Superpowered Support for Neurodiverse Kids.

Superpowered Support for Neurodiverse Kids.

Superpowered Support for Neurodiverse Kids. Superpowered Support for Neurodiverse Kids.

My note to parents,

A few years ago, my brilliant, creative and kind second grade daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia. Watching her confidence erode as she struggled to read broke my heart. I couldn’t accept that. That’s why I created Lucky Dog - a dyslexia-friendly children’s book for aspiring young readers that helps kids feel seen and supported. It’s also why I started HumanKind Books, a publishing brand built to empower neurodiverse readers through inclusive design and heartfelt storytelling. Beyond that, I’m dedicated to sharing the resources that have helped my family along our journey. Bookmark this page and come back to it whenever you need it. You’ve got this. We’ve got this. I’m cheering for you.

Black silhouette of Mara Ryan's signature and "XO" expressing love and gratitude.

Unlocking Books for Every Kind of Reader.

  • Scenic landscape of a large turquoise lake surrounded by rolling green hills and rugged mountains under a cloudy sky.

    Readability.

    Did you know that certain font types are easier to read for the dyslexic brain? They sure are. Look for dyslexia-friendly fonts like Century-Gothic, Open Dyslexic, Lexie Readable or Sans Serif fonts including: Ariel, Veranda, Helvetica or Tahoma. Font size and formatting are also key. Size 12 to 14 point font tends to be best. Generous word and line spacing as well as left aligned text also helps. Try to avoid stark contrast (black on white). Some kids may benefit from colored overlays AND they’re a fun accessory for your aspiring reader.

  • A modern house with wooden and stone exterior walls situated on a green hill, with snow-capped mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.

    Comprehension.

    Identifying letters then individual words takes time and lots of practice as every parent knows. Putting it all together and then comprehending what was read is no small feat for a dyslexic brain. Decodable, phonics-based language with repetitive word patterns reinforces learning and understanding. Alliteration and rhyming can also help with decoding and best of all, it keeps it fun! Programs such as Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading are sequential programs specifically designed to help dyslexic students learn to read. Thankfully, many schools have adopted these programs with much success across all readers.

  • A simple cartoon illustration of a smiling face with yellow in the middle, featuring a headband and a happy expression.

    Engagement.

    Books have the power to captivate all of us. But it can take some time to find the type of book that resonates with your aspiring reader. Engaging topics of interest and storylines, relatable characters, strong visuals and even textures can help with multi-sensory learning. Audio books and read-along books are great tools to support and engage your child on their reading journey.

  • Outline of two hands holding a pink heart with a smaller black outline heart on top

    Support.

    Reading is a learned skill for everyone and like any new skill, it takes a lot of practice. Be sure to offer your aspiring reader time, patience and positive reinforcement. Check in with your child’s teacher to determine accommodations that are best suited for your child. Find a tutor that supports your family’s journey. Be open about neurodiversity and all the gifts your child brings to the world. Celebrate their successes - big and small. Become their greatest advocate and cheerleader.

  • Book cover of "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, featuring colorful text and a tree with a fish inside it.

    Fish in a Tree

    Author Lynda Mullaly Hunt shares the the journey of a young girl discovering and accepting her learning differences. This is the ultimate book of perspective for any parent navigating dyslexia with their child.

    Learn More
  • The word 'Neuró-osity' with an illustrated smiling face, featuring eyebrows and a curved mouth, integrated into the text.

    Neuro-osity

    Nancy Disbrow is a mom, speaker, podcast host and professional coach who embraces and celebrates different ways of thinking. Known as the Dyslexic Maverick she an amazing resource and advocate.

    Learn More
  • Colorful dots arranged in a grid with the text 'Made by Dyslexia' below.

    Made by Dyslexia

    A global charity, led by successful dyslexics. They’ve built the world’s largest community of dyslexic people and allies. Their purpose is to help the world to Learn Dyslexia: to understand it, to value it and to support it.

    Learn More
  • Learning Ally logo on a white background.

    Learning Ally

    The Learning Ally Audiobook Solution enables struggling readers to keep pace with curriculum, accelerate learning and help improve test scores. Learning Ally believes listening is vital to learning.

    Learn More
  • Book titled "The Dyslexic Advantage" with a cover design featuring five eggs, one painted yellow and the others white, against a blue background.

    The Dyslexic Advantage

    Authors Brock Eide and Fernette Eide “Unlock the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain.”

    Learn More

Helpful products for superpower kids.

Helpful products for superpower kids.

There’s moments in parenting that you’re willing to try any product that “might” help. I’ve been there. Here’s some of my family’s favorite neurodiverse tools - curated from Amazon.

Set of three colorful rings that help children use a hand-held guided reader.
A collection of animal-shaped guided readers including a unicorn, a purple hippopotamus, a cow, a giraffe, a crocodile, a dachshund, and an elephant.
Set of colored guided readers arranged in a fanned-out pattern with colors including pink, orange, red, yellow, blue, and green.
Overlapping colored overlays in green, pink, orange, red, blue, and yellow, arranged in a pattern.
A colorful children's timer with a rainbow-colored dial, a cloud with a rainbow and smiling face, set to about 13 minutes.
A printed flyer titled 'Neurodiversity is a Superpower' with subheading 'Dyslexia Resources for Aspiring Readers.' The flyer discusses dyslexia, highlighting its positive aspects and support strategies. It features sections on readability, comprehension, engagement, and support, with icons depicting a book, a brain with hands, a smiling face, and hearts, along with tips for each. The flyer is placed on a crumpled black paper background with handwritten annotations pointing out features like multi-sensory learning, dyslexia-friendly fonts, positive reinforcement, ratings, and celebrating progress.

If you found any of this information helpful, go ahead - download it & pass it along.