LD: Dyslexia

One type of learning disabilities and the first I will discuss is dyslexia. It is a topic that I have discussed in a previous post, in 2021. However, considering it’s been a while, I feel that it’s time to take another look. It is a topic that I want to discuss once more, as there are some misconception about this learning disorder.

So, without further ado, let’s get to it!

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to read and learn to read. Dyslexia affects a person’s ability to process language properly, due to how their brain is wired. It affects a person’s ability to read, write, spell, and speak.

Dyslexia affects people in different ways. The symptoms will vary from person to person, and won’t affect people exactly the same.

However, there are some common indicator of dyslexia.

• Difficulty to differentiate between and use individual sounds in words
• Reading more slowly or with frequent pauses
• Difficulty sounding out words that are unfamiliar
• Struggle with correct spelling, often misspells words
• Struggles understanding what they’re reading
• May write more slowly
• Difficulty rhyming

These are just some common indicators of dyslexia. This is just to give an idea of some of the struggles for those with dyslexia.

Misconceptions

Dyslexia is often misunderstood. Many people have some misconceptions about what this learning disability is. 

Here are just some of the misconceptions people have about dyslexia.

One common misconception is that reading and writing letters backwards is the main sign of dyslexia. Although this is the case for some, this isn’t the case of all dyslexics. Not all with dyslexia write or read letters backwards. As I mentioned, dyslexia affects people differently. So, this isn’t necessarily a sign of dyslexia.

Another misconceptions is that dyslexia is a sign of low intelligence. That dyslexics are not smart. This absolutely not the case. Dyslexia and intelligence are not connected. Dyslexia affects people of different backgrounds, levels of intelligence, and such. It is not a sign of low intelligence or stupidity.

One last misconception to discuss is that some believe that dyslexia disappears overtime, that dyslexics will outgrow it. Dyslexia is lifelong condition. Kids with dyslexia grow up to be adults with dyslexia. It is not something that goes away.

Managing Dyslexia

There is no cure for dyslexia. There also isn’t any medication for dyslexia. However, there are some things that can help those with dyslexia. It is important to implement interventions and accommodations, based on the person’s individual needs.

Accommodations can be made for those with dyslexia, whether it’s a school or in the workplace. Making sure that accommodations are made will certainly help them perform and do better.

For kids in school, it’s important to talk to the school and discuss what are the options available to help the child with dyslexia. It’s important to know if the child can get any support from a specialist through the school and what accommodations can be made in the classroom.

For adults, accommodations can be needed and possible. It is all about finding what works for the individual and what options are available. Asking a coworker to proofread something the adult with dyslexia wrote can be beneficial. There may be some apps or computer programs that can help with dyslexia’s challenges.

There are also some reading programs available. In these programs, kids get the help from specialists, who help them with reading a little more quickly, sounding words out, and helping them them with what they struggle with.

There are definitely things that can help those with dyslexia. It’s all about finding what helps them.

Final Thoughts

Dyslexia is more than just reading or writing letters backwards. It affects those with dyslexia differently. Much like other conditions, like ADHD, it’s not a one-size fits all kind of thing.