Reversed: A Memoir

In 1995, the school diagnostician stated, He's the worst child I've seen in 20 years of teaching. Do you have a child struggling with reading? What labels has your child been given? How do you feel they will progress through school? This is a story for you! Every parent has high hopes for their children. When Lois Letchford learns her son has been diagnosed with a low IQ at the end of grade one, she refuses to give up on his future. After thorough testing, Nicholas proves to have no spatial awareness, limited concentration, and can only read ten words. Although discouraged, Lois knows things have to improve. After all, her son is young, and every child learns at their own pace. But once Nicholas is labeled "learning disabled," a designation considered more derogatory than "dyslexia," the world of education is quick to cast him aside. Determined to prove them all wrong, Lois temporarily removes her son from the school system and begins working with him one-on-one. She has no formal reading education herself, and no one to guide her. But she has hope and the strength of will to persevere. And sometimes that's all you need. What happens next is a journeyspanning three continents, unique teaching experiments, never-ending battles with the school system, a mother's discovery of her own learning blocks, and a bond fueled by the desire to rid Nicholas of the disabled label. Reversed is a memoir of profound determination that follows the highs and lows of overcoming impossible odds, turning one woman into a passionate teacher for children who have been left behind. Nothing is impossible when one digs deep, and looks at students through a new lens. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lois Letchford's dyslexia came to light at the age of 39, when she faced teaching her seven-year-old non-reading son, Nicholas. Examining her reading failure caused her to adapt and change lessons for her son. The results were dramatic. Lois qualified as a reading specialist to use her non-traditional background, multi-continental experience, and passion to assist other failing students. Her teaching and learning have equipped her with a unique skillset and perspective. As a teacher, she considers herself a literacy problem-solver. Reversed: A Memoir is her first book. In this story, she details her dyslexia and the journey of her son's dramatic failure in first grade. She tells of the twist and turns that promoted her passion and her son's dramatic academic turn-a-round - as in 2018, he received his Ph.D. You may also contact Lois at Leadership Speakers Bureau to schedule her for speaking or leadership engagements.