October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and while many moms have heard the word
dyslexia, there are so many misconceptions and many parents don’t know where to turn when their child receives a diagnosis. It’s easy to feel lost!
As a local dyslexia therapist here in Houston, I’ve supported countless families
navigating the journey of a diagnosis of dyslexia. The mix of relief and overwhelm is real. Finally, we have an answer… but what now?
Here’s the good news: Houston is one of the best places to raise a child with dyslexia.
Our city has resources, experts, and a strong parent community that makes this journey less lonely. Whether your child has already been diagnosed or you’re simply wondering if something feels “off” with reading, here’s what every Houston mom should know this October.
What Dyslexia Is (and What It Isn’t)
Let’s clear up a few myths right away. Dyslexia is:
● A difference in how the brain processes written language.
● Common. About 1 in 5 kids has some degree of dyslexia.
● Lifelong, but very manageable with the right support.
And dyslexia is not:
● Seeing letters backwards (a common misconception).
● Something kids will “grow out of.”
● A sign of laziness or low intelligence.
If you want to learn more about dyslexia here in Texas, you can check out the Texas State
Board of Education’s Dyslexia Handbook, which sets consistent standards across the state. Many Houston-area schools now screen early, catching reading struggles before kids fall too far behind. That’s a huge win for families here.
Why Awareness Matters
Dyslexia isn’t rare, but it’s often misunderstood. Awareness helps us respond with support instead of stigma. Here’s why it matters:
● Early help means better outcomes. Kids identified in kindergarten or first grade make
much faster progress than those who wait until later. It’s never too late to get started
though.
● It affects emotions, too. Without support, kids may feel “less smart” than their peers and
start to lose confidence.
● Awareness changes everything. When moms, teachers, and communities understand dyslexia, kids get the help they need and their strengths shine through. Houston is Leading the way. If you’re a Houston mom, you’re in luck. Our city is home to some of the strongest
dyslexia resources in the country.
● Neuhaus Education Center in Bellaire is one of the international leaders in dyslexia and
literacy education for educators and parents.
● The Houston Branch of the International Dyslexia Association is a local non-profit
organization dedicated to helping individuals with dyslexia and related learning
disorders, their families, and the communities that support them.
● A Brighter Education for Dyslexia is a non-profit organization on the northside of
Houston focused on empowering and educating families impacted by dyslexia.
● We have various specialized schools in our area, including The Briarwood School, that
focus on supporting students with specific learning disorders, like dyslexia.
What Houston Moms Can Do
So where does that leave you, as moms? The truth is, you know your child best. If something doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct. Here are a few ways to take action:
At School
● Ask your child’s school about universal screeners. These are simple assessments used to
catch reading struggles early.
● If you’re concerned, request a meeting with your child’s teacher or intervention team.
● Keep communication open. Teachers appreciate when parents share what they’re seeing
at home.
● If you ever feel that the school isn’t offering enough, look for private help if possible.
At Home
● Read aloud together. Big kids love this just as much as little ones. It removes the pressure
and brings back the joy of stories.
● Use audiobooks. The Houston Public Library has a huge selection available for free.
● Celebrate effort, not perfection. Every small win matters, whether it’s trying a tricky
word or finishing a short book.
In the Community
● Take advantage of the amazing museums we have here in Houston to explore ways for
your child to build confidence through art, science, or hands-on learning. Dyslexia may
make reading hard, but it doesn’t define your child’s creativity or intelligence.
The Heart of Dyslexia Awareness Month
At its core, Dyslexia Awareness Month is about empowerment. It’s about making sure parents know:
● You’re not alone.
● Houston has resources ready for you.
● Your child can thrive, with the right tools, strategies, and encouragement.
Every child deserves a roadmap that works for them. And every Houston mom deserves
to feel confident leading the way!
About Rebecca Bush
Rebecca Bush, M.A., M.Ed., is a Certified Academic Language Therapist, a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, and the author of Dyslexia & Your Newly Diagnosed Child (Penguin Random House, 2025). She is the founder of Lead Changes, a local practice helping families navigate unexpectedly bumpy learning journeys. A native Houstonian, Rebecca loves the rich variety of food Houston has to offer and spending time with her horses, and she never misses the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
