Dyslexia is a common Learning Disability which involves issues with reading, spelling and writing. Dyslexia is on the rise. When not dealt with properly, it easily turns into bigger problems including behavior problems, and self-esteem issues.
However, it is not only children who have Dyslexia. Even teenagers and older adults have Dyslexia. It may be common to think that people with Dyslexia are less intelligent. In reality, they are highly creative, very intelligent and hardworking people.
Studies show that about 5 to 10% of Americans have symptoms of Dyslexia such as slow reading, trouble pronouncing, spelling, or mixing up words. There is still controversy over “What is Dyslexia?”
What is Dyslexia
There is no exact set of factors that cause Dyslexia. However, professionals have found that Dyslexics have something in common. It is the way their brain receives, processes, retains and recalls visual images. They are also different in the way they handle verbal input and parts of language. They may have Auditory Processing Issues that affect reading. When children first learn to read, they learn to connect the sound with each letter, then learn to recognize words by site or sounding out phonics and syllables. The last step is to comprehend by combining those words in a meaning and retaining it in memory. However, kids with Dyslexia are below average in these functions. Thus, they face trouble reading, spelling and writing. See all of the Symptoms of Dyslexia.
Professionals have recently found that there are Dyslexia intervention exercises that can stimulate and strengthen these functions of the brain to produce smoother, more fluent reading and comprehension.
Problems of Dyslexia
Children, teens, or adults with Dyslexia face a number of issues related to reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Kids may under perform in their studies due to slow learning. They may have Retained Infant Reflexes that affect reading. Since reading is the most basic skill, children with Dyslexia may have difficulty keeping up with their peers.
Since children with Dyslexia can’t read properly, they lose self-confidence. If this condition is left untreated, Dyslexia may cause behavior problems, anxiety, depression, and aggression toward family and classmates. Out of embarrassment, children may withdraw from their friends, parents, and teachers.
Due to Dyslexia, a student may suffer from headaches or a stomachache while reading. Furthermore, many Dyslexics suffer from anxiety and fatigue quickly. All of this prevents the child from reaching their full potential if interventions are not done.
Positive Dyslexia Traits
Dyslexia isn’t all bad. It also has some positive attributes. People with Dyslexia are highly intelligent and creative. Their interests typically lean towards drama, sports, designs, music, sports, and business.
They are blessed with strong reasoning skills which help them solve any kind of problem quite easily. People with Dyslexia can easily adapt to new situations and have highly empathetic and warm personalities. They are also curious, imaginative, and think outside of the box.
Although these are beneficial traits, think how much more successful the child will be if they can read well too. If you observe the signs and symptoms of Dyslexia in your child, don’t allow it to go untreated.