Dyslexia is one of the most prevalent learning disabilities in children. While it can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling, the disability has nothing to do with a person’s intelligence.
Definition
Dyslexia is a neurological impairment rendering the brain unable to translate images received from the eyes or ears. The eyes see the words in the book, but the brain cannot translate what the child has seen.
Understanding the fundamentals that spell out dyslexia is crucial, but to know what it is not is just as important.
What dyslexia in children (and adults) is not: problems with hearing and vision, mental retardation, a lack of intelligence or brain damage.
Children who have dyslexia struggle with learning how to read, write and spell in a traditional setting. In spite of the fact that most children who have dyslexia possess an average or above average intelligence level, they are not capable of comprehending visually and audibly presented lessons.
Types of Dyslexia
Primary Dyslexia
This is a genetically hereditary malfunction of the cerebrum, which is the part of the brain responsible for thinking and movement. People with this ailment rarely attain a reading level above that of a fourth grader and have trouble spelling.
Developmental Dyslexia
This happens during fetal development. Fortunately, dyslexia in children usually gets better with age. While someone with Developmental Dyslexia may never be an avid reader or speller, they will be proficient enough to function without any real problems.
Both Primary and Developmental Dyslexia can manifest visually and audibly. This means that children with the learning disability are unable to do the following:
- Hear words in sequence and/or
- Read words as they appear on the page
Continue reading to know the signs and symptoms of dyslexia in children
Signs and Symptoms
The few most common and early detectable signs of dyslexia in children are a child’s repeated reversal of writing letters and numbers. Because this is a common stage of development, it is usually not suspected or detected until the tender age of eight or beyond.
Other symptoms of the dyslexia in children include:
Preschool age
- Late talker
- Difficulty learning new words, rhyming words and nursery rhymes
- Trouble learning the alphabet, colors and numbers
- Difficulty with pronunciation
- Trouble with fine motor skills
- Switching letters such as “d” and “b” and other letters within a word
School age
- Reading level is below age group
- Inability to follow sequences and patterns
- Inability to recall what is seen and heard–even a favorite story or movie–just minutes prior
- General state of disorganization in a child’s school work
- Strong aversion to school work and putting themselves down
- Trouble with copying from a book or blackboard
- Difficulty in following a successive instructions
- Poor penmanship
- Difficulty in remembering numbers
If your child has any of these symptoms, ask your child’s teacher if they have noticed these, too. If they confirm the symptoms, don’t waste time before seeking out professional medical advice and help.
Continue reading to know the causes and complications of dyslexia in children
Causes
Dyselxia is hereditary. While experts have not yet identified the exact causes for dyslexia, research has linked the disability with the gene that controls how the brain processes information to convert written letters and words into speech.
Complications
- Problems in school. Because children with dyslexia have difficulty in reading and writing, they will have trouble keeping up in class.
- Socialization. Dyslexia in children can cause low self-esteem, anxiety, behavior problems, aggression and withdrawal from friends and family.
- Not reaching full potential. Trouble in reading and comprehending may hinder children from reaching their maximum potential. However, it is important to note that there are many famous and successful people who have dyslexia.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Those who suffer from dyslexia are more likely to develop ADHD, and vice versa.
Continue reading to learn how dyslexia in children is tested, diagnosed and treated
Tests and Diagnosis
A definitive diagnosis will be made by a reading specialist or psychologist who will test the child.
Examinations evaluate the child’s functional reading level, which is compared to the standard levels, by using an intelligence test. All variables of the reading process are examined to see where problems lie.
The tests also assess how a child receives and processes information. This portion of the testing determines whether a child learns better by seeing, hearing or through a hands-on approach.
These exams are highly reliable and are administered as games and puzzles so the child doesn’t feel he is being tested.
Treatments
There is no cure for dyslexia in children – only treatment. Treatment methods depend upon the severity and type of dyslexia the child has.
A specialist will work with the child to improve reading comprehension, vocabulary and phonemic awareness (the ability to hear, identify and string together phonemes or units of sound). Here are examples of such techniques:
- Helping a child understand the different sounds that make up a word, even one as simple as “car”
- Combining letters to create words, then later how to combine words to create sentences
- Practicing words accurately through a guided oral reading. This is where the child is given constant feedback to improve his reading speed
- Improving comprehension by asking a child what understands from a story and helping him fill any gaps
- Learning through other senses, such as touch by tracing letters using fingers, to process information better. Another multi-sensory method is to say the short “A” sound while drawing it in the air
It is vital that the child’s school be “on board” with the treatment program. It is essential that they work with the child to help him learn at the pace he is capable of in order to excel using targeted methods.
Continue reading to learn about the importance of early detection and what parents can do to help
Early Detection
The difference between early screening and later screening is significant. A child with dyslexia who receives early intervention could do up to four times better than one who receives help at the age of 11.
What Parents Can Do
Parents can do their part by understanding the signs and symptoms. If a child is suffering from the learning disability and doesn’t know how to cope with it, he might get frustrated and stressed unnecessarily. Remember to be patient, no matter how frustrated you might be, too.
Here are things parents can do to help:
- Be patient. It is no one’s fault that your child has this condition. The best you can do is to accept this and help him improve.
- Read with your child. Set a time to read daily to improve his reading skills. It is also best to listen to audio books and read out loud together to improve his comprehension.
- Talk to your child’s teacher. Discuss how both of you can help your child succeed in school.
- Encourage extracurricular activities. Children with dyslexia tend to have low self-esteem or depression because of their disability. Provide opportunities for them to enjoy, learn a new skill and feel fulfilled. Enroll him in sports, music or art lessons.
- Provide support. Give emotional support, especially during times when your child is frustrated from school work. Give your child tools to cope with stress as well such as calming down. Teach him to remove himself from a frustrating situation by either going outside to play or take a walk to enable him to return to the challenging situation with a fresh perspective.
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