Navigating the Dyslexia Triathlon: 3 Stages to Empower Students for Lifelong Success

Kathleen Kischer
Oct 3
4 min read

Dyslexia is commonly seen as a reading difficulty, but it encompasses more than just that. To truly support students with dyslexia, we must think of their journey as a triathlon, where reading is only the first event. This path to success has several stages, each requiring different forms of support and empowerment. In this post, we will explore the three stages of the Dyslexia Triathlon framework, highlighting the importance of accommodations and self-advocacy in helping students thrive academically and in life.

YouTube Video: Understanding the Dyslexia Triathlon

Understanding the Dyslexia Triathlon

The Dyslexia Triathlon concept illustrates that a student’s journey with dyslexia is multifaceted. Just as a triathlon consists of swimming, cycling, and running, the experience of a dyslexic student includes reading, utilizing accommodations, and advocating for oneself. Each stage is vital for building the skills and confidence necessary for lifelong success.

For instance, research shows that 15 to 20 percent of the population has symptoms of dyslexia, making it essential to address these needs. Students might excel in creative projects but struggle with written assignments, requiring tailored support strategies.

Why Dyslexia Support Must Go Beyond Reading

A common misconception is that once a child learns to read, further support is unnecessary. This belief overlooks the complexity of challenges that students with dyslexia often face. Beyond decoding words, they may struggle with comprehension, organization, and time management. According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, about 70 to 85 percent of students with learning disabilities have difficulties with reading.

To provide effective support, educators and parents need to recognize that dyslexia affects various learning aspects. For example, a student may read words accurately but fail to grasp the meaning of paragraphs, or they may have struggles with their written output. These struggles will impact their test scores and attitudes towards learning. A holistic understanding allows for a support system that enhances not only reading skills but also comprehension and critical thinking skills.

How Do Accommodations Level the Playing Field for Your Child?

The second stage of the Dyslexia Triathlon is using accommodations to maximize learning potential. Accommodations adjust the learning environment to create equitable conditions for students with dyslexia. Examples include extended test time, access to audiobooks, or using technology like text-to-speech software.

A common error parents make is discontinuing their child's IEP and accommodations once there's a notable improvement in reading, particularly in grades 6 or 7. This decision can have serious consequences in high school when student demands rise considerably. It's crucial to maintain your child's IEP!

For example, allowing a student extra time on a standardized test can make a significant difference. A study from the University of San Francisco found that students with learning disabilities scored 10 to 30 percent higher when provided with accommodations than without them. This shows that when supported, students can demonstrate their true understanding of the material.

Collaboration between parents and educators is crucial in identifying the best accommodations for each student. Regular discussions can ensure that adjustments are tailored to meet evolving needs, which encourages students to develop a love for learning.

Why Self-Advocacy is the “Final Event” That Ensures Lifelong Success

The last phase of the Dyslexia Triathlon is self-advocacy. As students progress in their education, it's essential for them to learn how to advocate for themselves. This involves recognizing their strengths and weaknesses, identifying the most effective accommodations, and clearly expressing their needs to teachers and classmates.

Self-advocacy empowers students to take charge of their learning journey. For instance, when students are aware of their dyslexia and can articulate their needs, they are more likely to seek support proactively. This skill fosters independence and resilience, traits essential for success in various settings.

Moreover, self-advocacy skills are invaluable as students transition into adulthood. Research shows that individuals who develop self-advocacy skills are more successful in the workplace. These skills help them communicate requirements and seek accommodations, which are crucial for achieving their career goals.

Practical First Steps to Prepare Your Child for All 3 Stages

To help your child navigate the Dyslexia Triathlon, consider these practical steps:

Educate Yourself and Your Child: Understanding dyslexia is fundamental. Explore resources, attend workshops, and read books on dyslexia. Share this knowledge with your child to help them understand their learning profile better.
Collaborate with Educators: Regularly communicate with your child's teachers to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan tailored to their specific accommodations. Direct involvement can help your child receive the optimal support they need to succeed.
Encourage the Use of Accommodations: Familiarize your child with accommodations like audiobooks or speech-to-text software. When they feel comfortable using these tools, they are more likely to leverage them effectively in a classroom setting.
Foster Self-Advocacy Skills: Encourage your child to express their needs clearly. Teach your child one accommodation at a time. Once they understand how they learn, they can start to communicate it to their teacher. Role-play scenarios where they might ask for help or accommodations. This practice builds their confidence for real-life situations.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge your child's achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts self-esteem and motivates them to keep working toward their goals.

Help your child learn to advocate for themselves so they are ready for high school.

Empowering the Next Generation of Learners

Navigating the Dyslexia Triathlon is a journey that requires understanding, support, and empowerment. By recognizing that reading is just the starting point, we can better equip students with dyslexia for the challenges they will face in their academic and personal lives.

Accommodations play a vital role in levelling the educational playing field, while self-advocacy ensures that students can take charge of their learning experience. By implementing these practical steps to support your child through all three stages, you can help them thrive and open doors to future opportunities.

As we continue to advocate for students with dyslexia, we must remember that their journey is about embracing their unique strengths and potential. Together, we can empower the next generation of learners to achieve success in school and beyond.