The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan: A Blueprint for Renewing Your Child's Confidence and Love of Learning

This is an absolutely amazing book that I highly recommend to any parent of a dyslexic child. It helped me understand what he experiences, not just with reading but also with the shame involved at school, and gives me language to use with teachers and other stakeholders in the process. It also gives him language to understand the gifts that come with dyslexia as well as the help that he needs. It is very practical, with quizzes to use and links to information that will be useful for years to come. I am forever grateful for the work that Ben Foss has done in creating this resource for parents.

I've worked in the field of learning disabilities education for fourteen years, and this is the first book I've read on dyslexia that provides a roadmap for parents to help empower their children. It is the book I wish I had copies to give to every parent who walks through my door, who has recently learned that their child is dyslexic or that their school is failing them. While components like research, science, and stories of success are woven throughout the book, Foss' main objective is to help parents build a plan for their child, which includes identifying strengths, navigating the school system and legal rights, how to integrate accommodations, including assistive technologies, and, perhaps most importantly, how to talk with their child about their dyslexia. Why is this so meaningful? Most texts on dyslexia provide background; this book provides a path. It's the "What to Expect When You're Expecting" for the parent of a dyslexic child, and it's accurate, meaningful, and sincere because Foss himself was identified with dyslexia at age eight.Dyslexia is a hidden disability, not just because it can't be seen, but also because many dyslexics, including the author for many years of his life, try to hide it. Embarrassment, shame, guilt, and stigma are all components of why people hide their learning disability. Foss provides great stories, analogies, and actionable steps that steer people away from looking at dyslexia as a disease. As Foss says, "there is no cure because there is no disease." Tools, like the strength profiles map, allow parents, and dyslexics themselves, to begin building a plan for how to leverage their strengths and create an environment in which they will be succesful. There are also form letters and templates, like those to help parents navigate the IEP and legal processes, and numerous resources, both in the book and referenced on the web, that will help parents and their children immediately.There are several great books on dyslexia, but if you are a parent of a child identified with a learning disability, or you even think s/he may have a learning disability, this is THE FIRST book I would recommend reading. Foss teaches dyslexics how to integrate their dyslexia, which is the most important component of all.Ben PowersHeadmaster, Eagle Hill-Southport

Please listen to the audio version provided on the "Amazon" page for this book. Ben Foss shares his perspective of dyslexia here. Later, he refers to dyslexia as a "characteristic" (p.9), of the individual, instead of a disability. Further in this book, Ben provides a quick quizz that he recommends parents take first to assess themselves, then the children take to assess themselves. The comparison of the two quizzes will provide the parent and the child a better view of each person's abilities. Now that you have results, you can take this information and have insightful, purposeful conversations with extended family members, teachers, church leaders, club leaders, and coaches. You will have the words to describe your child's abilities and feel confident about sharing their characteristic with others. Truly a wonderful -"plan". I may add that as a parent, you are your child's advocate at school. Have you ever felt that your teacher was in charge of your child and you weren't? This book will help you be able to talk with your teacher using words that your teacher and the people in the Education field will recognize and respect. It is extremely helpful to know your child's strengths and weaknesses so that you may introduce your child to their teacher in the best way.Throughout his book, Ben focuses on building a "plan" for you and your child. Beginning with understanding your child's interests, finding accomodations for your child, and continuing with a better understanding of your rights as parents of a child who learns differently. There is so much content in this book. Ben is a truly providing an "Empowerment Plan" for the reader of this book.

I have bought many other books, and have started reading them, but this one has so much good info and things that it is hard to put down, gives you a positive look at what you can expect going forward with your child at any age. I am quite happy I have got this, and I already have a friend wanting to borrow it.

I am a parent of a child with dyslexia and a primary school teacher. Ben Foss is essential reading for any parent. The book has really helped me understand how best to help my child, and also that the world is still her oyster, despite the impediment of dyslexia. We're just approaching things in a new way.

ESta muy bien y explica el problema desde el punto de vista de un dislexico que le ha ido bien en su vida personal. Da guías para ayudar a los padres con la autoestima de los niñosme ha gustado mucho

It is an excellent book and a good support for parents with a dyslexic child.

The contents are a revelation for parents of children with Dyslexia, taking a totally different and ground breaking view of the whole topic of dyslexia. I loved this book and can't wait to implement some of the ideas within it.