Every October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time dedicated to promoting a more accessible and inclusive world for those with dyslexia and low literacy. Dyslexia is a brain-based learning disability that specifically impairs a person’s ability to read. This neurodivergence happens because of disruptions in how your brain processes writing and words. Most people learn they have dyslexia during childhood, and it’s typically a lifelong issue.
Symptoms of Dyslexia
While each person’s symptoms are different, there are some common signs of dyslexia to look for:
- Difficulty readings, including aloud
- Problems spelling
- Slow and labor-intensive writing and reading
- Trouble with word math problems
- Mispronouncing names or words
- Problems retrieving words
- Difficulty summarizing a story
- Trouble learning a foreign language
How is Dyslexia Diagnosed
While there is not one specific test to determine dyslexia, there are certain ways to diagnose this condition:
- Vision, hearing, and brain (neurological) tests help determine whether dyslexia or another disorder is causing a person’s difficulty reading.
- Psychological evaluation: Your doctor or healthcare provider may ask the patient questions to understand their mental health better. Sometimes, social problems such as depression or anxiety may be limiting your abilities.
- A patient’s medical history (and development and educational issues for children): Your healthcare provider will want to know about any conditions that run in the family, including learning disabilities.
- Tests for reading and writing: These tests, which are primarily for children, allow doctors to analyze the process and quality of their reading and writing skills.
Treatment for Dyslexia
While there is no way to correct the neurodivergence that causes dyslexia, there are ways to help patients learn to read and write well. As with all conditions, early detection/identification and treatment are key to improving a person’s quality of life. Dyslexia is a lifelong condition. With proper help, many people with dyslexia can learn to read and write well. Most require help from a tutor, teacher, or therapist specifically trained in using a multisensory, structured language approach. This systematic method involves several senses (touching, seeing, hearing) and is crucial to people with dyslexia. They often need one-on-one help to move at their own pace, and this method helps them tremendously.
Children and students with dyslexia benefit from listening to audiobooks and using text-reading and word-processing computer programs. Schools and teachers can also provide help and resources to students. For example, teachers can allow students with dyslexia extra time on tests, use alternative means of assessments, or give recorded tests. On the other hand, schools can implement academic modifications and accommodations, including academic therapists working with their teachers and helping them take notes.
Local Care in the Corridor
International Dyslexia Association – Dallas
The International Dyslexia Association Dallas Branch is committed to promoting literacy for individuals with dyslexia and related disorders through advocacy, education, and support. With the generous support of the community, IDA Dallas is committed to creating a brighter future – one where every child, regardless of their learning challenges, has the opportunity to succeed in school and life.
A pediatric learning and behavioral center, In Focus, is a fantastic place for children with dyslexia to get the tools they need to succeed. In Focus uses norm-referenced assessments and questionnaires to provide a comprehensive assessment in academics (reading, writing, math), a cognitive profile (IQ test), complete ADHD symptomology, and emotional functioning screening/behavior rating scales.
Jordan is a writer and photographer based in the DFW area. She graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelor ‘s degree in English and a Minor in Marketing. She is a history nerd and animal lover, with one dog and three cats at home. In her free time, she enjoys reading, arts & crafts, working on her first novel, and traveling to places near and far.