Does Your Child Have Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is defined as a disorder that makes the ability to read very difficult. It can include difficulties with words or language, or even problems with placing things in their right place or order. According to a Dr. Chasty of Britain's Dyslexia Institute," it is an organizing disability which impairs short term memory perception and hand skills." Many children who have this disorder may not be aware of it and may be overly frustrated. There are actually two different types of dyslexia according to researchers.

Their is acquired dyslexia, which usually occurs after a stroke or other types of accidents or illness that can cause damage to the brain. Developmental dyslexia which is very common in children, can become more visible as they grow. Researchers accept that children who by the age of eight or nine and show normal intelligence but are having difficulty learning to read, write and spell may be dyslexic. This can be very frustrating for a child at this age. Failure on the part of parents and others to recognize the problem may cause them to face even more difficulties as they grow older.

Many parents want to know what causes dyslexia. Some scientists believe that it may be a genetic problem. But they still are unable to prove that it is genetic. Regardless of what causes the problem the main concern of many parents is how to fix this problem quickly so that their child will not be left behind. The first thing you need to do is recognize that your child has a problem and needs help. You never want to assume that your child is lazy and just does not want to do the work.

Dyslexia is something that can not be prevented or cured but it can be alleviated. The book "Understanding Dyslexia", advises parents to discover exactly what the dyslexic child finds difficult. This will help to make a realistic appraisal of their child's limitations and what can be expected. Another book "Reading and the Dyslexic Child" suggest that you should be sympathetic and encouraging, and in particular by arranging for suitable teaching, parents can minimize the effects of dyslexia and lessen the stress that the child feels. I know of several people who have tried this and it has proven very helpful for their children.
Keep in mind that dyslexia is a learning difficulty. So you will need to make sure that the teachers spend adequate time with the dyslexic child in their classes and make an extra effort to help them.

They can also help to limit the child's frustration. Your child should be constantly commended for any progress that they make and certainly for all of their effort. If the teacher does not have the extra time to spend with your child you should speak to the school counselors or the principal on what help is available for your child. In some cases they will have your child spend time with a personal tutor to help them. The key to helping someone with dyslexia is helping them to combine sight, hearing, and touch to help the child read and spell correctly. Your child should be encouraged to do the bulk of their reading when they are at their freshest or when they are most alert. Only about an hour to an hour and a half should be spent reading. After this time period they should take a break and resume reading later. Regular limited amounts of study each day are more likely to be beneficial than occasional days of intense effort.

If your child is dyslexic you should help them to apply a few self organization tips. They should have a personal notice board, a planner calendar, an in tray, a personal file, a diary, and an address book. This will help your child to organize, which will make things a lot easier for them. It will also help to make their lives less stressful and a lot more organized. If you think your child may be suffering from dyslexia you should talk to your child's teacher or doctor. If you child shows some of the symptoms of this disorder they may be able to refer you to a testing facility where your child can be tested and evaluated to see if they have this learning disability.