Dyslexia is a word we hear a lot, right? For a long time, many thought it meant just getting letters confused or reading slowly. However, dyslexia is actually much more complex than that. Knowing the facts about dyslexia and clearing up some common dyslexia misconceptions can really help your child who learns at home.
Facts about Dyslexia: Myths Debunked
Let’s take a look at some common dyslexia myths and facts about dyslexia to find out what you can do to help your homeschooler succeed.
Myth: Dyslexia is when people have trouble reading and writing words the right way around.
Fact: While yes, some kids with dyslexia will have letter reversals but not all. Dyslexia encompasses a wide range of difficulties. In fact, it is unique to each individual. Dyslexia causes challenges in the skills necessary for learning to read, spell, and write. But it is much more than that. Dyslexia can cause various challenges. Challenges like having trouble organizing, having trouble remembering what someone said, or forgetting names. As a result, even remembering a phone number or a multiplication fact can be difficult.
Myth: Dyslexia is pretty rare.
Fact: The National Institutes of Health has discovered that dyslexia affects 20% of people in the United States. This means about 1 in every 5 people deals with it. However, each person’s experience with dyslexia is unique. And some may have more serious difficulties than others.
Myth: Intelligent people can’t have dyslexia.
Fact: Dyslexia does not mean a low I.Q. In fact, many well-known authors, researchers, actors, politicians, and and athletes have dyslexia. Unfortunately, this myth is quite common though. In fact, this myth can impact the self-esteem of those with dyslexia.
Myth: You can prevent Dyslexia.
Fact: Dyslexia isn’t caused by bad parenting. It isn’t caused by the wrong diet. Or by watching too much television. It is not caused by you not reading enough to your children or even a lack of phonic education. None of those things cause or increase the likelihood of dyslexia. Actually, research has shown that dyslexia is genetic. In fact, during the diagnosis process, the doctors will ask if you have a close family member, like a parent or sibling, who has dyslexia. If someone in your family has dyslexia, it makes it more likely that your child might also have it.
Myth: Dyslexia usually doesn’t become noticeable until kids reach elementary school.
Fact: Early diagnosis is not only possible but can be very important to help your child succeed. Experts can recognize children who may be at risk for dyslexia as early as preschool. And they can diagnose dyslexia starting in 1st grade. As soon as a child is having difficulty with writing, spelling, or reading, assessments can begin. Remember, the earlier you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can find support, which can help maintain your child’s confidence.
Myth: You can treat dyslexia or simply get help for vision problems.
Fact: Dyslexia can’t be treated with medication. Dyslexia is not a vision issue.
Myth: Children will outgrow dyslexia.
Fact: Dyslexia is something a person has for their whole life. It’s not something they will get rid of as they grow older. But with support, you can help your child manage the challenges that come with dyslexia.
Myth: Girls can’t have dyslexia.
Fact: Both boys and girls can have dyslexia. Although we still need to learn more about it, there’s no evidence to show that one gender is more likely to have dyslexia than the other.
How These Dyslexia Myths Harm Children
Navigating dyslexia can be quite a journey for your child. This is true especially if they don’t receive support right from the start. It’s not uncommon for kids facing the hurdles of dyslexia to experience teasing from their peers. Others often label them as lazy because of these myths.
The International Dyslexia Association highlights that the stigma and misunderstandings around dyslexia can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem in kids. That’s why early identification of dyslexia is so crucial, as well as creating a caring and supportive environment for them! Let’s encourage them by sharing the facts about dyslexia and reminding them that they can absolutely succeed.
How Can You Help Your Child Overcome Dyslexia
Do you notice dyslexia signs in your child?
First, take a deep breath. As we discussed earlier, there’s nothing wrong with your child; they just need a bit more help. Think about getting some assessments and tests done. While you don’t need tests to start helping your child right away, having them can really help you understand what specific areas your child needs more support in and how you can assist them better.
To get your child tested, start by speaking with their doctor. They can help you find a local testing service. You can also check with your school board to see if they offer testing in your area.
Second, consider tutoring or specialized outside teaching through programs like:
Next, support your learner with curriculum and programs tailored to help dyslexic learners. Like Nessy for online learning or Barton Reading and Spelling for paper-based learning.
Don’t forget assistive technology! Many with dyslexia find that using things like text-to-speech, spell check, text readers, and more can help them overcome challenges and excel in areas where they have previously struggled.
Customize Your Dyslexia Strategies
Keep in mind the facts about dyslexia while you’re teaching your homeschooler. Dyslexia can present different challenges for different people, so what helps one child might not work as well for another. As homeschoolers, we understand that the best education is tailored to each individual child! Spend some time figuring out what works best for your child and create learning methods that focus on their strengths while providing help in areas where they struggle. Together with support your can help your homeschooler succeed!
