Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis

Tips for tailoring instruction and meeting the needs of dyslexic learners

Looking through both academic and social-emotional lenses, this book will deepen your understanding of dyslexia and help you feel confident in your interactions and implementation of instruction with your dyslexic learners. Written for educators and schools looking for ways to meet the social and emotional needs of dyslexic learners, scaffold instruction, and successfully implement accommodations, Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis provides a concrete framework for promoting self-confidence and student success. Author Casey Harrison, creator of The Dyslexia Classroom, shares her unique approach to creating dyslexia-friendly classrooms, providing accommodations and in the moment scaffolds as well as helping students build self-advocacy skills. This book will allow you to:

• Meet the needs of dyslexic learners both academically and emotionally
• Understand what dyslexia is, how it impacts learning, and what implications it has beyond the reading classroom
• Learn research-based techniques to enhance, differentiate and scaffold instruction, promoting learning in students with dyslexia
• Develop empathy and understanding, both in yourself and in the broader educational community, and promote inclusive classrooms

This book is for anyone who wants to help students with dyslexia find self-confidence and success: K-12 educators, as well as parents, administrators, and aspiring teachers.

Dedication v
Preface ix
Introduction xiii

CHAPTER 1 Understanding Dyslexia 1
CHAPTER 2 Characteristics and Contradictory Signs of Dyslexia 17
CHAPTER 3 The Dyslexia Iceberg and Cascading Effects of Dyslexia 33
CHAPTER 4 Understanding Student Learning Profiles 43
CHAPTER 5 The Reading Brain 61
CHAPTER 6 Structured Literacy in Dyslexia Education 83
CHAPTER 7 Meaningful Multimodal Experiences to Support Learning 99
CHAPTER 8 Scaffolds in Structured Literacy 113
CHAPTER 9 A Snapshot of Support in Action 129

CHAPTER 10 Call for a Champion 151
CHAPTER 11 Critical Thinking and Executive Function 173
CHAPTER 12 Accommodation Toolbox 201
CHAPTER 13 Classroom Environment 221
CHAPTER 14 Self-Advocacy, Success, and Confidence 237
Conclusion 245
Resources 247
Acknowledgments 279
About the Author 281
Index 283

Casey Harrison is a Certified Academic Language Therapist, Dyslexia Therapist, and educator. She created The Dyslexia Classroom, an organization that helps teachers and parents of dyslexic learners by breaking down the science of reading into manageable pieces. Harrison co-hosts the Together in Literacy podcast. Find her online at www.thedyslexiaclassroom.com and on Instagram @thedyslexiaclassroom.

Empower dyslexic students to find success and self-confidence in the classroom

All educators want to help dyslexic learners grow, and with the proper support, it’s possible. Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis is a transformative guide designed to help educators support dyslexic learners on their path to growth and success.

At its core, the book introduces an Integrated Framework that blends practical strategies, research and evidence-based instructional techniques, and a deep understanding of dyslexia’s academic and emotional impact. It moves beyond simply addressing the diagnosis, empowering educators to adopt a more comprehensive perspective. Doing so instills a sense of capability and confidence in teachers, resulting in greater academic achievement and self-confidence that students can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Whether you’re new to working with dyslexic learners or seeking to refine your approach, this book provides a solid foundation for making a meaningful difference in your students’ lives.

“In Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis, Casey Harrison draws from over two decades of experience to provide evidence-based strategies that integrate structured literacy with social-emotional learning, making it an invaluable guide for teachers and caregivers committed to supporting dyslexic learners effectively.”
—Zahra Nawaz Shafeeq, Founder, Dystinct.org

“Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis balances scientific insights with actionable strategies, making it a valuable resource for educators and specialists who seek to empower students not just academically but also as self-advocates. With this book on hand, you will feel more equipped to foster literacy skills in ways that resonate with the unique strengths and challenges of students.”
—Jeannette Washington, M.Ed., M.S., CCC-SLP, CAO, Bearly Articulating

Praise for Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis

“In Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis, Casey Harrison draws from over two decades of experience to provide evidence-based strategies that integrate structured literacy with social-emotional learning, making it an invaluable guide for teachers and caregivers committed to supporting dyslexic learners effectively.”

—Zahra Nawaz Shafeeq, Founder, Dystinct.org

“Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis by Casey Harrison is a comprehensive dive into the journey of supporting students with dyslexia. As an international educator and speech pathologist specializing in dyslexia, I found this book to be a refreshing and well-rounded approach to addressing both the academic and emotional aspects of dyslexia. Harrison’s Integrated Framework provides practical strategies alongside a compassionate, whole-child approach. The book balances scientific insights with actionable strategies, making it a valuable resource for educators and specialists who seek to empower students not just academically but also as self-advocates. With this book on hand, you will feel more equipped to foster literacy skills in ways that resonate with students’ unique strengths and challenges.”

—Jeannette Washington, M.Ed., M.S., CCC-SLP, CAO, Bearly Articulating