Dyslexia is a defect which causes difficulties with learning language based skills. It is not related to the intelligence but more with difficulties in spelling, reading, writing and sometimes speaking. The causes of dyslexia are not very clear but it mostly occurs because of the difference in the way that the brain processes given information.
Most experts agree that it occurs because of biological or physiological differences that tend to run in families. People with it tend to have difficulties with short term memory, mathematical ability, information coordination, concentration and ability to do things in a proper sequence.
While some people might view this as a problem many associate this deficit with other strengths and talents like increased creativity and innovation, intuitive problem solving skills and good lateral thinking ability. Many well known personalities such as Einstein and Winston Churchill have had dyslexia to some degree.
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About 10% of the people in UK have dyslexia to some extent. It can affect people in different ways like some dyslexic people might be very good at reading but might struggle with spelling or writing. Its can be spotted in children at a very young age. You can notice that such children talk a little later than other children, have difficulty in pronunciation till they grow up, find difficulties in reading or spelling words, difficulties in rhyming words, find it hard to use substitute words, problems with learning alphabets, colors, shapes, poor motor skills and coordination.
The reading problems could include hesitancy or inaccuracy while reading, having difficulty in recognizing words or reading words in reversed manner. A majority of the people with dyslexia can be treated with the help of tutors, specialists and therapists and can then learn to read and write perfectly well. Some people with dyslexia are sensitive to light or certain colors.
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If you suspect that your child has dyslexia, the first step that you can do to help him/her is to be as supportive as possible and try and build up their confidence. You can read more about dyslexia and find out more from your doctor or a specialist to help you get better equipped with the challenges and problems to face them better. You need to keep a record of your child's activities and note down how they deal with certain situations.
This information can help when you want to look back and discuss the child's progress with a specialist. You should try and visit the child's school as often as you can to get feedback from the teachers about the child's abilities and problem areas. You can meet parents of children who have dyslexia to share their tips and help them with your feedbacks.
Reading stories loudly will help the child dealing with their vocabulary, de-coding skills and understanding better. You can even talk openly with your child about their dyslexia and encourage them to update you on their progress as well as include positive reinforcement and point out role models with dyslexia to help them explain their dyslexia to other people without feeling ashamed. |
