Information and inspiration for those who support dyslexic learners
For more than a decade Studying with Dyslexia has been a trusted place for people who support dyslexic learners. We share guidance, insight and inspiration to help educators, parents and individuals understand dyslexia and the wider neurodiverse world with confidence. Through articles, resources and community spaces we bring people together to learn, to share and to feel supported on every step of the journey.
My Dyslexia Journey
I am Arran Smith, and I am a severely dyslexic adult who has dedicated over two decades to the field of dyslexia and neurodiversity. In this blog, I want to share my personal story and my deep understanding of dyslexia and its broader impact on the neurodiverse community.
International Dysgraphia Awareness Day 2023: A Day to Learn and Advocate
International Dysgraphia Awareness Day (IDAD), which falls on October 2nd, 2023, has a mission to broaden knowledge and understanding of dysgraphia while fostering a vibrant community
Announcing Dyslexia Show 2024: Spreading Awareness and Understanding
Dyslexia Show, the UK's leading exhibition dedicated to dyslexia and neurodiversity, is back, and it's bigger and better than ever before! Mark your calendars for the 15th and 16th of March 2024. We are thrilled to announce that...
Dyslexia Support in the UK: Bell House Dyslexia Fair
Dyslexia is an issue that continues to demand attention and improvement within the UK education system and across the globe. While we acknowledge that there’s still work to be done, it’s amazing to see many individuals and organisations in the UK dedicated to supporting dyslexic individuals. On September 30th, I had the distinct Honor of participating in the Bell House Dyslexia Fair, an event that exemplifies this commitment.
Announcing a new direction for The Studying With Dyslexia Blog with the SEND Group.
Arran Smith to continue the work of The Studying With Dyslexia Blog.Eight years ago, I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time learning about Dyslexia and how to live with it within the educational, parental and technology contexts. This all came of the back of my...
BIG NEWS! Christmas 2022 Update From John Hicks.
Read this important update from John Hicks at The Studying With Dyslexia Blog.
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A trusted source of information, inspiration, support and community for everyone who supports dyslexic learners.
Studying with Dyslexia is built around 4 core areas: Information, Inspiration, Support and Community. These areas shape the content we share, the conversations we encourage and the support we offer to educators, individuals, support professionals, families, parents and the wider community.
Information
Clear explanations about dyslexia, learning, study and neurodiversity.
Helping people understand what dyslexia is, how it can shape learning, and how strengths and challenges can show up in different ways. Making important ideas feel clear, accessible and useful for educators, parents, individuals, everyone supporting dyslexic learners and the wider community.
Inspiration
Understanding lived experience, positive examples and stories that build confidence, encouragement and possibility.
Sharing real experiences and reflections that help people feel seen, valued and understood. Showing how dyslexic learners can recognise their strengths, navigate challenges and feel more confident in their learning journey.
Support
Practical strategies, tools, study ideas and resources that help dyslexic learners thrive.
Providing clear and practical support that helps people take meaningful steps in understanding and supporting dyslexic learners. Sharing useful strategies, tools and resources that can be used in education, at home, in study and across the wider learning journey.
Community
Shared understanding, meaningful questions, discussion, sharing knowledge and learning from each other.
Building positive spaces where educators, individuals, support professionals, families, parents, everyone supporting dyslexic learners and the wider community can connect, share and grow together. Encouraging supportive conversations, shared experiences and community learning that help people feel understood, included and part of something bigger.
How I nearly dropped out of Uni because of my dyslexia.
John Hicks interviews Nikita Archer about her experience of discovering that she was dyslexic at Uni and how she nearly dropped out and how getting support from the Disabled Students Allowance changed the direction of her life.
Is there a place for spell checking in school?
Would it be too controversial to utilise spell checking software in a school environment, especially when there is a huge focus on learning spellings by rote? John Hicks explores this theme as well as provides a review of VeritySpell, software that helps students to develop their spelling and grammar skills.
How to take away the stress of writing homework with speech to text technology.
How can a secondary education student reduce the stress of writing homework using speech-to-text technology? Dyslexia Blogger takes a closer look at technology that helps students who know what they want to write but who physically cannot seem to type it out. Useful for parents and teachers alike to be aware of this.
Webinar recording: What is ‘text to speech’ and how should my child use it at school?
How can a dyslexic child use text to speech technology in the classroom, exams and homework? Find out with my latest webinar recording with assistive technology specialist, Mary Wilcox from Aventido.
How to research an extended project.
Assistive technology trainer Sam Cock from Aventido shares his top tips for researching extended projects. A-level students doing an extended project will gain some useful thoughts on how to research, collate and reference especially if they are dyslexic.
Dyslexia Show Live: Latest News
Coming up in March an opportunity for parents and educators to get updated on the latest thinking, products and services focused on dyslexia. Find out the latest news about Dyslexia Show Live on the 25th and 26th March 2022.
Can children benefit from using assistive technology to support their learning needs?
If you are wondering about the impact of a child using Assistive Technology to support their learning needs then you need to watch this video by the ‘Techdudes’! A remarkable group of Primary School pupils who have become confident and independent learners who share their insights on using AT.
What is ‘text to speech’ and how should my child use it at school?
How can a dyslexic child use text to speech technology in the classroom, exams and homework? Find out about my latest webinar with assistive technology specialist, Mary Wilcox from Aventido.
Happy Christmas from John Hicks and The Studying With Dyslexia Blog.
A quick festive message to you all from The Studying With Dyslexia Blog.