The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan

A Blueprint for Renewing Your Child's Confidence and Love of Learning

By: Ben Foss

Narrated by: Ben Foss

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Finally, a groundbreaking book that reveals what your dyslexic child is experiencing—and what you can do so that he or she will thrive

More than thirty million people in the United States are dyslexic—a brain-based genetic trait, often labeled as a “learning disability” or “learning difference,” that makes interpreting text and reading difficult. Yet even though children with dyslexia may have trouble reading, they don’t have any problems learning; dyslexia has nothing to do with a lack of intellect. While other books tell you what dyslexia is, this book tells you what to do. Dyslexics’ innate skills, which may include verbal, social, spatial, kinesthetic, visual, mathematical, or musical abilities, are their unique key to acquiring knowledge. Figuring out where their individual strengths lie, and then harnessing these skills, offers an entrée into learning and excelling. And by keeping the focus on learning, not on standard reading the same way everyone else does, a child with dyslexia can and will develop the self-confidence to flourish in the classroom and beyond.

After years of battling with a school system that did not understand his dyslexia and the shame that accompanied it, renowned activist and entrepreneur Ben Foss is not only open about his dyslexia, he is proud of it. In The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan he shares his personal triumphs and failures so that you can learn from his experiences, and provides a three-step approach for success:

• Identify your child’s profile: By mapping your child’s strengths and weaknesses and assisting her to better understand who she is, you can help your child move away from shame and feelings of inadequacy and move toward creating a powerful program for learning.

• Help your child help himself: Coach your child to become his own best advocate by developing resiliency, confidence, and self-awareness, and focusing on achievable goals in areas that matter most to him.

• Create community: Dyslexic children are not broken, but too often the system designed to educate them is. Dare to change your school so that your child has the resources to thrive. Understanding your rights and finding allies will make you and your child feel connected and no longer alone. Packed with practical ideas and strategies dyslexic children need for excelling in school and in life, this empowering guide provides the framework for charting a future for your child that is bright with hope and unlimited potential.

Includes a bonus PDF of graphics, resources, quizzes, and more

Praise for The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan

“A passionate and well-articulated guide . . . This extremely practical and motivational book will be welcomed by parents of dyslexic children.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Accessible and reassuring.”—Library Journal

“This step-by-step guide will become a go-to resource for parents.”—James H. Wendorf, executive director, National Center for Learning Disabilities

“I study dyslexia in the lab and am a parent of a wonderful daughter who fits this profile. Ben Foss’s book should be considered essential to any collection on the subject. It was extremely useful, especially for a mom.”—Maria Luisa Gorno Tempini, M.D., Ph.D., professor of neurology, UCSF, Memory and Aging Center

©2013 Random House Audio (P)2013 Ben Foss

Critic reviews

“Accessible and reassuring.” (Library Journal)

“A great new resource for parents.” (Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Ed.D., certified special education advocate, The San Diego Learning Center of the Dyslexia Training Institute)

“I study dyslexia in the lab and am a parent of a wonderful daughter who fits this profile. Ben Foss’s book should be considered essential to any collection on the subject. It was extremely useful, especially for a mom. Thank you!” (Maria Luisa Gorno Tempini, M.D., Ph.D., professor of neurology, UCSF, Memory and Aging Center)

Dyslexia Empowerment

This is the book for parents who have a dyslexic child. The reason for this is because it goes over the good, the bad, and the horrible things that can happen to dyslexic children in the school and colleges. This book also gives parents and dyslexic students tools and ideas on how they can manage many of these challenges. From how to approach the school for help to when it may be time to get a lawyer "The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan" lives up to its title.

15 Stars!

Wow! If you're dyslexic, have a loved one who's dyslexic, or you suspect you or your loved one might fit in this learning profile. This is where to start! This book is so well rounded, by the end you'll be equipped with the right information to begin navigating the world with dyslexia!

So hopeful!

I've never written a book review until now. What a fabulous book! It has given me so much hope for my 11-year-old son who has struggled so intensely. I can't even begin to say how grateful I am for the time and effort that went into the writing and recording of this book. Thank you! Thank you!

A story worth telling.

A great story of trials and triumphs. I am indebted to you Ben with the knowledge you gave regarding dyslexia. Regards,

A Guidebook for Dyslexia

This book was extremely informative, eye-opening, and very well-written. I was a special education teacher for 8 years and now work as a Learning Consultant on a Child Study Team. I have a passion for students with special needs. I love that the author made the important distinction of not being "diagnosed" with Dyslexia but instead being "identified" as having Dyslexia. I have been trying to persuade my district for the past few years to get audiobooks. I plan to use this book as evidence for why audiobooks are so essential for those with Dyslexia. Thanks for a great book!

Best Book so far

To me this is the best book I’ve read this far on the topic of dyslexia. To me it gives the most concrete examples of strategies and proven success stories. I also liked the audible voice of the author. It was pleasant to listen to which goes for a lot done Sidu le books have lousy narration.

Best ear reading ever.

Excellent book. A theraputic read for any dyslexic. And an important reference to have at my side as my dyslexic son begins school.

Good Info for Parents - Esp. Newly "Diagnosed" Kid

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I enjoyed the first section of this book the most. The later parts were a bit slow and contained a lot more of reference-material type information that might only be helpful if you run into trouble with your child's school.

It does a great job rebuking myths about dyslexia - some I didn't even realize I had. It just helped me have a better overall perspective and think through the strengths my daughter posesses.

Must read

So helpful - every exact word can be used to advocate for your child. School should be required to read this book.

I am dyslexic. WOW!!

I am dyslexic. I've struggled with this all my life I can't believe it took this book to open my eyes this read was an emotional roller coaster for me I couldn't listen to the book without crying several times I had to stop I now have some tools for me to start a new life it will be a struggle to try to heal all the damage that had been done throughout my life I can't tell you how much this book means to me.