Dyslexia and Irlen syndrome

• Dyslexia-friendly books for children and adults

Recommended books about dyslexia:

• Parenting a Dyslexic Child by the British Dyslexia Association

• At Home with Dyslexia: a Parent's Guide to Supporting Your Child by Sascha Roos

• The Illustrated Guide to Dyslexia and its Amazing People by Kathy Forsyth

• Dyslexia Advocate! How to Advocate For a Child with Dyslexia Within the Public Education System by Kellie Sandman-Hurley

• Dyslexia and Me: How to Survive and Thrive If You're Neurodivergent by Onyinye Udokporo

• I Don't Like Reading by Lisabeth Clark

• The Adult Side of Dyslexia by Kelli Sandman-Hurley

Dyslexia is a language processing problem, a specific difficulty in learning one or more of spelling, writing or reading.

Many dyslexics experience visual stress and have difficulty in distinguishing between printed letters in books and in tracking words across the page when reading.

It should be diagnosed by a professional. Always speak with your child's school first if you have any concerns.

Some dyslexics also have Irlen syndrome. That means they also have a problem with visual perception.

Glare from white paper is particularly stressful for people with Irlen syndrome so they too may find that cream paper is more comfortable to read from.

It can be diagnosed by qualified screeners and Irlen diagnosticians.

We stock physical books from the dyslexia-specialist publisher, Barrington Stoke. These books are dyslexia-friendly by having the following features:

• Text printed on cream paper with a matt surface to mitigate the effect of glare from white paper.

• Thick paper, since dyslexics experience reading problems when print from overleaf show through on the reading page.

• Specially-created type face designed to minimise visual stress by using slightly longer ascenders and descenders on letters.

• A wider gap between each line of text, clear punctuation and a more defined gap between paragraphs.

Our eBook services allow you to change both page colour and font size to create a bespoke visual experience for your child. Learn more about our e-services.

We also stock physical and digital audiobooks free of charge. Your child may enjoy just listening to the story, or want to read the print version at the same time.

We also stock books for adults about dyslexia and other learning difficulties.

Dyslexic children often have problems with spelling and handwriting. The British Dyslexia Association has useful information and resources. They also have a guide on signs of dyslexia in children, as does the NHS website.

If your child has Irlen syndrome, placing a simple coloured overlay across the page of a book could make it easier for your child to read. Experiment at home using a pack of multi-coloured transparent sheets (bought from any stationers). It could considerably extend the range of books your child can choose from at very small cost.

BookTrust has an informative blog written by Eve Wersocki Morris on tips to get children with dyslexia hooked on reading.

• If a child is unable to read 5 or more words on a page, then the book is too difficult.

• Choose a book about a topic they are interested in.

• Factual books may be easier for children with reading difficulties. Look for well-illustrated books with short captions.

• Avoid books with cluttered pages.

• Cookery books, craft books and joke books convey a lot of meaning in simple sentences.

• There is a list of dyslexia-friendly books for children of all ages at Lovereading4kids, and ideas and information at Booktrust. Many of these titles are available to borrow from the Suffolk Libraries catalogue.

Visit our catalogue.

Search for everything we have about dyslexia

1. In Quick Search click on the drop-down menu to the left of the search box

2. Select Subject, type ‘dyslexia’ then press OK

Search for books suitable for children and teens with dyslexia

1. In Quick Search click on the drop-down menu to the left of the search box

2. Select Publisher, type ‘Barrington Stoke’ then press OK

Search for books suitable for adults with dyslexia

1. In Quick Search click on the drop-down menu to the left of the search box

2. Select Publisher, type ‘Clarity Books’ then press OK

To filter the search results

Use the links on the right-hand side to narrow your search results down to, for example, age group, series or author.

To reserve a book from the list

1. Select the title you'd like to read

2. Check the box next to it

3. Follow the instructions on the screen.

• NHS UK information about dyslexia

• Irlen East information about Irlen syndrome

• For local advice and support, contact Suffolk Dyslexia Association