Reading and Reading Disorders: For Patients and Consumers

Visit the Learning Disabilities and Disorders A-Z page for more resources that are relevant to professionals who work with any type of learning disability.

General Information

• NINDS Dyslexia Information Page. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) provides general information on dyslexia, its treatment, and NINDS clinical trials related to reading disorders.
• Language-Based Learning Disabilities. This page, written by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, describes the symptoms of language-based learning disabilities (such as reading disorders), their diagnosis and treatment, and other relevant information.
• FAQ About Dyslexia. This page, written by the International Dyslexia Association, discusses what dyslexia is, its causes, its treatments, and other general information about reading disorders.

Services, Resources, and Support

• The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) offers services and assistance to support those with dyslexia and specific learning disabilities.
• The Parents Technical Assistance Center Network, also supported by OSEP, can help parents learn about their children’s reading or other disabilities, assist them with connecting with and talking to professionals about their children’s disabilities, and help them understand the laws and policies related to education for a child with a disability such as dyslexia.
• The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is an international organization whose purpose is to pursue and provide the most comprehensive range of information and services that address the full scope of dyslexia and related difficulties in learning to read and write. Its website offers a range of information and resources for those with reading disorders, parents of children with these disorders, and professionals.
  • IDA Fact Sheets on Dyslexia and Related Language-Based Learning Disabilities. Numerous fact sheets are available on this page, including those with information on symptoms, interventions, and education for people with reading disorders.
  • IDA Provider Directory. This state-by-state directory lists professionals who have agreed to be a point of contact and referral source for various professional services.
• Learning Disabilities Association of America is a volunteer organization with state and local affiliates.
• National Center for Learning Disabilities resources include information for parents and individuals with learning disabilities. The center also promotes research and programs to foster learning and advocates for policies to strengthen educational rights.

Learning to Read

• The International Reading Association, an association of literacy professionals, provides resources to parents as they help their children learn to read.
• A Child Becomes a Reader series. These booklets resulted from a collaborative effort by the former National Institute for Literacy, the U.S. Department of Education, and the NICHD to bring the findings of evidence-based reading research to those with an interest in helping all people learn to read well. These booklets describe activities that parents can do with their children to improve reading skills at specific ages.
  • A Child Becomes a Reader: Birth to Preschool
  • A Child Becomes a Reader: Kindergarten Through Grade Three
• Shining Stars series. These publications were created as part of a collaborative effort by the National Institute for Literacy, the U.S. Department of Education, and the NICHD to bring the findings of evidence-based reading research to those with an interest in helping all people learn to read well. They describe ways for parents to help their children prepare and learn to read at specific ages.
  • Shining Stars: Toddlers Get Ready to Read
  • Shining Stars: Preschoolers Get Ready to Read
  • Shining Stars: Kindergartners Learn to Read
  • Shining Stars: First Graders Learn to Read
  • Shining Stars: Second and Third Graders Learn to Read
• Put Reading First: Helping Your Child Learn to Read (also available in Spanish as La Lectura Es Lo Primero: Como Ayudar A Su Hijo A Aprender). This brochure, which is based on the findings of the National Reading Panel, describes activities that parents can do with their children to improve reading skills.

Please note: Links to organizations and information included on this page do not indicate endorsement from the NICHD, NIH, or HHS.