Understanding
Dyslexia: What Every Parent and Teacher Should Know By Ayodele Ogunleye There’s a general term for a condition that affects a child’s ability to read and interpret letters, words, and symbols without impacting their general
intelligence. That condition is dyslexia. Dyslexia is a psychological disorder, not a disease. It
doesn't affect a child's overall health or intelligence—it primarily affects
learning, especially related to reading and writing. Children living with
dyslexia need patience, care, and empathy. They are not slow or lazy; they just
process written language differently. Recognizing Dyslexia in Children Before School Age Dyslexia can be hard to identify before a child begins formal education.
However, early warning signs may include
- Delayed speech development
- Difficulty learning new
words
- Trouble forming words
correctly (e.g., mixing up sounds or confusing similar-sounding words)
- Challenges remembering or
naming letters, numbers, or colors
- Difficulty with rhyming
games or nursery rhymes
School Age As a child begins school, dyslexia often becomes more noticeable
through
- Reading well below the
expected level for their age
- Struggling to process or
understand spoken language
- Difficulty recalling words
or forming verbal answers
- Trouble remembering
sequences (e.g., days of the week, instructions)
- Confusing letters and words
that look or sound alike
- Difficulty sounding out
unfamiliar words
- Frequent spelling errors
- Taking an unusually long
time to complete reading or writing tasks
- Avoidance of reading-related
activities
Important Truths for Parents, Teachers,
and Caregivers 1. Dyslexia does not
affect general intelligence.
Children with dyslexia can be intelligent, creative, and capable. Their
difficulties are limited to how they process written language. 2. It is not a disease.
There is no need for medical treatment—what’s needed is understanding and
psychological support. 3. It is not a spiritual
or demonic attack.
While you can pray, please avoid falling into the hands of those who claim to
“cast it out.” Misunderstanding dyslexia this way can delay real help and harm
the child emotionally. 4. Seek professional
help.
A qualified child psychotherapist or educational psychologist can help
diagnose dyslexia and recommend effective therapy or intervention strategies. 5. How you handle a
child with dyslexia can shape their future.
Supportive parenting and teaching can help them thrive. Rejection, harshness,
or ridicule can lead to depression, low self-worth, and even
suicidal thoughts. How You Can Support a Child with
Dyslexia
- Be patient. Progress may be slow,
but it will come.
- Be empathetic. Imagine how
frustrating it must feel to struggle with something most kids find easy.
- Avoid derogatory remarks. Comments like “you’re
dull” or “can’t you try harder?” do more harm than good.
- Provide special learning support. Dyslexic
children may need tailored teaching methods or extra time to learn.
- Be ready for added challenges. You
might need to spend more time or resources on them. They may repeat
classes or fail some subjects, but it’s just a phase.
- Celebrate their strengths. Many children with
dyslexia shine in other areas—art, music, leadership, empathy, or
problem-solving.
- Collaborate with teachers. Constant communication
with educators helps reinforce consistent strategies both at home and in
school.
The Power of Early Intervention If unmanaged, dyslexia can persist into adulthood. However, early diagnosis and
support can significantly improve a child’s ability to cope, learn, and
grow into a confident, successful adult. Let’s replace judgment with understanding and impatience with support.
Every child deserves the chance to thrive, especially those who just need us to
believe in them a little more.
Thank you for reading.
With care,
Ayodele Ogunleye
📧 ogunleyeayodele2@gmail.com
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