Understanding Dyslexia As A Learning Difference
What Is Dyslexia?
The International Dyslexia Association says that dyslexia is a neurobiological disorder that makes it hard to recognize words correctly or quickly and makes it hard to spell and decode. Dyslexia can also cause problems with phonological awareness, verbal memory, and the speed at which words are processed.
Looking At Dyslexia Positively
Here’s the thing: people with dyslexia can function just as well as neurotypical people who do not have dyslexia, and maybe even better in some ways. A cliche that says that many dyslexic people can see things others can’t.
That’s not completely false, but it’s also not completely true.
Like everyone else in the room, a dyslexic’s area of expertise is built on their attitude, skills, and personal experiences. No matter the specifics, most dyslexic people are “built” like people who do not have dyslexia. Just, you know, a little slower to learn the language at first.
In the long run, a person’s success has nothing to do with whether or not they have dyslexia. It depends on how they use the strengths they already have and how they find new strengths through learning. And that’s all you need to know, at least for now.
So, now that we know more about dyslexia, the next question is: how do we overcome dyslexia?
Overcoming Dyslexia
Step One: Get A Formal Psychological Evaluation
Even though it sounds cliche, the first step to helping your child with dyslexia is to test for it.
This. Is. Important. If you think your child might have dyslexia or some other learning problem, you should have an evaluation done as soon as possible.
In addition to giving your child a “label,” a formal report can help determine what kind of help they need. It also shows their strengths and weaknesses and gives teachers and therapists a better idea of how to help them improve. Don’t forget that having the “label” isn’t always bad. If you and your child want peace of mind, you should have your child tested for dyslexia.
Second Step: Get Help Or Look For Ways To Intervene (i.e., “Treatment” For Dyslexia)
As was already said, dyslexia can’t be cured because it’s not a disease. But the biggest problems with dyslexia can be fixed by getting help from intervention services.
When you first start looking for good, reliable help, you might feel like you have too many options.
Look for “educational therapists” or “educational therapy” when looking for services to help. “Specialist tutors” are also useful. At first, it’s best to avoid traditional tuition agencies or centers. There’s nothing wrong with them, but getting help from someone who knows how to help people with dyslexia and has worked with many of them over the years is better.
Still, once a student gets better at dealing with their dyslexia, sending them to a mainstream tutor or a tutoring center is fine.
Step 3: Love Your Child Even More
As you work closely with your child’s therapist, you must be there for them. Help them get better at what they enjoy. Set up play dates or overnights. Children with dyslexia can learn to read and write with the right help, but they can’t do it without the support of a caring family.
The Condition Of Dyslexia Isn’t As Daunting As It Seems
With the right strategies and a clear plan, dyslexia’s main problems can be solved. The most important thing is to stay calm, get them checked out, and find someone they can trust to help them. When you and your child have established rapport and trust with the therapist (and vice versa), the puzzle pieces will start to fall into place. In time, the way forward will also become clearer, especially when things start to move faster. That’s the “a-ha!” moment when you realize that your child has mostly overcome dyslexia’s biggest problems.
Dyslexia is a common learning disability that can make reading, writing, and spelling difficult. But Jessica Sauls is a dyslexic writer who turned her deficiency into her strength, leveraging her exceptional writing skills to come up with an inspirational autobiography. In her book, Jessica provides an intimate look into her life and how she was able to turn her challenges into opportunities. She draws on her own experiences to guide readers on how they, too, can overcome dyslexia and lead a fulfilling life.
Jessica’s book is an inspiring read for anyone who has faced adversity in their life. It is a reminder that even the biggest challenges can be overcome with determination and perseverance. If you are looking for motivation and inspiration, this book is for you!
