Welcome!

🎥 To watch the video version on YouTube: Dyslexia Diaries of a Doctor Mom - 12/3 Blog

CHRISTINE. MOM.  DR. PATTERSON --- They're all me. 

I’m Christine, and I am a pediatrician and a mom of two. I, probably much like you, never thought I would take this deep dive into the world of dyslexia and learning differences, but alas here we both are.  I had some knowledge about dyslexia from my training in pediatrics, but when my daughter was diagnosed and I suddenly needed to advocate on her behalf, I realized I hardly knew anything at all.  So I went all in on reading ALL the books, scrolling ALL the websites, and joining ALL the Facebook groups. Honestly, it was completely overwhelming. It would have been easy to throw up my hands, put my trust in the school system and let myself off the hook. We live in a town with an excellent school system and great teachers, but I knew in my heart of hearts that no one knows my child better than I do.

As with everything in life, it's all about mindset.

After I emerged from the dyslexia and learning disability rabbit hole, took a breath and assessed the bigger situation,  I realized dyslexia is about so much more than learning to read!  There is so much to consider about the ways I need to parent my daughter through grade school and beyond. But so much of the information on the web is filled with fear and anger — I found it so disheartening.  I want to advocate for her to the best of my ability, but I also want that work to come from a place of love and optimism.

Yes, I learned about Orton-GIllingham.

Yes, I learned about my child’s rights under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).

Yes, I worked (and continue to work) extra hard to find ways to build her resilience and foster her strengths.

But I also shifted my mindset to one that is positive, empowered and optimistic. I refused to spend these precious years feeling afraid, anxious, overwhelmed, angry and defensive. 

Want to join me?

This mindset shift led me to create a different kind of space online for parents of children with dyslexia to gather. This blog, along with my social pages, will be our places to gather.

I’d love to help everyone get to this place of peace and optimism. 

I’d like all parents navigating the journey of parenting a child with dyslexia to feel confident in their ability to be the support their child needs.

And most of all, I don’t want you to feel alone. 

🌼IG and FB: @parentingdyslexia360

🌼Web: parentingdyslexia360.com

🌼YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLO5j_o6FP7SMuJPZ90C5BA