Dyslexia is a neurologically based condition and means your brain is wired differently. It is primarily a phonological deficit affecting your language. This condition is considered a hidden disability; unfortunately, some children and adults are underdiagnosed. According to the author Sally Shaywitz of "Overcoming Dyslexia." One out of every five children, about 15%-20% of the population, has this undiagnosed condition. Studies show one-half of students in Special Education who have a learning disability have a primary learning disability in reading and language, which is about 85%
International Dyslexia Association defines it as “Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition and poor spelling and decoding ability." https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics-2/
Myths
One misconception that is frequently thought of is people write or see words and letters backward; also, writing letters are sometimes reversed. There is no evidence that dyslexics do this. One study showed that dyslexics have trouble with naming words accurately but not copying letters. Another related misconception is that mirror writing is usually associated with dyslexia. Children commonly write backward and reverse letters and words in the initial stages of writing development.
By the end of third grade, it is a usual marker that your child should not be writing with these difficulties unless other issues are going on, such as fine motor skills or visual processing difficulties.
Common Signs of Dyslexia
Learning to speak (Delayed language)
Learning letters and sounds
Written language (spelling and organizing)
Learning to read (quickly and accurately) affects comprehension
Learning a foreign language
Math - memorizing and doing math facts correctly
Family history - Parents & relatives
Traits of Dyslexia
Right Brained thinkers
Big Picture - out of box thinking
Artistic & Musical
Entrepreneurs - Visionaries
Creative Writers & Story Tellers
Visual-Spatial - 3D
Problem Solvers
Intuitive & Resilient
Impacts of Dyslexia
Since dyslexia is a lifelong condition, whether undiagnosed or untreated, can devastate a person's self-esteem and make students feel dumb, frustrated, and hopeless in school. As a result, they feel less successful and may be discouraged in school, and if not given the appropriate help, it can lead to problems in school, such as behavior issues, absence, or even dropping out.
Treatment for Dyslexia
A trained teacher, tutor, or educational therapist
Structured Literacy program - Orton-Gillingham based
Multisensory, systematic, and explicit method
One-to-one assistance
Academic accommodations and modifications for schoolwork
Educational Psychologist, Neuropsychologist - Assessment
Licensed Social worker or school counselor to assist with learning difficulties
Getting the proper support through early identification and treatment is critical to assist individuals with dyslexia. In addition, studies show if dyslexia is diagnosed later in childhood, it is much harder to remediate their academic skills.
Do not delay getting your child assessed by an Educational Therapist and the academic remediation needed to help your child succeed in school. Please contact us now.