Dyslexia in Children: Tricks for Dealing With It
dyslexia in childrenDyslexia is a neurological condition that has been around for a very long time. Dyslexia in children can be described as a learning disability that can limit a child’s ability to spell, speak, write, and read. It is unfortunate that many cases of this condition go undiagnosed until one has reached adulthood. Although this condition has been around for many years, it has no cure. Dyslexia arises from inheriting some genetic traits determining how the brain works. Despite the fact that this is a lifetime condition, children who are able to receive specialized education are able to succeed in their academic pursuits.
In the event that this condition is not diagnosed early enough, the child may become frustrated by the fact that he or she is unable to read, write, spell, or speak as well as other children. This frustration may trigger other symptoms that may disguise dyslexia. In such a situation, the child may appear depressed and may also develop a low self-esteem. It is common for children suffering from this condition to develop a dislike for school and also show behavior problems at school and at home.
Here are some tricks for dealing with the condition:
Accept the condition for what it is. If you want to help a child suffering from dyslexia, it is important that you see the condition as a learning disability and not a sign of failure on the part of the child. By showing children that you understand their condition, you will protect them from the urge to compensate for their learning disability, which could damage them more. It is also important to accept the fact that, although the condition will create challenges in the life of the child, his or her life is not doomed.
Be supportive to the child. It is worth noting that children who suffer from dyslexia are prone to frustrations and low self-esteem. When they are unable to do a simple task such as spelling, it may cause them to develop a dislike for school. It is therefore very crucial for everybody who is interacting with these kids to show them love and encourage them not to give up on their activities and talents. You should encourage the child to develop confidence in the areas in which they are strong and then try to transfer this confidence to other areas such as mathematics and science.
Offer encouragement. Offering encouragement and support is a very good way to help children suffering from dyslexia. Offer encouragement to these children, and investigate specific areas in their life where they need coaching, assistance, and training. Your encouragement and support should be not only through words but also through actions. It is vital for you to understand that a child with this condition may need help from different professionals such as physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists. It is your responsibility to ensure that the child receives the necessary support for and self-knowledge about his condition.
Create a favorable environment for the child. As a person taking care of these children, you have the responsibility to create an environment that is conducive to learning. Provide them with a clean, organized, and a quiet place to study. Ensure all their nutritional and sleep needs are met, and ensure there’s a strong base of family support. Offer these children an opportunity to participate in different activities and outings where they can learn different skills.
Join a support group. This is another great way you can learn how to deal with a child suffering from dyslexia. In these support groups, you will meet other parents who have children with the same learning disability. Support groups are a good source of emotional and informational support.
Although dyslexia in children is a lifelong condition, it is important for you to understand that there is a lot you can do to improve the condition of the child. The attitude portrayed by the adults around the child has a huge impact and will greatly influence the kind of attitude that these children will develop towards their lives. If the adults show a positive attitude, then these children will develop a positive attitude. With a positive attitude, problems such as depression and low self-esteem will not occur.