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Understanding Children’s Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference that can make reading, spelling, writing, and sounding out words more difficult for a child. It is not a sign of low intelligence or lack of effort. Many children with dyslexia are bright, creative, and capable learners, but they may need a different way of being taught so they can connect sounds, letters, words, and meaning with greater confidence.

The Scottish Rite Children’s Dyslexia Centers help children by providing specialized, one-on-one tutoring using an evidence-based, multisensory structured language approach based on Orton-Gillingham methods. Through patient instruction, repeated practice, and lessons designed around each child’s needs, the Centers help students build reading skills, strengthen self-confidence, and experience success as learners.

Parent Update • May 2026

Latest Dyslexia News Parents Can Use

Families are hearing more about early screening, evidence-based reading instruction, and practical support for children with dyslexia. Here are a few recent updates worth knowing about.

Massachusetts

Early literacy reform is moving forward in Massachusetts

Massachusetts lawmakers are working on early-literacy legislation focused on evidence-based K–3 reading instruction, regular reading assessments, dyslexia screening, and clearer communication with families when a child is falling behind.

Why this matters: Parents should know that early screening is meant to identify risk sooner, so children can receive help before reading struggles become more discouraging.

Follow the Massachusetts bill status
View MA early literacy screening guidance
Research

Stanford study offers hopeful news about intervention

A Stanford-led study reported that children with dyslexia who received intensive reading intervention improved reading skills and showed measurable changes in the brain region used for recognizing written words.

Why this matters: Dyslexia does not mean a child cannot learn to read. The right instruction, delivered consistently, can make a real difference.

Read the Stanford summary
Early Signs

New study supports earlier screening for reading risk

A 2026 study in JAMA Network Open found that kindergarten skills such as letter knowledge and phonological awareness were connected to later dyslexia risk.

Why this matters: Parents do not need to wait until a child is several years behind. Concerns about sounds, letters, rhyming, spelling, or slow word reading are worth discussing early.

Read the research article
At Home

Summer reading routines can be simple and supportive

The International Dyslexia Association is highlighting family-friendly resources, including a June 2026 session on smarter summer routines for children with dyslexia and word-level reading difficulties.

Why this matters: Short, consistent practice can help children keep building skills without turning summer into a battle over worksheets.

View the family webinar
See IDA phoneme awareness resource

Need help for your child? Children’s Dyslexia Center Boston North provides one-to-one, multisensory, structured language tutoring for children in grades 1–12 at no cost to families.

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Sources used for this parent update: MA DESE Early Literacy Screening Guidance, Massachusetts H.4683 bill status, Massachusetts Senate literacy press release, Stanford dyslexia research summary, JAMA Network Open screening study, International Dyslexia Association, and CDC Boston North enrollment information. Last reviewed: May 17, 2026.