Dyslexia Awareness Month

Dyslexia. You've heard it. You probably know someone who has it. But do you really know what it is? It’s a hard concept to grasp, because let’s face it, it’s just complicated! I think only those who have dyslexia really know what is going on in their brains, but even then, they have a hard time explaining it to others.

A conversation with someone with Dyslexia

Non-Dyslexic Person: “Ohhh so you see words backwards?”

Dyslexic Person: “Uh no, not exactly.”

Non-Dyslexic Person: “Oh then the words move all around the page when you read?”

Dyslexic Person: “Uhm, well yeah sure.”

As individuals, we often try and answer our own questions without fully understanding the context. It makes us feel better when we “think” we have it right. This makes it hard for the dyslexic person because they are left feeling lost. They lost you in the conservation. They lost the words they were going to use to describe their learning difference. Lost in a world full of words and letters that become just too much.

I don’t have dyslexia, but I’ve been in a classroom year after year with kids who struggle to read. Children who are so bright, but when it comes to reading the words on the page, they get stuck. Frustrated. When you ask them what’s wrong, they most likely break down and cry. They can’t explain it. They don’t know how to feel about it. So they hit their breaking point.

I don’t have dyslexia, but I have friends who are dyslexic. Unfortunately, their confidence is little to none when it comes to reading. They resort to the typical saying “I’m a horrible reader” or “I’m just a math person.” This lack of confidence has stemmed from not fully understanding themselves why they can’t read. They’ve been told they have dyslexia, that it’s harder for them to read. But why? Has anyone ever explained why it’s harder for them to read?

I don’t have dyslexia, but I’ve worked with college students who have dyslexia. The college I went to had a Students with Disabilities Center, which included a tutoring service to those students with a documented 504. A 504 is just a fancy term for having a documented learning difference, which offers accommodations to that student to set them up to succeed. Yes, 504’s can follow a student all the way to college! Tutoring these self-motivated learners was a dream job. Though they would also get frustrated with reading, they came to a center everyday surrounded by others who understood them. And with a support system of tutors and counselors that helped them every step of the way.

These children, friends, and students all have one thing in common. Their incredible and imaginative brains. It’s amazing what our brains can do if we just understand how they work!

To the child who broke down and cried because they can’t explain why they can’t read the words on the page, you can alter your brain. Let’s come up with coping strategies to use when we get frustrated. You are not alone. You can do this.

To the friend who’s confidence has dwindled over the years because they were told they were just a “bad reader”, you can alter your brain. Let’s change our negative thoughts to positive ones. You are not alone. You can do this.

To the college student who fought their way through grade school, high school and is now on their own, you can alter your brain. Let’s recall all of the strategies you were taught over the years to overcome this learning difference. You are not alone. You can do this.

As individuals without dyslexia, we have to first understand what it is exactly. Without projecting our thoughts on a person with dyslexia. They are learning too. Let’s learn together.

Dyslexia Myths

• People with dyslexia see things backwards.

FACT: People with dyslexia see things just like everyone else sees them. Those with dyslexia actually have trouble processing and manipulating the letters and sounds of language. Dyslexia consists of a phonological weakness that blocks the decoding ability, which in turn interferes with word identification. (ISME, 2020)

• Dyslexia is rare.

FACT: Dyslexia affects 1 in 5 people. This is according to the research by National Institutes of Health and Studies at Yale University. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that dyslexia is the most common learning disability, accounting for 80% of all learning disabilities. (ISME, 2020)

• Children with dyslexia will outgrow it.

FACT: Children do not outgrow dyslexia. Children with dyslexia simply grow up to be adults with dyslexia. However, they (hopefully, with the right interventions) have learned the skills needed to help them manipulate letters and sounds, and decode words properly, making it easier to read. (ISME, 2020)

Dyslexia can not be contained in a one-size-fits-all container. No learning disability can. That’s why it can be so frustrating for a dyslexic person. The spectrum is so wide spread. As parents and educators, we should also be aware of the signs of dyslexia. The earlier dyslexia in a student is noticed, the earlier interventions can take place. The early the student gets intervention, the sooner they can possess the skills to be successful. We want these individuals to be successful, not doubtful in their abilities.

Let’s learn the signs. It might not give us all of the answers, but it can lead us in the right direction. Engage with your child, your students, and notice if they exhibit the signs of dyslexia. Then decide if testing for dyslexia is appropriate. We won’t always be right, but we can learn and lean on the experts that can help!

Below are resources to help better understand dyslexia and learn about the signs.

What is dyslexia? - Kelli Sandman-Hurley TedEd Video: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/what-is-dyslexia-kelli-sandman-hurley

Early Signs of Dyslexia, ISME Journal: https://journal.imse.com/early-signs-of-dyslexia/

Literacy and Dyslexia Podcasts: https://journal.imse.com/literacy-and-dyslexia-podcasts/

The International Dyslexia Association: https://dyslexiaida.org/

Learn, Grow, Share about the awareness of Dyslexia this month!

Happy learning!

Ashley