Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling. It's a specific learning difficulty, which means it causes problems with certain abilities used for learning, such as reading and writing. Unlike a learning disability , intelligence isn't affected. Dyslexia is a lifelong problem that can present challenges on a daily basis, but support is available to improve reading and writing skills and help those with the problem be successful at school and work.
Signs of dyslexia usually become apparent when a child starts school and begins to focus more on learning how to read and write. But people with dyslexia often have good skills in other areas, such as creative thinking and problem solving.
If you think your child may have dyslexia, the first step is to speak to their teacher or their school's special educational needs co-ordinator SENCO about your concerns. If your child continues to have problems despite extra support, you or the school may want to consider requesting a more in-depth assessment from a specialist dyslexia teacher or an educational psychologist.
Adults who wish to be assessed for dyslexia should contact a local or national dyslexia association for advice. With appropriate support, there's usually no reason your child can't go to a mainstream school, although a small number of children may benefit from attending a specialist school. Universities also have specialist staff who can support young people with dyslexia in higher education.
However, because dyslexia is an invisible handicap, these effects are often overlooked. Dyslexia affects the family in a variety of ways. One of the most obvious is sibling rivalry. Ironically, the dyslexic child does not want this attention. This increases the chances that he or she will act negatively against the achieving children in the family. Specific developmental dyslexia runs in families.
When faced with a child who is having school problems, dyslexic parents may react in one of two ways. They may deny the existence of dyslexia and believe if the child would just buckle down, he or she could succeed.
IDA encourages the reproduction and distribution of this fact sheet. If portions of the text are cited, appropriate reference must be made. Fact sheets may not be reprinted for the purpose of resale. A brief story of how a guy with dyslexia turns so-called deficits into veritable strengths. U-M Gateway. What Does the Person with Dyslexia Feel? Anxiety Anxiety is the most frequent emotional symptom reported by dyslexic adults. Anger Many of the emotional problems caused by dyslexia occur out of frustration with school or social situations.
Depression Depression is also a frequent complication in dyslexia. However, both children and adults who are depressed tend to have three similar characteristics: First, they tend to have negative thoughts about themselves, i.
Second, they tend to view the world negatively. They are less likely to enjoy the positive experiences in life. This makes it difficult for them to have fun. Finally, most depressed youngsters have great trouble imagining anything positive about the future. They can help by agreeing to put their stuff behind closed doors e.
Change the background colour of the screen, use a dyslexia-friendly font, or a larger print Try printing the page rather than reading directly from a screen Work to your strengths, so if the non-dyslexic partner is taking on more of the 'administrative duties' make sure that other tasks are shared Self-esteem Many people with dyslexia have struggled with other people's misconceptions at some point.
Reassure your partner and remind them of all their strengths. Make the effort to see things through your partner's eyes rather than expecting them to conform to your way of thinking Information Too much information, such as a list of instructions or directions, will be hard for the dyslexic brain to process and remember.
Ask one question at a time, or break information like directions down into smaller chunks e. You could also try drawing a map, or writing a numbered list to help your partner remember information Time-keeping Poor short-term memory and concentration can mean that your partner is easily distracted. Some dyslexic people set their watches fast to give them a better chance of being on time, and put reminders on their phone or computer.
If you have to be somewhere together at a certain time, then factor in this difficulty and allow extra time. Sense of direction Dyslexic people can struggle with direction: they may often get lost or feel nervous about going to unfamiliar places. Technology is a great support for a poor sense of direction. Many phones have a free map app, or try using a SatNav If giving verbal instructions don't use 'left' or 'right' instructions, try verbal hints such as 'follow the yellow car', or indicate with your hand which way to turn Daily routines A set routine can be a good coping strategy.
Be aware that a change of routine may have a knock-on effect to the rest of the day, and plan ahead. For example, you can set reminders on your phone for times and places of appointments, and what you need to take with you Social situations Your partner may be reserved because they are worried about saying the wrong thing in a social situation, or be very extrovert and put their foot in it.
If possible, try to be open about being dyslexic. There is greater awareness these days and most people have an idea of what dyslexia is, even if only a narrow understanding.
If not, then it may be a good topic of conversation Concentration Your partner may find it really hard to process different stimuli at the same time so, for example, having a conversation with the TV on may make it difficult for your partner to really focus on what is being said. If you want your partner to focus on something, try to remove any distractions such as a radio or television.
Choose a time when your partner isn't absorbed in another task, like cooking or working on the computer Self expression Some dyslexic people find that their mind races, and they struggle to find the right words to express themselves or to verbally keep up with the speed of their thoughts.
They may just need more time to process what has been said and to think about what they want to say. Be prepared to give your partner 'thinking time' Memory Dyslexia can affect short term memory, so your partner may forget a conversation, a task they have promised to do, or important dates.
Encourage your partner to get into the habit of using the calendars and reminders on their phone or computer Good days and bad days You may find that some days your partner's dyslexic difficulties will be more pronounced than others.
If you are aware that this can happen, and it's out of your partner's control then this understanding can make it less frustrating.
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