislecksia - The Movie

The Big Picture

Journey into Dyslexia

 

PODCASTS

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APM Reports: Hard words — why aren’t kids being taught to read?

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APM Reports: Hard to read — how American schools fail kids with dyslexia

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APM Reports: At a loss for words — how a flawed idea is teaching millions of kids to be poor readers

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CBS: Cracking the code of dyslexia 

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KQED Forum: Understanding dyslexia

 

The Codpast 

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The Dyslexia Quest 

 

7 Best Dyslexia Podcasts to Listen to in 2021

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ARTICLES AND HANDOUTS

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International Dyslexia Association: Dyslexia Handbook 

PDF of essential information from a trusted organization.  Includes definition, characteristics, assessment tools, evidence-based interventions, suggestions for managing the educational process, resources, and glossary of terms.

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NPR: Unlocking Dyslexia series

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Minnesota Neuropsychology: Neuroanatomy of dyslexia in 8 sentences

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KQED: The mindshift guide to understanding dyslexia

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KQED: How dyslexia is a different brain, not a disease

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Dyslexia Resources
Learning-Related Resources

WEBSITES

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ADDitude 

 

Understood.org 

 

Children’s Health Council

 

Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) 

 

LD Resources Foundation Action (LDRFA)

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Center on the Developing Child

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Child Mind Institute

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BOOKS

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Smart But Scattered

Series of books written by prominent researchers of executive function, Pam Dawson and Richard Guare 

 

Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities 

“Based in cutting-edge research in neuroscience, education, and the principles of attachment-based teaching, this important guide for parents offers tools and practices to help children transcend language-based learning difficulties, do better in school, and gain self-confidence and self-esteem.”

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Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up 

Drs. Ellen Braaten and Brian Willoughby demystify processing speed and show how to help kids catch up by using practical tools and strategies for efficient daily routines, enlisting support at school, and utilizing evaluation professionals.

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VIDEOS

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Matrix Parent Network YouTube Channel

features videos of trainings and presentations on a variety of special needs topics

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Matrix website 

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How to ADHD Youtube channel

Jessica McCabe posts videos with “tips, tricks and insights into the ADHD brain.”

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PODCASTS

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ARTICLES AND HANDOUTS

 

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Learning-Related Resources
Social-Emotional Resources

WEBSITES

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Greater Good Magazine

 

Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning 

 

Child Mind® Institute Resources for Families

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​BOOKS

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VIDEOS

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PODCASTS

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ARTICLES AND HANDOUTS

 

​NY Times: Treating Anxiety in Children 

Social-Emotional Resources
Tech Rescources
Tech Resources

WEBSITES

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Google Chrome assistive technology apps

Comprehensive list of products and features available, with links to help pages; some demo videos 

 

Learning Ally

Digital books with narration and highlighted text; available for individuals and schools with annual paid subscription

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LD Resources Foundation Action Assistive Technology Apps

List of tools with descriptions and system requirements; relevant articles on AT; collaboration with school AT specialist to develop comprehensive programs

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Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity: Tools and technology 

Link to featured content on a range of technological tools

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University of Michigan: Software and AT 

List of software and apps with brief descriptions and links

 

 

BOOKS

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VIDEOS

 

 

PODCASTS

 

 

ARTICLES AND HANDOUTS

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NBA List of Assistive Technology Resources

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KQED: Technology tools that can help dyslexic students

Article from the MindShift series that explains why use of AT is not “cheating” and outlines categories of AT with links to specific tools

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International Dyslexia Association: Overview of instructional and assistive technology

PDF article detailing guiding principles and framework for choosing and using AT

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Elisheva Schwartz: 22 assistive technology tools 

PDF with descriptions of apps and links to YouTube videos showing how to install and use

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Support for Families

Support for Families of Children with Disabilities

is a San Francisco-based organization that offers information, education, and parent-to-parent support to families of children with disabilities.  Families of children with dyslexia support group meets first Mondays 7-8:30 on Zoom. 

Register Here

 

Dedication to Special Education (DSE) 

Marin-based organization run by a volunteer executive board of parents of children with special needs.  Working with the MCOE, DSE works to improve the quality of special education in Marin public schools through a grants program and support of district-wide initiatives.  They connect families through parent-run discussion forums and an online community.

Request Access Here

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Technology Resource Center Marin 

Created by DSE to inform, evaluate, provide, and maintain appropriate Assistive Technology and Augmentative Alternative Communication (AT/AAC) tools, services, and opportunities for all students and their families in Marin County.

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Matrix Parent Network

San Rafael-based organization offering “help and hope from parents for parents [of children with special needs]” throughout California by connecting families with parent advisors and mentors; organizing activities, events and trainings; and providing high-quality resources.

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It Takes a Village

Promotes the academic success of all students in Mill Valley schools who learn differently through parent education and advocacy.  A support group, First Friday Connect Series, meets 9-10:30 October-June, currently on Zoom.

Zoom Link

 

 

Children’s Health Council (CHC) Parent Support Groups 

“CHC specializes in working with families living with ADHD, Learning Differences, Anxiety & Depression and Autism through our two schools, mental health clinic, community education and curated online resource library.”  Check website for support group schedule updates. 

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Parent’s Education Group of Marin (PEG)

collaborates with public and independent K-12 schools to promote parent education events.  Members are involved with parent education programs at a K-12 school; affiliate organizations are vetted by PEG and offer programs to the community.

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