Fifth Grader Evan Bernheim Shares His Dyslexia Journey

Evan Bernheim is the inspiration behind Right to Read Advocacy! The organization’s founder Jennifer Bernheim (mom to Evan) launched Right to Read Advocacy to educate and empower other families as they navigate the dyslexia diagnosis. Evan currently attends a specialized school for students with language-based learning disabilities. He’s in his third year of receiving intensive Orton-Gillingham based instruction and he’s thriving. In this episode, Evan talks about the challenges that come along with dyslexia, shares why he loves the specialized school, and offers advice to other dyslexic students. 

Key Takeaways:

• For some students with dyslexia, a school that focuses on teaching students with language-based learning disabilities may provide a more supportive environment. 

• Dyslexia is very common - about 1 in 5 people have dyslexia. 

• Evan recommends Jamie Oliver’s book – Billy and the Great Adventure. 

• Students with dyslexia may exhibit strengths including curiosity, great imagination, a good understanding of new concepts, surprising maturity, and a larger vocabulary than typical for their age group.

Links from the episode:

• The Southport School

• Billy and the Great Adventure

• Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity