Understanding and Supporting Children with Dyslexia

This disconnect between sounds and words manifests itself in a myriad of ways. Young people with dyslexia may suffer from speech delay. They sometimes have trouble following directions. Even telling left from right can prove difficult.

In school, they usually lack fluency and have greater difficulty sounding out new words, in comparison to other children their age. It is common for them to reverse letters and numbers when reading. Taking notes and copying down words from the board can prove difficult. Eventually, this has a cumulative effect. Dyslexic students will avoid being called on to read out loud in front of classmates. They become tired for frustrated from reading.

It is difficult to imagine just how significant an impact these difficulties can have on someone’s ability to express themselves. When you consider the frustration alone, it is easy to see how they can make anyone feel bad about themselves. Awareness of dyslexia still has a long way to go. Dyslexic children are still often accused of not trying hard enough to learn to read. Teachers and parents fail them when they focus only on the results without considering the student’s ability. Noticing that gap is the key to understanding just what it feels like to struggle with dyslexia.

First and foremost, a dyslexia diagnosis does not mean your child will never learn to read. There is a whole host of drills, strategies and programs to help kids derive meaning from what they are reading. What your child needs is for you to support both their efforts and their successes. Celebrating small victories and accomplishments, while focusing less on correcting their errors, will make them more comfortable reading.

Build your child’s confidence by encouraging activities that he or she likes and feels good at. This can be music, sports or anything else that helps build confidence. Point out famous success stories of individuals who were diagnosed with dyslexia, like Whoopi Goldberg and Steven Spielberg.