Early Signs of Dyslexia and Getting Help Now

Wikipedia defines dyslexia as a learning disability that manifests itself as a difficulty with reading decoding, reading comprehension and/or reading fluency. The National Institute of Health released a study that reveals dyslexia affects at least 1 out of 5 children in the United States and is the most common and prevalent of all known learning disabilities as well as the most researched. So, what is being done to help our children? What can we do as parents?

Our daughter began to struggle in Kindergarten, to a noticeable degree. As a twin, it was even more prominent (sad and frustrating), as the other twin excelled. When we started to look at obvious signs, focused on reading, we realized that there were indications in her younger years that could have alerted us to a problem. It's important that parents do not dismiss the signs.

For symptoms and signs of Dyslexia (preschool age +) visit: http://www.dys-add.com/symptoms.html

Most of us don't want to be alarmists, or label our children prematurely, but when learning is impaired the result is compounding. If you suspect that your child is struggling, research all avenues to diagnose, or help them. We waited too long on a hope that it would shake out or she would "mature" and catch up....all the while losing ground.

When our daughter began failing first grade, we zeroed in on Dyslexia due to letter inversion and syllable mix ups. Though through the year, this did seem to correct itself to some degree, there was a frustration with homework, an extreme impatience in reading and inability to work alone when a reading task was at hand. By the end of first grade, she was barely passing and consistently suffering from blows to her esteem due to low scoring papers, extra study at home and repeated communication with the teacher. It was a hard year and a sad one. We worked with her so much, but the standard way of learning simply wasn't working. And in the end, that is because she has a different standard way of processing - her brain is functioning differently.

When we brought our suspicions of dyslexia to the school, they advised many children mixed syllables and letters and said there was no accurate testing offered till the 3rd grade level. Determined not to let our child fail, we began researching on our own. We discovered that Dyslexia can be caught early and early intervention is essential for some types of Dyslexia, due to differences in brain function. In addition, Dyslexia can be diagnosed with 92% accuracy between the ages of 5 ½ and 6 ½.

Needless to say, we were discouraged to come face to face with such a common problem so unsupported in our local school and the lack of our public school's knowledge of the disability, or willingness to provide resources geared to Dyslexia. Dyslexia's primary treatment is a modified teaching style. With funding of public schools down, the last thing they seem to be able to provide is additional resources. Sadly, it is the child who suffers. When it is your child, the injustice screams.

Understanding What's Really Going On
We could blame the school all day long, but honestly, that gets us nowhere. So the search began on how, as parents we can help our daughter. In our search to understand how to help, my husband found a great website published by the NIH that was clear and informative on the current strides in the study of Dyslexia.

If you think your child may be Dyslexic, I encourage you to read the information found here. http://www.dys-add.com/nowknow.html.

Get A Diagnosis
Before moving forward in helping your child, be sure to confirm facts with your doctor. Pursue tests to obtain a medical opinion that diagnoses your child accurately. In this day of the internet, we all have likely had a hand in the 'ole "self-diagnosis game." But when helping your child, specifically seeking cooperation from public school, a diagnosis is critical.

Cooperation From Public School
Once your child has been diagnosed, you have a real leg to stand on with getting your child the help they need in public school. We found a site led to great information that we are going to actively use this year to obtain an IEP. I was hesitant to initiate an IEP, mainly because I have 3 other children, all who learn using the methodology widely accepted at any school. I had a misconception of what an IEP was. My lack of understanding how to request what my child needs through an IEP was preventing us from getting help. Thankfully, I ran across a great resource. Check out this site on getting your child the resources they need at your local school, via an IEP. It tells you how!

http://www.dys-add.com/backiss.html#iepmethod

This is where we are and I hope what we found helps you, if you are in a similar place. Best of luck to us both and the one's we love so much. Our kids!

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyslexia
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dyslexia/dyslexia.htm#What_is
http://www.dys-add.com/nowknow.html
http://www.dys-add.com/teach.html#ogmethod