Dyslexia Awareness Month
October 2025
Dyslexia Awareness Month
Dyslexia Awareness
General Facts
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Dyslexia is a neurobiological learning difference that primarily affects reading, spelling, and writing skills.
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It does not affect intelligence—many people with dyslexia are highly creative and excel in problem-solving.
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Dyslexia affects about 1 in 5 people worldwide to some degree.
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It often runs in families, suggesting a genetic link.
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Dyslexia can present differently in each person, ranging from mild to severe.
Signs & Characteristics
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Children with dyslexia may struggle with letter recognition, phonics, and word decoding.
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People with dyslexia may read slowly or inaccurately but often have strong listening comprehension.
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Common challenges include spelling errors, reversing letters/numbers, and difficulty remembering sequences.
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Dyslexia is not just about reading—many individuals may also find time management, organization, or memorization difficult.
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Strengths often include big-picture thinking, creativity, spatial reasoning, and storytelling.
Myths vs. Facts
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Myth: Dyslexia is caused by poor vision.
Fact: Dyslexia is related to how the brain processes language, not eyesight. -
Myth: Kids with dyslexia are lazy or not trying hard enough.
Fact: They often work much harder than peers to read and write. -
Myth: Dyslexia can be outgrown.
Fact: Dyslexia is lifelong, but with support, individuals can thrive.
Support & Accommodations
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Early identification and intervention can greatly improve reading outcomes.
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Evidence-based reading instruction—like structured literacy and phonics-based approaches—is most effective.
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Schools can support students with dyslexia through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans.
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Helpful accommodations include audiobooks, speech-to-text tools, extra time on tests, and oral testing options.
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Self-advocacy and confidence-building are just as important as academic support.
Inspiring Facts
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Many successful people—including entrepreneurs, scientists, and artists—are dyslexic.
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With the right support, people with dyslexia can excel in any field, turning challenges into strengths.
Enhance Understanding
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Visual supports—like picture schedules, charts, and symbols—help children process and understand information more easily than verbal instructions alone.
Reduce Anxiety
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Predictable visual cues (e.g., “first… then…” boards) lower stress by showing children what to expect next in their day.
Improve Independence
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Visual aids promote self-reliance by guiding children through routines without constant adult prompting.
Support Communication
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For nonverbal children or those with limited speech, visual tools provide an alternative way to express needs, emotions, and choices.
Benefit Multiple Disabilities
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Visual supports are effective for children with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, hearing loss, and developmental delays.
Consistency is Key
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Using visuals across home, school, and community settings creates a supportive environment and strengthens learning.
Guardianship is a legal process where a court appoints a person (guardian) to make decisions for another person (ward) who cannot make certain decisions independently.
Types of Guardianship
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Full Guardianship – Guardian has authority over personal, medical, and financial decisions.
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Limited Guardianship – Guardian only makes decisions in specific areas.
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Temporary or Emergency Guardianship – Granted for a short period in urgent situations.
Who May Need Guardianship?
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Children under 18 without parents, adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or elderly individuals who are incapacitated.
Court Oversight
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Guardians are accountable to the court and may need to file reports on the ward’s well-being and finances.
Alternatives to Guardianship
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Supported decision-making, powers of attorney, or healthcare proxies may provide more independence than full guardianship.
Rights of the Ward
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Individuals under guardianship retain certain rights unless specifically removed by the court.
Guardian’s Responsibilities
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Duties may include managing healthcare, housing, education, finances, and daily living needs.
State Laws Vary
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Guardianship rules and procedures differ by state, so local legal guidance is essential.
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Meet your Parent Liaisons
Hi, my name is Nikole Crowder. I am the Parent Liaison at the Parent Resource Center for Conroe ISD. I graduated from the University of Phoenix in 2012 with my Master’s Degree in Business Administration. I am currently working on my Doctorate in Educational Leadership. This is my 4th year with Conroe ISD. I have 8 years of SPED experience and over 15 years of Early Childhood Development experience. I married my husband Chef Hamilton Crowder 21 years ago and we have two children Darius (20) and Jayda (18) a Freshman at the University of Texas-Dallas. I am passionate about Special Education and assisting families with the resources and support they need for their children. I look forward to assisting not only families but my fellow Conroe ISD faculty members in any way I possibly can. We are a team and my top priority is providing support for the students. Please view my contact information below and if there is anything I can assist you with I am happy to help.
Nikole Crowder, MBA
Prof Sp Ed/Parent Liaison
Special Education
Conroe Independent School District
936-709-8209
parentresourcecenter@conroeisd.net
Hello! My name is Aurora Vazquez, and I am honored to serve as your Bilingual Parent Liaison and Spanish Interpreter at Conroe ISD. I was born and raised in Mexico City before moving to Texas in 2000. Since beginning my journey in education in 2004, it has truly become my passion.
Over the years, I’ve held a variety of roles that have helped me build valuable experience, which I’m excited to share with you and your family. I’ve been part of the Conroe ISD community since 2014, and I feel incredibly thankful to belong to such a wonderful district.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or if you need support—I'm here for you and happy to help in any way I can.
Aurora Vazquez
Para Parent Resource Center Asst/Sped Interpreter
Special Education
Conroe Independent School District
(936) 709-8171
parentresourcecenter@conroeisd.net
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