Could this be Dyslexia?
Are my child's reading problems caused by dyslexia?
It can be hard for parents to know when reading problems are due to dyslexia. That’s why it’s important to know the common signs of dyslexia in children, so you can help your child get the support they need.
In this post, we will explore some of the most common signs that may indicate a learning disability like dyslexia. Then, we will identify and dispel 5 common myths about dyslexia. Finally, we will tell you how to develop an action plan to help your child achieve success.
Trouble with Language Processing
Dyslexia is a problem that makes it harder for kids to learn language. Kids with dyslexia might learn to speak later than other kids. They may need help from a speech therapist to say words properly.
Kids with dyslexia have a difficult time pronouncing longer words.
My daughter would ask for a new alphabet, instead of a new outfit. She would ask for diarrhea, instead of a quesadilla.
Kids with dyslexia have problems hearing the sounds in words. When they are young, they may say words wrong, like "pasgetti" instead of "spaghetti." As they get older, they may not be able to read, write and spell correctly because it is hard for them to separate the individual sounds in a word.
Children with dyslexia may also find it hard to decode new words and process conversations quickly. As a result, they may be slower readers than their peers or struggle to understand long sentences.
Trouble With Reading, Spelling, and Writing
One of the most obvious signs of dyslexia is difficulty with reading, writing, and spelling. In preschool, children with dyslexia may have difficulty learning the alphabet, learning letter sounds, or rhyming. They may also struggle to recall basic sight words like “was” “and,” or “of.”
Other signs include reversing letters or numbers (e.g., reversing b's and d's or writing “14” as “41”), skipping lines while reading, and confusion with letter order when spelling words out loud.
Many kids with dyslexia also have a fine motor delay called dysgraphia. They often have unusually dark, messy, and non-automatic handwriting. They form letters in unusual ways, sometimes writing the same letter in several different ways. Their hands often tire after writing just a few paragraphs.
Trouble With Math & Numbers
Children with dyslexia may also experience difficulties with math and numbers. This includes difficulty understanding mathematical concepts like ratios and fractions, as well as difficulty recalling number sequences (e.g., phone numbers). Dyslexic children may also avoid math-related activities altogether due to the frustration they experience when trying to understand or master them.
Poor Organization & Time Management Skills
Organization and time management are two skills that many children with dyslexia struggle with. These children often have trouble keeping track of their belongings (e.g., books, supplies) and struggle to stay organized both at school and at home. They may also have trouble completing tasks on time due to their poor organizational skills and lack of focus.
Dyslexia Runs in Families
About 1 in 5 people have dyslexia. It is the most common reason people struggle to read, write, and spell. Everyone's experience is different. Some people with mild dyslexia may be able to read but not spell well. Others need expert help to learn to read at all.
It’s important to remember that dyslexia is hereditary. If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with dyslexia, or has signs of dyslexia, there is an increased chance that your child may also have it.
5 Myths About Dyslexia
There is a lot of misinformation about dyslexia. Here are some common myths and the truth behind them:
Myth 1: People with dyslexia see things backwards.
Truth: Dyslexia is not a visual problem. People with dyslexia do not see letters or words backwards. They may have trouble telling the difference between certain letters, like b's and d's. When they are writing, they may have trouble remembering which way the letters go.
Myth 2: Dyslexic children are lazy or unintelligent.
Truth: Dyslexic children often work twice as hard as their peers to keep up with their schoolwork, but they may still struggle in certain areas due to their learning disability. Dyslexia is not related to intelligence. People with dyslexia often excel in certain areas.
Myth 3: A dyslexic child can’t learn to read.
Truth: A dyslexic child can learn to read with proper instruction. The key is to identify the signs of dyslexia early and provide intervention as soon as possible. Programs based in the science of reading work best for people with dyslexia.
Myth 4: Dyslexia can be cured.
Truth: Unfortunately, there is no cure for dyslexia. However, with proper teaching methods and support, people with dyslexia can learn strategies and tools that help them cope with their learning challenges.
Myth 5: Dyslexia only affects reading and writing.
Truth: Dyslexia can affect many other areas, including math, organization, time management, and social skills. It’s important to recognize the full range of symptoms in order to provide the best support for a child with dyslexia.
How to Help Your Child
If your child is exhibiting the signs and symptoms outlined above, it’s important to seek an evaluation as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a huge difference in helping your child succeed in school.
A comprehensive dyslexia evaluation, like those offered at Brightwire Dyslexia Center, can help identify your child's specific strengths and weaknesses when it comes to reading and spelling. With a qualified expert, you can then develop an action plan for success in these areas. The action plan will include recommendations for tutoring, as well as accommodations that can be made for your child at school.
A dyslexia diagnosis may bring up many different emotions for a student and their parents – from relief at finally understanding the struggle, to fear and anxiety about the future. It’s important to remember that dyslexia does not have to be a barrier to success.
Reading programs that are researched-based help students learn to hear sounds within words. They focus on identifying letter sounds, blending sounds together for reading, and separating sounds for spelling. This is called phonics instruction. In an organized way, these programs also teach spelling patterns, word structure, vocabulary, and grammar.
This method of teaching reading was developed in the 1930s by a brain scientist named Samuel Orton. He worked with a linguist named Anna Gillingham. Together they developed the Orton-Gillingham method of teaching reading to students with dyslexia. The best reading programs for people with dyslexia are based on the Orton-Gillingham method.
Our Brightwire program is Orton-Gillingham based and fully grounded in the science of reading. It is a multi-sensory structured literacy program that is simple and engaging. It is easy to learn and a joy to teach.
With proper support and intervention, students with dyslexia can learn to read, write, and thrive! At Brightwire, we believe that all children have the right to succeed in school, regardless of their learning challenges. We are dedicated to helping each of our students find success through personalized instruction and support. For more information about assessment and tutoring for dyslexia, please visit brightwiredyslexia.com.
