Dyslexia. When used in relation to their own children, it is a word that many parents dread hearing. Their “lay” minds perceive that parents have a child who would experience difficulties in school and in life. Dyslexia persists forever. It is an invisible disease that, if left undetected, exposes the sufferer to a great deal of misunderstanding and criticism for things over which s/he has no control. There is no prescription to treat the symptoms.
Here Are the 10 Things Only Parents of Dyslexic Children Would Know
As parents learn more about their child’s dyslexia and get advice from professionals, they also come to understand many things that they want other people to know. Here are ten of them.
1. They read differently
An individual with dyslexia has a unique brain anatomy. The part of the brain that comprehends language functions differently than the normal person’s. The brain must convert the symbols on a book’s page (for instance) into sounds. Then, in order to create meaningful words, the sounds must be combined. Children who have dyslexia will need to use alternative portions of their brains to make up for the underdevelopment of the brain areas that do this. Specialized reading programs that are multi-sensory and based on research, as well as audiobooks that enable children to stay up with their classmates in the classroom, all help to increase this compensation.
2. By reading more, they cannot overcome their dyslexia
Some teachers and people who don’t understand dyslexia believe that if parents read to their kids more and elementary-aged kids are pushed to read more, dyslexia will be “cured.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Even though reading to a dyslexic child has many advantages (such as knowledge, exposure, and imagination stimulation), it won’t make him or her a better reader. Similar to this, trying a dyslexic child to simply read more in a conventional way only results in frustration, rage, and behavioral problems.
It is the same as making an adult report to a job every day at which s/he is unable to perform the duties and is never given the training necessary to develop the necessary skills. How long was that grownup going to work there?
3. They often need tutoring outside of school
According to some research, if the tutoring is tailored toward children with dyslexia, the brain really changes (this is known as neuroplasticity) and “rewires” itself, improving reading abilities. Reading, writing, and test-taking tutoring must continue for the older kid who must complete essays and papers for which research is required, as well as the typical rounds of standardized testing that occur at certain milestone points in schooling. Both in the US and the UK, there are several private tutoring programs specialized for children with learning impairments. Children with dyslexia can easily pass any form of exam, even 11+ mock exams, with their assistance and unique technique.
4. They need “ear reading”
Parents and activists refer to audiobooks by this name. The most obvious advantage is that kids can keep up with their peers in all subject areas because all textbook publishers give their publications in audio format. However, they can also do research and finish book reports and reviews. An expanded vocabulary and the capacity to “hear” good grammar are further advantages.
5. They can be disorganized
Their lack of attention to detail results in disarray, which affects both their personal and academic lives. They may have messier rooms than most, and tidying them up is really difficult. Parents of dyslexic children would do well to “walk” them through each stage of the process of organizing their rooms and putting items in the right places from a young age. In school, older students in particular may struggle with time management and organization, necessitating the use of numerous tools like picture schedules, cell phone alarms, and so forth.
6. They are not lazy or unmotivated
Both in the classroom and at home, these labels are frequently used to describe the undiagnosed dyslexic child. But keep in mind to take into account the following points:
– Multi-step instructions might not be heard by them. Their brains are still digesting the initial command as the second and third instructions are being presented.
– While their classmates have moved on to the fifth or sixth sentence in reading class at school, they are still decoding the first sentence.
– They take much longer to finish tests and worksheets. The teacher could feel compelled to keep children from recess if they don’t finish what they’re working on. They fail to realize that this child needs a break just as much as his peers because he has worked so hard to finish what he has.
Dyslexia training for parents from I Empower, LLC can be helpful in terms of teaching children with dyslexia.
7. They need to socialize
They may stop participating in social activities or trying to make new friends when their negative self-perception makes them withdraw. It is crucial that parents of young children tackle socializing in a proactive manner. This could mean signing up for a support group where there will be lots of opportunities for their kids to participate in activities or signing them up for clubs, Scouts, or sporting events. Encourage older kids to participate in activities that will build on and support their skills or talents. Getting a part-time job can be quite beneficial for teenagers!
8. They need technology
Many apps, including those that turn any text into audio, voice-command word processors, and games that help develop phonetic skills, have been suggested by medical and psycho/educational professionals as being helpful to dyslexic students. Schools should be cognizant of needs and make sure that these tools are accessible.
9. They have average to above-average intelligence
There is nothing wrong with teachers and parents telling these kids their IQs are high. They should keep pointing out how many highly successful people have or have had dyslexia. Here are a few: Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Alexander Graham Bell, Whoopi Goldberg, Jay Leno, Muhammed Ali, Tom Cruise, Tommy Hilfiger, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, and Picasso. Nearly every field has seen dyslexic individuals succeed.
10. They see what others do not
Children with dyslexia will claim that the words on a page are moving, switching between light and dark, or flip-flopping. Although it is simple to assume that they are making this up, they are not. It is crucial to support what they are experiencing as “real” in their eyes.
If you’re a parent, you can consider signing up for the dyslexia training online from I Empower, LLC.