Understanding Dyslexia

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a common condition that causes children’s learning and reading difficulties. In dyslexic children, the capacity to perceive and comprehend linguistic sounds is impacted. Children who have dyslexia have trouble processing new words or splitting them into digestible bits that they can then sound out. Reading, writing, and spelling become difficult as a result of this condition. 

Although they could try to make up for this by memorising words, kids may struggle to recognise new words and take a while to recall even those that are known. Dyslexia is characterised as a discrepancy between a student’s ability and achievement rather than as a reflection of their IQ. Students with dyslexia are capable of learning to read and succeeding academically with the right support and coping mechanisms for their decoding deficiencies. However, dyslexia is a condition that cannot be overcome.

Symptoms of dyslexia

Dyslexia is regarded as a neurobiological condition that is genetic in origin. This means that individuals can inherit this condition from a parent and it affects the performance of the neurological system (specifically, the parts of the brain responsible for learning to read.

 People with dyslexia are not illiterate or lazy. On the contrary, the majority are intelligent, usually above average, and they put a lot of effort into improving their reading skills.

Some symptoms of dyslexia in young children in preschool and elementary school include issues with:

• learning to pronounce lengthier syllables in a rhyming manner
• learning the alphabet, the days of the week, colours, shapes, and numbers
• finding out the letter names and sounds
• learning how to write and read their name
• sounding out basic words to distinguish syllables and spoken sounds
• spelling and reading words using the right letter order

These dyslexia symptoms may also be present in older children, teenagers, and adults, and they most likely will:

• face difficulties in reading and spelling
• avoid reading and writing assignments and tests by working slowly
• have trouble learning a new language

Diagnosis of dyslexia

Typically, dyslexia is identified during the elementary school years when a diagnosis is made. Sometimes it doesn’t become obvious until a youngster is older and expected to read and understand lengthier and more complicated texts. Bright teenagers who continue to struggle with spelling and advanced reading may have dyslexia.

Only a thorough evaluation conducted by a reading specialist or psychologist, either at school or in the community, can formally diagnose dyslexia. Paediatricians can direct families to the right resources by being familiar with the symptoms of dyslexia.

Delaying assistance for dyslexic children can exacerbate their reading difficulties and lower self-esteem. In order to start specialised reading training as soon as possible, it is crucial to identify signs in elementary school.

How to help kids with dyslexia

The diagnosis of dyslexia does not guarantee that your child will never learn to read. Numerous techniques that can be helpful might include:

• Guidance in decoding skills using multiple senses
• Repetition and skill reviewing
• Intervention intensity, or being taken out of class more frequently than once a week for real-time learning 
• Individual attention or small-group instruction
• Educating decoding abilities
• Working on sight words
• Teaching youngsters comprehension techniques will assist them in getting the most out of their reading

Consult an expert for dyslexia

Dyslexia can be overwhelming, but getting the right help can reduce the burden of its symptoms. Consult with Neuropedia – State-of-the-art expert care for children in Dubai to tackle this condition efficiently and lead a normal life. Book a consultation today.