By Linda Ligon, “Family & Kids” of the Chattahoochee Valley
Dyslexia is a language processing disorder that interferes with reading fluency and comprehension. Though it is commonly thought of as a disorder which causes trouble distinguishing left from right, this is not the best description.
Instead, dyslexia is more accurately described as a disorder that prevents the linking of written letters and words to the way they sound. Studies of dyslexia have shown it to be genetic and that it tends to run in families.
To find out what causes dyslexia, researchers studied the neurological structure of the brain of people with dyslexia. Their study revealed that the network connections between the different parts of the brain responsible for the complex tasks of reading and writing are weaker than those in a brain of a person without dyslexia.
Dyslexia varies in severity and can affect people differently. Some have trouble with reading fluency and comprehension while others may have trouble with understanding complex concepts expressed in spoken words. Spelling and grammar can also be a challenge for those with dyslexia, making expressing words in writing difficult.
There is no cure for dyslexia, so those diagnosed with it face a lifelong challenge. Children with dyslexia are of normal intelligence, and when placed in special intervention programs that teach alternate learning methods for reading and writing, they are able to reach their full potential in school and later in adulthood. The earlier dyslexia is diagnosed, the sooner your child receives the special help he needs get past the roadblock to reading and writing success that dyslexia presents. Here are some warning signs to watch for.
Early childhood/preschool years:
Dyslexia can be harder to spot at this age, but it pays to be vigilant if there is a family history of dyslexia. The warning signs during the preschool years include a delay in beginning to speak, having trouble matching letters with the way the letters sounds, having trouble remembering the alphabet, and struggling to identify words that rhyme. A preschooler with dyslexia may have difficulty with pre-reading exercises that require the blending the letter sounds together into words.
School age children:
Dyslexia is easier to spot once your child enters school and not only begins to learn how to read, but is also expected to be able to follow spoken instructions. If your child’s reading fluency and comprehension test scores are well below that expected for his grade level, this may be a warning sign. Most children learn to read in kindergarten or first grade. If your child also has trouble following instructions, don’t assume that this is because he is not paying attention or lacks motivation. It may be that dyslexia is interfering with his comprehension of complex instructions. A child with dyslexia may also struggle with writing and learning new vocabulary words.
Teens:
Even though there is no cure for dyslexia, it is never too late to seek treatment. The warning signs of dyslexia in teens and adults are similar to those of children. Teens may have trouble reading, with math problems, and with memorizing information. In addition, there may be difficulty with understanding jokes or idioms.
If you suspect your child is displaying symptoms of dyslexia, make an appointment to see his pediatrician. Dyslexia is diagnosed with a formal test. If your child is diagnosed with dyslexia, the next step is to arrange for him to receive the support he needs. Children with dyslexia needs special tutoring as well as plenty of emotional support. Ask his tutor or special education teacher what you can do at home to help him practice his reading skills.
