Guide To Dyslexia Resources, Schools & Support In Hong Kong

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that involves struggles with reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and how they relate to letters and words. As a learning difficulty, it's characterized by problems using and processing different codes of linguistics, symbolism, and letters that represent sound variations or numbers. It is a result of individual differences in areas of the brain that process language. For more information about dyslexia, specifically regarding symptoms, please click here.

As dyslexia isn't a disease, there isn't an actual cure. But, what specialists can do is provide the right tools to address this and give specific learning exercises to those in need. One key resource to review as you start your journey is the Dyslexia Took Kit - click here!

Living With Dyslexia

Having dyslexia should not be stigmatizing and should not be regarded as a hindrance to a child's development. On the contrary:

• Dyslexic people rely more on the right side of their brain for language processing. What this means is that there is a high number of creative people, who are possibly dyslexic too.
• Some individuals with dyslexia have a powerful memory - they can easily recall facts from reading a storybook.
• Many dyslexics have excellent problem and puzzle-solving skills and can figure out complex, even abstract problems in a unique way.
• Dyslexics make great conversationalists. As reading might not be their strength, their profoundness and empathic behavior set them apart.
• Finally, individuals diagnosed with dyslexia are said to be excellent when thinking outside of the box. Many come up with interesting ideas that are fresh and unique!

Dyslexia Assessment And Child Therapy Centers

• Elevate Global Education Group- Run by a former Director of Student Support at an IB School and BCBA, Elevate provides a wide range of SEN Services.  For Dyslexia, they provide Orton-Gillinham interventions as well as other evidence-based Dyslexia interventions administered by licensed SEN professionals.
• Child Development Centre - This location provides a wonderful SEN network for families. In addition to assessments and programs, networking and fun days are also available for families to join.
• Department of Health, Child Assessment Services - The CAS in Hong Kong provides a wide range of services for children 12 years old and under with various types of learning difficulties such as dyslexia. This includes assessments and follow-ups.
• SPOT - Their Specialist Teaching program allows children to build their confidence with teachers certified in Specific Learning Difficulties.
• HK Ep Services Centre Ltd - They host a good number of seminars and workshops for parents. They also offer early childhood services and assessments for those preparing for kindergarten and primary school.
• Potential Development Association Ltd - Established in 1993, they provide assessments and integrated training for children and teenagers with learning difficulties. They also offer consultation and training to teachers, social workers, and parents.
• The Pathways Foundation - A charity organization with two learning centers in Hong Kong that provides support for students specifically for dyslexia and other forms of learning difficulties.

Schools With Inclusive Curriculums For Dyslexia

• ESF Beacon Hill School - It is an inclusive school that also caters to students who require teaching and learning adjustments.
• ESF Clearwater Bay School - The school provides active specialist learning support to students and families who need support.
• ESF Jockey Club Sarah Roe School - Jockey Club Sarah Roe has an Individualised Educational Programme that caters for learners with individual needs. The school supports students with a wide range of needs from moderate to severe learning difficulties, as well as dyslexia.
• ESF Sha Tin Junior School - The school highlights inclusivity as one of its core values.
• ESF South Island School - Their "Making a Difference" motto shows the larger community that the values the school holds for its students: it provides support and help to those who need it through their dedicated Learning Support Center. 
• French International School - Teachers provide close supervision to students with learning difficulties such as dyslexia.
• Hong Kong Academy - HKA stands out in the Hong Kong education sector for its offering of learning support to gifted students and to those with dyslexia and other learning needs within the mainstream classroom.
• Hong Kong International School - In addition to offering support for students with mild special learning difficulties, HKIS has two enrichment specialists who work with gifted students.
• The Harbour School - There are 3 campuses namely Harbour Village, The Garden and The Grove. Founded by Jadis Blurton - these schools have established themselves as Hong Kong's most innovative, all-inclusive international schools.

Dyslexia Support Groups

• Boaz International Education Institute - Boaz provides support to schools, parents and teachers. They provide workshops for Hong Kong teachers that specialize in dyslexia training and understanding SEN support for students.
• Dyslexia Association Hong Kong - This amazing association connects individuals and families through monthly talks and workshops. It allows the community understand the importance and build awareness on how to help those with dyslexia.
• Heep Hong Society - In 2020, the association has launched an amazing 3-year literacy program called "iRead and iLearn" to assist kindergarten to primary school students with dyslexia. This has provided support most especially for parents by providing them with different types of resources, lectures and workshops to take part of.
• Dyslexia Support Hong Kong Facebook Group - This is a wonderful community that also provides a space for parents and individuals looking for support from those that are on a similar journey.

Other Resources: Books And Podcasts For Parents

Books:

Children with dyslexia have amazing minds, and they have a thirst for knowledge. Their reading materials should stimulate them by opening their minds to new ideas!

Here is a list of books that parents can read with their children or kids with dyslexia/reading difficulties can read on their own.

• The Alphabet War: A Story About Dyslexia by Dianne Burton Robb
• It's Called Dyslexia by Jennifer Moore Mallinos 
• My Name is Brain (X) Brian by Jean Betancourt
• Learn To Read: For Kids With Dyslexia by Hannah Braun

Podcasts: 

Here is a list of wonderful podcasts perfect for parents on the go!

• Dyslexia Explored
• Go Dyslexia Podcast