What is Dyslexia?
by jmmillerDyslexia is a common learning disability. While most people equate dyslexia with reversed or backwards letters, this is only a small part of the condition.
It is estimated that 20% of Americans suffer some sort of learning disability. Of that group, 85% actually have dyslexia.
As a child learns to read, they begin to recognize letters and associate that letter with a certain sound. They will begin to understand that “S” makes an “ess” sound, or that “T” sounds like “tee”. Children with dyslexia have trouble associating letters with the sounds that they make. They may become frustrated as they confuse common letters, such as “d” and “b”, and the sounds that each letter makes.
Dyslexic children are not stupid; on the contrary, most are very intelligent and productive. Their brains simply process language differently than normal readers. Some children learn to recognize certain words on sight, without actually understanding how the letters come together to form the word. This creates a problem, because they may appear to be able to read, but are actually reciting words from memory. Until they are challenged with new words, they may be able to disguise the disorder.
Dyslexia can be very hard on a child’s self esteem, as they may not understand just what makes reading so much more difficult for them than for other children. Reading aloud could be terrifying for them, as they fear making mistakes in front of others. Often, children are diagnosed in elementary school, although some disguise the problem well into high school or adulthood.
Dyslexia seems to have a genetic element, as the children of people who have difficulty reading often have issues themselves. Thankfully, once dyslexia is diagnosed, your child can begin working with a specially trained teacher to improve their reading skills. Their journey will not be as easy as that of natural readers, but eventually they will catch up!
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