Although it is a fairly common disorder, dyslexia is still little known by most people who, even when faced with very clear and obvious symptoms, cannot recognize it. In this article, we explain exactly what dyslexia is, how to recognize it, and how to treat it.
What is dyslexia and what are its causes?
Dyslexia is a more or less severe difficulty in learning to read. Sometimes, this
difficulty can also affect writing, numerical calculations, or other school activities.
Many studies have tried to determine the organic causes of dyslexia, and several theories exist. One of the most recent even "blames" chromosome 15. However, what has been established beyond any doubt is that there is no relationship between dyslexia and cognitive, neurological, or sensory problems. Dyslexic children do not have mental deficits and are absolutely normal and intelligent, but they cannot
read fluently and correctly.
What for all children is an automatism that requires no effort, for them, reading is the result of great effort and consequent energy expenditure, which they cannot invest in other activities.
Characteristics of dyslexia in babies and children
In addition to difficulties specifically affecting reading, dyslexic children may also present other types of disorders.
- For example, motor difficulties in sports due to poor coordination of movements.
- Another symptom is the tendency to confuse concepts such as right and left or up and down.
- Short-term memory and sense of time may also be sources of problems and confusion.
- Likewise, the child tends to be disorganized, especially emotional, insecure, and vulnerable.
Symptoms of dyslexia in school age
In general, symptoms of dyslexia become more pronounced around second or third grade of primary school. However, in some cases, neither parents nor teachers considered the possibility of dyslexia and instead attributed the child's problems to reluctance, laziness, and lack of effort in school activities. In other words, a behavioral problem.
Because of this, there is a risk of fighting and blaming the children, worsening the situation and delaying appropriate interventions.
Summary of dyslexia symptoms
Here is a practical list of the most characteristic symptoms of dyslexia at different child stages to help identify it.
- The child takes a long time to do homework.
- Does not keep track of time.
- Makes up words when reading.
- Prefers to read aloud to understand.
- Has poor spelling or handwriting.
- Seems lazy, although is smart.
- Easily distracted and daydreams.
- Confuses left and right.
- Does not like school and has low self-esteem.
- Uses tricks to avoid reading.
- Has sudden mood changes.
- Does not remember what they knew yesterday.
- Perhaps one of the clearest symptoms is letter reversals in writing, characterized by letters and words written backwards, such as confusing "b", "p", and "d", or writing words reversed, like writing "sol" instead of "los".
Facing it
To face dyslexia,
parents, specialists, and teachers must join forces.
The role of specialists
It is very important that at the slightest sign of dyslexia, a specialist is consulted immediately in order to determine exactly what is happening with the child through a series of specific tests.
Knowing the problem is the most important step, since with appropriate support and teaching, dyslexic children can reach the same level as others in studies without any problem. Doctors together with parents should evaluate the most suitable measures.
The role of teachers
Schools also play a fundamental role when facing reading difficulties. Teachers should participate and work with parents to make their children’s learning as easy as possible. It is essential that children receive support at school and have more time for certain activities.
Teachers and parents should also pay attention to children who have reading difficulties, especially when they are with other children. The best way to do this is not to push beyond their goals, nor to impose their skills and abilities.
Are children with dyslexia more creative?
When talking about dyslexia, famous people who had this difficulty are often mentioned: from Pablo Picasso to Walt Disney, Thomas Edison or George Washington, to Albert Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci. The dyslexia they suffered has not been proven in all cases, but many experts maintain there is a relationship between dyslexia and creativity.
Dyslexics tend to apply original solutions to problems, demonstrating special intuition and remarkable intelligence. Even if this is an absolutely unprovable theory, it is very important for dyslexic children to have positive role models.
The fact that well-known figures capable of outstanding achievements in different fields suffered this difficulty is undoubtedly a great help so these children don’t feel different from others.
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