Dyslexia, a learning disability that causes problems in reading and writing, is common.
Intelligence doesn’t suffer from a learning disability like a learning disorder. Dyslexia can affect up to 10 percent of people living in the UK.
Although dyslexia may present as a problem for life, it can also be an ongoing problem. There are resources available that will help you improve your writing and reading abilities and make sure you succeed in school and at work.
How can you tell if your child is suffering from dyslexia?
When a child begins school and focuses more on reading and writing, signs of dyslexia are often apparent. Someone with dyslexia might:
- Slowly read and write
- You can confuse the order letters are placed in words
- You can make letters wrong by writing them in the opposite direction (e.g., ‘b’ rather than ‘d’).
- Poor or inconsistent spelling
- However, they can understand verbally given information but struggle to comprehend written information.
- You may find it difficult to complete a set of directions.
- Organization and planning are difficult
- Dyslexics often possess strong skills in creative thinking, problem solving and other areas.
Receive help
You should first speak with your child’s teacher or school’s special education needs coordinator (SENCO), if you suspect your child might have dyslexia. If necessary, they may offer extra support for your child.
If your child still has difficulties, even with extra help, the school or you may wish to ask for a detailed assessment from either a specialist in dyslexia or an educational psychologist.
This can be arranged through the school, or you can request a private assessment by contacting an educational psychologist directly, or a voluntary organisation that can arrange an assessment.
For advice, contact the local or national Dyslexia Association.
People with Dyslexia Need Support
Dyslexic children will likely need more educational support at school.
If your child has the appropriate support, it’s almost impossible for them to go to school. But, some children can benefit from going to specialist schools.
Here are some techniques and support to help your child:
- You may receive 1-to-1 instruction or small-group lessons with a teacher who is a specialist.
- phonics, a learning strategy that helps you identify the sounds in words and to process them correctly.
- You may be able to help your child learn how to use technology such as speech recognition software and computers, and make reading and writing easier when they get older.
Specialized staff can also be found at universities to support dyslexics in their higher education.
Adults may also benefit from technology such as electronic organizers or word processors.
Employers must be able to adjust their workplace in a way that helps people with dyslexia. This could include allowing for extra time to complete certain tasks.
Assistance groups
Not only are there national dyslexia charities, such as British Dyslexia Associations (BDA), but also many local dyslexia organizations (LDAs).
These charities are independent registered and run workshops that provide support for local residents and information.
How can dyslexia be caused?
Diabetic people with dyslexia have trouble recognizing different sounds and connecting them to letters.
Dyslexia doesn’t depend on the intelligence of a person. Dyslexia affects both children and adults, regardless of their intellectual abilities.
Although the exact cause is not known, dyslexia often runs in families.
Some genes passed down from parents could influence how certain parts of your brain develop in early life.
Source: NHS