The Dyslexia Warrior Parent: How to Advocate Effectively for Your Child

The Dyslexia Warrior Parent is a passionate advocate who stands up for their child(ren)’s learning needs. Did you know that the word advocate comes from the Latin word advocare, meaning “to add a voice”? To advocate is to speak up in support of someone or a cause.

Parents of children with learning or attention challenges must often be that voice—the one that ensures their child gets the support they need to thrive. Ask yourself this: If your child had vision problems, wouldn’t you get their eyes tested? Would you buy them glasses so they could see the board or read a book? Would you make sure they had those glasses at school every day? Advocating for a child with dyslexia is no different. It means ensuring your child has the tools to succeed at both school and home.

Parents know their child better than anyone—their strengths, struggles, moods, and motivations. Often, parents are their child’s only voice in the school system. Here are some powerful ways to step into the role of a Dyslexia Warrior Parent:

1. Determine the Issues – Start with Your Child

Talk to your child about their school experience. Ask questions like:

  • What was the best part of your day?
  • If you could change something about school, what would it be?
  • What do you find easy or difficult at school?
  • What would your dream school day look like?

Look for mood and behavior changes—if your child is relaxed on weekends but stressed during the week, school might be the cause.

Use this information to create an agenda before meeting with teachers or administrators. For example, if your child is anxious about timed tests, advocate for accommodations like extended time.

2. Educate Yourself

Learn about your child’s learning challenges and the terminology used in education. Maximize your time by:

  • Listening to podcasts on the go
  • Watching one educational video per week
  • Reading 10 minutes a day about dyslexia

Knowledge is empowering. When you come to meetings informed, you’ll feel more confident and capable.

3. Know Your Child’s Rights

Understand the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and your child’s legal protections. Learn more at the IDEA website.

Also, understand the difference between an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and a 504 Plan. Keep a binder with IEP documents, evaluations, report cards, and communication notes. Stay organized with email folders for all school-related communication.

For a helpful article: A 504 Plan for Those with Dyslexia

4. Be Solution-Oriented

Focus on what can be done, not just what’s going wrong. Ask your child for input—kids can often come up with insightful solutions. Bring a list of goals and ideas to meetings, and guide the conversation toward positive action.

5. Ask Questions

Never hesitate to ask for clarification in meetings. Understanding your child’s educational plan and accommodations is crucial. If something doesn’t make sense, speak up. If you disagree with a decision, express your concerns respectfully and seek alternatives.

6. Prepare for Meetings

  • Arrive prepared with a clear agenda and specific questions.
  • Stay on topic—if the conversation goes off-track, kindly redirect.
  • Stay organized—use a binder with labeled sections for important documents.
  • Track communication—store emails and responses in one digital folder.

7. Demonstrate Social and Emotional Intelligence

Your presence matters. How you carry yourself affects how others perceive and respond to you:

  • Smile, make eye contact, and dress appropriately.
  • Use open body language and active listening.
  • Stay calm and stick to your agenda.

If you feel overwhelmed, try neutral phrases like those in Amanda Morin’s article.

8. Build Positive Relationships

Remember: most educators want to help. Try to foster a “working partnership” with the school.

  • Meet your child’s teachers and support staff early in the year.
  • Follow up after meetings to ensure agreed-upon actions are happening.
  • Use positivity to keep communication open and collaborative.

Think of follow-up like a doctor’s appointment—it’s how you monitor progress and adjust the plan.

9. Take Care of Yourself

Advocating is hard work. Stay strong and resilient by:

  • Practicing self-compassion and celebrating small wins
  • Bringing a support person to meetings
  • Joining a parent support group (like Decoding Dyslexia)
  • Delegating tasks when possible

Parenting a child with dyslexia is a journey. Take baby steps, stay hopeful, and be kind to yourself.

Final Thoughts

The road isn’t always easy—but it’s worth it. As you advocate, you model strength, perseverance, and courage for your child. A “warrior” is defined as someone who shows great vigor or courage in the face of adversity. Be proud of being that courageous parent—the Dyslexia Warrior Parent. If you would like to look at Orton Gillingham training options to support your child at home, check out what we have to offer here!

Resources

 

Marcy

 

Marcy McIver has a Bachelor of Education in Special Education and a MSc in Brain-Based Learning with a major in Literacy and Reading. She has been teaching for 15 years and has spent the last three years providing remedial intervention to children with dyslexia. She is passionate about helping students with various learning differences, and teaching others how to better support this population using cognitive neuroscience to maximize motivation and learning.