Helping a 23 year-old guy that can't read or write?

Question

My boyfriend has severe dyslexia. Supposedly. He went to S****y schools in New Jersey that I suspect didn't really try to help him too much so I'm not sure if he actually has really bad dyslexia or if it's managable but his schooling didn't help him find a way to deal with it. Either way, his reading is really, really bad. Practically non-existent. I want to help him somehow. It's so weird seeing him struggle on a daily basis because he can't read or write. It's like missing a sense, not being able to see or hear. I just have no idea where to start! I got him a couple of those reading workbooks for 1st graders and I bought some index cards so we can make customized flashcards for words he needs to be able to read such as local streetnames, ATM vocabulary, etc.

Jobs? Directions? Reading a bedtime story to our children someday? This is serious.

Answer 1

It's never too late to learn.  The first thing to do is get him to an optometrist.  I've heard there are special glasses which help people with dyslexia.  The next thing to do is to enrol in an adult learn to read program.  Starting by reading simple Grade 1 books is great, but he may feel a little embarrassed.  Find out what interests him then write mini stories for him to read back to you.

Answer 2

Well I have a very mild form of a reading disability myself so I kinda know where he is coming from.

I am  glad you are his girlfriend even though he has such a severe form of it, most girls would be shallow and think he is dumb.

What I did when I was younger was to force myself to read anything. I didn't care if I couldn't comprehend anything I just figured the more I did it the more I would adapt and begin to learn how to turn off my disability. I was right! It was so hard for me at first. There were literarly hundreds of books I read with little comprehension. I didn't care I fiqured if every week I read at least a couple books I was making progress. A lot of times this consisted of just turning the pages and not understanding the words on the page; just to turn 300 pages was progress.

Now I am a very adept reader. I have a college degree and am currently in graduate school obtaining my masters in special education. Dyslexic readers can become great readers and writers just like everyone else.

Answer 3

I don't know where you live but most libraries have programs for those of us who are functioning  illiterates. They can give you books that are geared to the adult learner so that they won't feel insulted. They will also train you on how to work with them. Give them a call and see if they can give you the help that you need to help him.  IF he's really dyslexic, than he might have trouble recognizing the letter and the words.  The other option is to take him to the nearest college and have him tested if he tests for dyslexia than they should know how to help him or where he can get the help that he needs. Check out both options.

Answer 4

I just wanted the say your are a saint for trying to help

and not turning your back on him like everyone else has.

Answer 5

Wow, that's crazy!  Did he graduate?

Answer 6

Contact the literacy council, they have chapters in every town.

Answer 7

committment and consistency are your best bet.  start small and work up.  consistency though, is key.  be prepared for him to get frustrated and angry.

Good luck...

Answer 8

Please go to www.schwablearning.org and sign up for free to ask on their parent to parent message board.

The people there have lots of experience with this and will be glad to help you!!