What If My Child Has Dyslexia?
You have your suspicions that your child struggles, but you’re still not sure why or how to help. Then it’s parent-teacher conference time, and the teacher suggests you consider having your child screened for dyslexia. Or it could be that no one mentions this, but you are still baffled by the whys of your child’s struggles.
What do you do? So many questions permeate your thinking. What is my child’s future going to look like? Will they always struggle? Will other students make fun of them? How are they going to be successful in life? Did I not read to them enough when they were little? The list goes on and on.
I remember having those same kinds of questions and fears, to be honest. The difference is that I did not know what dyslexia was and how it impacts a child’s education. I did what I thought was best for my child at the time, and she learned enough coping skills to graduate with honors from high school and college and to earn a Master's degree. I still wish I had better information to help her not struggle and alleviate the frustrations and self-doubt she dealt with.
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What do I do next?
First and foremost, dyslexia is no one’s fault. Anything we are not knowledgeable about regarding our children can strike fear into our hearts. I encourage you not to look away, ignore your concerns, look for causes, or hope and pray it goes away.
1. Start by educating yourself about what dyslexia is and how it affects learning, or how it
affects adults, if that is you.
A. Dyslexia is a processing disorder and has nothing to do with intelligence.
B. A dyslexic brain processes differently and may struggle with reading, spelling,
organizing thoughts, some types of math, and/or handwriting.
C. These struggles can make the K-12 system challenging.
D. There are also many strengths to being a dyslexic thinker.
2. Get your child screened and/or tested for dyslexia if recommended.
A. Start by contacting your child’s school or asking your pediatrician for referrals to
dyslexia testing.
B. Many Children’s Hospitals can do the testing.
C. If your child has dyslexia, there is support available.
3. If you’re an adult:
A. Keep learning about dyslexia, but don’t stop at the challenges.
B. Focus on the strengths it can bring.
C. Consider taking a strengths assessment to understand your unique abilities better and
how they can positively shape your personal and professional life.
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A diagnosis is a beginning, not an end. It opens the door to understanding, targeted supports, and strategies to address learning challenges. It will also highlight the strengths that empower them to succeed. Early detection and support have been paramount in helping those with dyslexia not only survive but thrive. A diagnosis of dyslexia does not need to be scary; getting help early gives your child the tools to succeed and the confidence to embrace the unique way their brain works.
