How to Help Your Dyslexic Child

Working with dyslexic children can be challenging for parents and teachers, as they struggle not only with reading and writing, but in other subjects, as reading is the foundation for everything a child learns in school.

Dyslexia occurs because the brain doesn't process written and/or spoken language in a normal way as those without the disorder. According to a FoxNews.Com report dyslexia,a neurological condition, is not linked to having a lower IQ and is often understood.

Red Flags Pointing to Dyslexia

A few warning signs that your child could be struggling with dyslexia may include…

• Reversed letter order - Dyslexic children often confuse letters such as "b" and "d".
  

• Spelling problems
  

• Handwriting problems as well as difficulty with other fine motor skills
  

• Difficulty determining left from right or vice versa
  

• Difficulty following directions
  

• Delayed speech
  

• Pronunciation difficulties

Helpful Learning Aides for Parents

Use dry erase boards - Because dyslexic children struggle with spelling they can become frustrated by having to erase their spelling errors over and over on notebook paper. When the paper starts to tear because of repeated erasing, a child can give up on trying spelling a word correctly. That's why educators often use dry erase boards. Throw in some colorful markers to make spelling more exciting, letting the child choose a color.

Make learning fun outside the classroom - For example, when you're with your child at the beach have him (or her) spell out words in the sand. Whenever he fails to spell a word correctly, have him "smooth it over", starting over. The same could work with playing in a sandbox. In other words, use every opportunity outside the classroom to make learning a fun activity rather that just sitting in a school desk. Often children with dyslexia also have attention deficit disorder (ADD) and have difficulty sitting still.

Underline wrong letters in misspelled word - Instead of discouraging your child when he misspells a word on his dry erase board, show him the "trouble letters" that don't belong by having him underline them. Then tell him to erase them, followed by rewriting the word correctly. Explain "silent" letters as well as other spelling abnormalities.

Create a "Word Wall" - Whenever either reading to your child or having him read to you, note the words that give him trouble. Then take an index card and neatly write the word with a permanent marker. Display it on a wall of his room, creating a Word Wall. After staring at the new words in his room he'll become more familiar with words that used to give him difficulty.

Online Resources - There are many helpful resources, both online and in print publications found by doing a simple Google search.

Turn a Disability into an Advantage

Continue to point out how having dyslexia has nothing to do with a lack of intelligence and has been diagnosed in people of all degrees of intelligence.

Have your child study the lives of famous peoplewho struggled with dyslexia. Point out how dyslexics can grow up to be become inventors, actors, sports celebrities and even President. According to Dyslexia Newsletter, a few notable dyslexics include Walt Disney, Tom Cruise, Thomas Edison, Babe Ruth, Alexander Graham Bell, and John F. Kennedy.

Originally published on Suite 101.