Falling in Love With Reading Despite Dyslexia

Anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of the population struggles with dyslexia, a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and how they relate to letters and words (Wagner et al., 2020).

While previous studies suggested that adults with dyslexia do not enjoy reading and experience less motivation to read than those without dyslexia, recent research suggests that reading can be enjoyable for adults with dyslexia. The challenge arises in overcoming the greater effort required to read, which lessens the impact of the reward of reading.

Improving reading skills through evidence-based interventions, like the Orton-Gillingham approach, and reducing the difficulty of the text can increase motivation to continue reading and enhance enjoyment. Individual expectations about reading success and perceived effort for reading might also play a role in how much people with dyslexia enjoy the process of reading (Jones et al., 2025).

Karina Richland specializes in linguistics, with a deep understanding of language structure and acquisition. When her own children began exhibiting signs of dyslexia, such as difficulty reading and spelling, Richland obtained certification in the Orton-Gillingham approach and developed the PRIDE Reading Program, an accessible, research-based, user-friendly structured literacy curriculum for children of all ages that can be implemented in the classroom or at home.

Richland shared her perspective on how people with dyslexia can fall in love with reading.

Q: For people with dyslexia, it can be a challenge to fall in love with reading, despite its many joys and benefits. How can reading become a passion for people with dyslexia?

Karina Richland (KR): For individuals with dyslexia, the path to developing a love of reading often requires a different approach and a great deal of patience. When reading is consistently a source of frustration and struggle, it's easy to understand why it might be difficult to find joy in it. However, reading can absolutely become a passion for those with dyslexia, and it starts with creating positive and successful experiences.

Providing explicit, structured, and multisensory instruction, like that offered by the PRIDE Reading Program, is absolutely crucial. This is the cornerstone of effective reading intervention because it lays the essential groundwork for all future literacy development. When children with dyslexia receive instruction that clearly and systematically teaches the building blocks of language—phonemes, graphemes, and their connections—they begin to unlock the code of written language and how language works. This is when their confidence grows exponentially. For the first time, reading becomes less of a mystery and more of a skill they can master. This confidence is transformative; it shifts reading from a source of anxiety and frustration to a potential source of accomplishment and pleasure.

A crucial step in fostering a love of reading for dyslexic children is the strategic use of decodable books. These books are specifically crafted to include only the phonics patterns and sounds that the child has already been explicitly taught. This design is not arbitrary; it's a deliberate approach to build confidence and fluency. For dyslexic children, the act of reading can often feel like deciphering a complex code, leading to frustration and avoidance. Decodable books remove this overwhelming complexity. When children encounter words they can successfully decode using their existing knowledge, they experience a sense of accomplishment that is both validating and motivating. This success reinforces newly acquired skills, solidifying their understanding of phonics and the alphabetic principle. In the early stages of reading, this sense of achievement is paramount. It transforms reading from a daunting task into a manageable and even enjoyable activity. Decodable books provide the scaffolding that dyslexic children need to build a strong foundation, gradually transitioning them to more complex texts with growing confidence.

It is important to focus on finding reading material that is genuinely interesting and engaging for the child, regardless of their reading level. This might mean starting with shorter, high-interest texts or even audiobooks, which can help bypass the decoding struggle and allow them to enjoy the story. Allowing children to choose their own books and explore topics that resonate with them can also make a significant difference.

Q: When young children struggle to learn to read, it may become a process riddled with negative emotions. How can parents and educators best help to make learning to read a positive, connected experience?

KR: To make learning to read a positive, connected experience, parents and educators should focus on creating a positive and supportive environment. This involves recognizing that learning to read can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating process, especially for children who struggle. We must avoid placing undue pressure or setting unrealistic expectations. Instead, we should celebrate every small victory and acknowledge the effort put forth.

Incorporating fun and engaging activities into reading practice helps children develop a positive association with reading, making it an enjoyable and less daunting experience. Use games, storytelling, and interactive tools to make learning enjoyable. Choose books that align with the child's interests and make reading time a special, shared experience.

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We must also consistently offer encouragement and praise for effort and progress, no matter how small. Verbal affirmations, stickers, or small rewards can go a long way in boosting a child's confidence. It's crucial to focus on their strengths and progress rather than on what they are not good at. Reframing mistakes as learning opportunities and emphasizing the growth they've achieved can shift their perspective from negativity to positivity.

Creating a comfortable and distraction-free reading space is important for helping children feel relaxed, focused, and safe. This could be a cozy corner with pillows, a designated reading nook, or simply a quiet area where the child feels relaxed and at ease.

Celebrating every achievement, big or small, is crucial for boosting a child's confidence and motivation when learning to read. Acknowledging their hard work, whether they finish a book, master a new sound, or simply participate in a reading session, reinforces their efforts and makes them feel valued. By consistently recognizing and celebrating these milestones, we shift their focus from feelings of frustration and failure to a sense of accomplishment and growth. This positive reinforcement transforms reading into a more enjoyable and less daunting experience, encouraging them to keep learning and improving.

Q: What tips might you have for adults with dyslexia who struggle to enjoy reading? What tools are available for them?

KR: For adults with dyslexia, the secret to unlocking a love of reading often lies in finding material that truly ignites their interest. When adults choose books or articles about topics they're passionate about, they're more likely to stay engaged and motivated, even when facing reading challenges. This motivation transforms reading from a chore into a pleasurable activity. Whether it’s an exciting science fiction novel, an interesting history book, or a magazine about a cherished hobby, selecting enjoyable content can significantly reduce frustration and pave the way for joy in reading.

Beyond traditional books, exploring alternative formats can be a game-changer for dyslexic adults. Audiobooks, available on platforms like Audible, offer a fantastic way to engage with literature and information without having to decode text. This approach can dramatically reduce reading-related anxiety, allowing individuals to focus on enjoying a story. By listening, they can absorb the story at their own pace, revisit sections as needed, and fully immerse themselves in the narrative. Non-written sources like podcasts, radio shows, and movies also provide valuable alternatives, enabling a focus on content rather than the mechanics of reading.

It's worth noting that even dyslexic adults who enjoy recreational reading may still find academic or professional reading challenging. While it may sound simple, prioritizing regular reading practice is key. Reading is a skill that improves with consistency, and gradually increasing reading time can lead to noticeable gains in comfort and enjoyment.