Dyslexia is included within a broad classification, that of specific learning difficulties (SDL), and is a reading and writing disorder characterised by difficulty in understanding written texts , as well as in distinguishing or memorising letters or groups of letters, among other problems. Dyslexics suffer from this disorder despite having adequate intelligence, good socio-cultural opportunities and correct education.

Dyslexia is a factor in school dropout and is one of the most common learning problems (it constitutes 80% of learning disorder diagnoses). This disorder basically affects the learning of reading but also in writing. More boys than girls suffer from dyslexia, and it is frequent that this disorder is present together with dyscalculia, dysgraphia or ADHD.

The dyslexic’s reading is slow and full of inaccuracies, as he makes mistakes with long, infrequent words, although he tends to read short, familiar words more quickly.

Causes of Dyslexia

Despite the fact that there has been a great deal of debate about the causes of dyslexia, most research seems to indicate that has a neurobiological origin , with a significant hereditary burden and a predominance of a phonological deficit that causes the difficulties of learning to read.

The symptomatology of dyslexia may differ from person to person, so it seems that different brain regions may be involved in the performance of reading and writing.

Dyslexia treatment

Treatment for dyslexia should include two important agents for the school-aged child: teachers and parents .

.

The work of the teachers is very important as they have to do educational work specific to the child. Parents are responsible for providing the necessary emotional support, as dyslexia can have negative effects on a child’s self-esteem. Parents are an important figure for the correct recovery.

The teacher’s re-educational work should be aimed at making the child recognize letters through different techniques, turning or lateral exercises, etc. Therefore, the teaching methodology should be different from that of other students without dyslexia. It is important that the teacher tries to make sure that the child is calm and does not feel pressured.

Psychological therapy can also be very helpful, as dyslexia can often lead to other types of problems: anxiety, depression, psychosomatic symptoms and behavioural disorders.

As mentioned, parents have the responsibility to show emotional support and take care of that child’s tasks at home . Many times they also need to be educated in order to be able to intervene at home, and so that their child’s disorder does not affect them negatively.

Tips for Parents

Since parents play an important role in the improvement of their dyslexic children, here are some basic tips on how to act.

If your child has dyslexia, you must:

Addressing the problem early

If you suspect that your child may have dyslexia, you should talk to your family doctor as soon as possible . Early intervention guarantees better success since treatment and school intervention will take the problem in its initial stages, when it is easier to solve the symptoms.

Working with your child’s school

Good communication with your child’s teacher will help him enormously, as there will be better coordination between two of the education agents most important to him. Therefore, don’t hesitate to tell the teaching team about your concerns and maintain a flexible contact to keep up to date with your child’s progress and any auxiliary support he or she may need.

Make time to read

For the child to improve his reading ability, he must practice. Create situations that encourage your child to read. Of course, you should be aware that forcing too much on your child can be counterproductive because it can make him/her averse to reading. Therefore, little by little and without hurry, introduce him to the habit of reading as something pleasant and desirable , and he will improve as he gets in touch with books.

You can be their role model

Try to read something that encourages you to see yourself as an example for your child to follow. Teach him that reading can be fun. Children do what they see in their parents: if they see you reading and enjoying yourself with a book in your hand, they will probably follow your example .