Dyslexia Awareness: Identification, Indicators, and Support Strategies

Dyslexia awareness is important. It breaks down societal stigmas and misconceptions surrounding the learning disorder. It also fosters a greater understanding and support for children with dyslexia, helping them to perform better in their academic and social lives. 

Let’s explore dyslexia, its common indicators, and the best dyslexia intervention methods available today.

What Is Dyslexia?

In the simplest of terms, dyslexia is a learning disorder that makes it difficult for some people to read. In broader terms, affected individuals struggle with decoding or the ability to identify the sounds of speech and how they relate to words and letters. On a biological level, dyslexia results from abnormalities in the brain regions that process language. 

It’s important to understand that dyslexia is not a mental illness or a sign of poor intelligence. The disorder can show up in highly intelligent and emotionally balanced children. Such kids also need to know that, even though they might struggle more than their peers, it doesn’t mean they are “less” in any way.

What Happens When a Child With Dyslexia Doesn’t Receive Support?

As touched on briefly before, there are several negative consequences when a child with dyslexia is not recognized or supported. They become very vulnerable to struggling academically. They will face writing, reading, and spelling difficulties. 

These troubles can last throughout their education, which, in turn, potentially resulting in frustration with schoolwork and going to school overall. A dyslexic child might also lose self-confidence as social misconceptions can often lead to uninformed educators, family, and peers wrongly viewing the affected child as less intelligent. Not only is this hurtful, but the learner might start to believe these myths themselves, leading to feelings of inadequacy, low self-worth, frustration, anger, and trauma. 

Without proper guidance, the child’s personal and educational development can face significant hurdles that might impact their well-being for years.

What Are Dyslexia Signs in Children?

Various signs might indicate dyslexia in a child. However, it is important to note that not every learner will display the same symptoms. That being said, here are the most common signs to look out for. 

1. A family history of dyslexia. Although not a “sign” per se, it’s worth remembering that dyslexia can be passed down from parent to child. 
2. The student struggles with phonemic awareness. 
3. Difficulty with reading that persists.
4. Guessing words when reading.
5. Poor spelling. 
6. Reversing the shape of letters during writing. 
7. The student struggles with sequencing tasks such as recalling the alphabet or weekdays in the correct order. 
8. Inability to fluently recognize sight words or common word patterns. 
9. A reluctance to read or write. 
10. Self-esteem problems

What Dyslexia Treatment Options Are Available?

Dyslexia awareness and support are strongly rooted in effective treatment methods. Once again, not every learner will respond to these options the same way, and an educator or parent might want to sign up for one or a combination of techniques that seem to best support the child’s progress.

• Phonological Training This type of training teaches learners to develop phonemic awareness skills that can strengthen their spelling and reading abilities.
• Learning Difficulty Technology Assistive technology is making the lives of students with dyslexia a lot easier. Some examples include audiobooks, speech-to-text software, text-to-speech software, and dyslexia-friendly fonts. They can enable learners to perform better at writing and reading.
• Multisensory Orton-Gillingham-Based Programs These programs are designed to systematically boost abilities in dyslexic students, including decoding, phonics, encoding, and common sight word recognition. Common methods include kinesthetics, visual and auditory games, and exercises.
• Special Considerations When students with dyslexia are accommodated in certain ways, they can demonstrate their intelligence and abilities more effectively. Such considerations include audiobooks instead of textbooks, modified assignments, more time on tests, and individualized instruction. Learners will also benefit from dyslexia-friendly lessons with smaller tasks, structured routines, a positive environment, and visual aids. 

Are you an educator or parent who needs assistance with a learner who might be dyslexic? Partner with Neuhaus Education Center, a leader in the field of learning difficulties, to learn more about our classes, information-packed articles, and other ways that we can help you provide the best opportunities for your students or children.