The term ‘Dyslexia’ is derived from the Greek words dys,” meaning difficulty, and lexis,” meaning words or language. It is a condition characterized by a specific learning difficulty that impacts an individual’s reading, spelling, and language comprehension skills. Dyslexia can also affect their ability to express themselves clearly when speaking or writing.
Since dyslexia is not a disease, Hence, it cannot be cured. It is a condition that stems from differences in the way the brain processes information, and interestingly, many individuals with dyslexia possess remarkable gifts and talents in various other areas. It is crucial to note that dyslexia is not indicative of low intelligence or weakness. Each person with dyslexia is a unique individual with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. In fact, many individuals with dyslexia excel in creative endeavors such as art, drama, graphics, sports, music, architecture, electronics/computing, and mechanics/engineering.
These individuals frequently exhibit remarkable abilities in visual, spatial, and motor integration, making them stand out in these areas. However, dyslexia is primarily characterized by difficulties in language processing. Individuals with dyslexia may struggle with translating language into thoughts while listening or reading, as well as expressing thoughts into language through writing or speaking. These challenges in language processing set them apart as a distinctive group.
Dyslexia can cause the following symptoms as a child gets older:
Facing one of the above may not necessarily indicate a person has dyslexia. However, if they’re having trouble learning the basic skills for reading, it is suggested that they consult a doctor and get dyslexia screening and testing.
The exact cause of dyslexia remains unclear. However, various clues provide insights into the possible mechanisms and factors contributing to the occurrence of most cases. These include:
Dyslexia has a strong genetic component and tends to run in families. If one parent has dyslexia, there is a 30% to 50% likelihood of the child inheriting the condition. Furthermore, genetic conditions like Down syndrome can increase the likelihood that dyslexia will occur.
Having dyslexia categorizes you as neurodivergent, indicating that your brain’s formation or functioning differs from what is conventionally expected. Extensive research demonstrates that individuals with dyslexia exhibit variances in brain structure, function, and chemistry.
Factors such as infections, exposure to toxins, and other disruptive events during fetal development can significantly impact the likelihood of developing dyslexia later in life.
Early testing is generally recommended for learning disabilities, including dyslexia. An early diagnosis allows your child to start learning new reading strategies at an earlier stage. While many children may exhibit reading difficulties before the third grade, the demands intensify as they grow older. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and diagnose any learning disorder, such as dyslexia, as early as possible to provide timely support and intervention.
If your child’s school suspects a learning disability, they may suggest an evaluation conducted by a certified educational psychologist. You can seek assistance from the school administration in locating an available professional who specializes in this area.
A comprehensive evaluation, conducted either at school or through private assessment, is the only definitive way to determine whether someone has dyslexia.
Receiving a diagnosis, often referred to as identification in educational settings, opens up opportunities for receiving necessary supports and services at school, as well as accommodations at the college and workplace levels.
Several types of professionals are qualified to assess individuals for dyslexia, including school psychologists, clinical psychologists, and neuropsychologists. During the evaluation process, the evaluator will administer a series of tests specifically designed to assess dyslexia. Additionally, they will also evaluate other areas to identify specific weaknesses and strengths in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s profile.
Dyslexia can cause several issues, such as:
Reading is a basic skill in school. A child with dyslexia may have trouble keeping up with their peers.
If left untreated, dyslexia can cause aggression, low self-esteem, anxiety, behavior problems, and withdrawal from parents, friends, and teachers.
Children facing an inability to read and comprehend are unable to reach their potential. This can have a negative long-term impact on educational, social, and economic aspects of life.
Although dyslexia is not preventable, the condition can be easily managed with different strategies. These include learning and reading. Here are some tips to manage dyslexia:
Children diagnosed with dyslexia can acquire reading and writing skills through the implementation of compensatory strategies, therapy, and educational support. A wide range of techniques and technical aids are also available to assist in managing or mitigating the symptoms associated with this disorder.
We assess the following listed areas by conducting a detailed psychoeducational evaluation. The assessment is done according to the age of the child.
Once a detailed analysis of the test results is conducted, we will design an intervention plan. We also plan negotiations with the best doctor to ensure ample support for specially-abled kids.
Children diagnosed with dyslexia need special training. We offer reinforced collateral training to these kids for reading and spelling improvement. Aastha Bhatia, an experienced educator, uses techniques specially customized for kids with dyslexia.
AbleMinds goes beyond the confines of specific conditions in its comprehensive approach to treatment. Our thorough diagnosis ensures accurate identification of coexisting conditions such as ADHD or autism that may accompany dyslexia. We have a team of highly skilled professionals well-versed in various therapies, catering to the unique needs of children with multiple conditions. Rest assured, our dedicated team is supervised by the top pediatric neurologist in Delhi, providing expert guidance and care.
