Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes it tough for dyslexic children to learn and retain information. The condition not only just affects reading and writing skills, but also lowers their self-confidence. In terms of reading and learning information, children with dyslexia perform much differently from those who are healthy or do not have dyslexia.
Dyslexic children often face issues with tasks such as rapid naming of letters, decoding new words, phonological processing, rapid naming of numbers, objects, etc. They also struggle with spelling, fluent and automatic reading, and reading comprehension. Children with dyslexia usually struggle to keep up with their peers at school.
They have low self-esteem and anxiety. However, the right support, makes it easy for dyslexic children to learn how to cope with their reading difficulties and succeed in school as well as in life. Some effective ways that can be used to support children with dyslexia are mentioned below.
Early Screening
Dyslexia is a learning disability that needs quick treatment. The sooner it is detected, the easier it becomes for the dyslexic person to overcome the challenges and improve reading skills. Parents of children with dyslexia have to pay high attention to the signs their child is because of dyslexia or any other health condition. Early screening for dyslexia is essential not only for prompt intervention but also for tailoring effective treatments. Identifying dyslexia in its early stages allows for a better understanding of the specific type the child may have, as different types exhibit distinct characteristics. For instance, delving into “what is auditory dyslexia” reveals that it involves challenges in processing auditory information, while visual dyslexia may manifest in difficulties with visual perception. Early detection not only paves the way for timely support but also ensures that interventions are precisely aligned with the individual needs associated with the type of dyslexia present, enhancing the chances of successful intervention and improved reading skills.
Early screening of dyslexia makes it easy for children with dyslexia to perform like others and succeed in school. In case of any doubt regarding dyslexia, it is always better to get it diagnosed by a professional as soon as possible.
Classroom Coordination
The learning platform chosen for a dyslexic child defines the level of improvement. When choosing a school for a dyslexic child, the parents have to make sure that the school is perfect enough to provide the right attention and care to their dyslexic child.
Many schools offer special classes, and teachers arrange different learning patterns for children with dyslexia so they can easily be provided the support they need to improve their reading skills. It is essential for the parents of dyslexic children to work with the school to create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) outlining the support and specific coordination needed in the classroom.
Reading Difficulty Programs
Another effective way to support children with dyslexia is using a reading difficulty program such as Orton Gillingham. A professional Reading tutor uses approaches like Orton Gillingham’s that work effectively at helping dyslexic children learn to read. They help to improve the reading skills of dyslexic children in less time. These programs use a multisensory approach that can be tailored to the needs and learning styles of each dyslexic child.
Focus On Strengths
Focusing on the strengths of dyslexic children helps parents and teachers provide the required support. Due to low learning and reading ability, dyslexic children have less confidence and self-esteem. This makes it essential for the parents and teachers to encourage them to perform better. Focusing on the strengths of dyslexic children such as creativity, critical thinking, etc. helps to encourage them to pursue their passion. It also helps them boost the self-esteem of dyslexic children and encourages them to develop their strengths.
Working With Schools
Parents of dyslexic children have to make sure that their children are getting the attention and support they need to improve their understanding and learning. From maintaining open communication with teachers to regularly attending parent-teacher meetings, there are various things that parents can do to know their dyslexic child’s improvement.
When children with dyslexia are provided the right support, good attention, and extra time to show their skills, it helps them get the confidence they need to develop their skills and perform better. Parents need to work closely with schools. This helps them ensure that their children receive the support they need.
Developing a Growth Mindset
Children with dyslexia have to struggle a lot with reading and writing. This makes it important for the parents to develop a growth mindset and make the dyslexic children understand that through hard work and determination, they can improve their reading and writing skills and overcome difficulties.
Final Thoughts
Dyslexia is a reading disorder that can result in embarrassment, frustration, low self-esteem, and avoidance due to the complications that dyslexic children have to face while performing tasks. For supporting children with dyslexia it is not just essential to diagnose the disorder as early as possible but also to start the approaches like Orton Gillingham that can help them improve. Encouraging those activities that dyslexic children like or feel good at, also helps to build their confidence.