Choosing the Right Fonts for Dyslexic Readers

Did you know that font choice can make a huge difference in helping dyslexic readers? Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that affects reading skills. Children with dyslexia may struggle with reading smoothly and accurately. Choosing the right font won’t necessarily “cure” dyslexia, but these small adaptations for children can increase reading fluency and comprehension.

Dyslexia Friendly Fonts

Look for simple, clear, and easy fonts on the eyes. There are several great options to choose from.

• Arial is a clean font with even spacing, making it easier for dyslexic readers to track.
• Comic Sans, (yes, really!) is another option. Its unique letter shapes can be easier to recognize, helping prevent letter reversal.
• Alternatives include Verdana, Tahoma, Century Gothic, and Open Sans.

It is also common to note that dyslexic readers prefer font sizes around 12-14 points or equivalent. However, some dyslexic readers may request a larger font, which is ok!

Dyslexia Fonts To Avoid

Several fonts can cause stress to readers with dyslexia. Try to avoid fonts that are overly decorative or have uneven spacing.

• Times New Roman can be difficult for dyslexic readers because the small "ticks" or serifs on each letter stroke can make it harder to distinguish the letter shapes.
• Courier fonts can be harder for dyslexic readers to follow and sometimes increase visual stress.
• Italicized text can also be tough on the eyes, so sticking to regular text is usually best.

Dyslexia Friendly Reading Game

At QuestRead, we strive to create inclusive opportunities for all readers. Nobody's education should be compromised. Children use our reading game to compete against other users and earn badges and real-world prizes through book races. We focus on what matters, which is time spent reading. We ensure this is possible by setting being inclusive for all readers.

Our mobile reading game offers different features to accommodate dyslexic readers. This includes letter spacing, selective font sizing, font choice, and playback speed.

Aside from dyslexia, there may be other signs that can hinder a child’s reading progress. To learn how to support your reader further, you can read our blog post on How to Support Struggling Readers.

By choosing the right fonts, we’re making reading more accessible for everyone! Let’s keep spreading awareness and creating inclusive spaces for dyslexic readers.