October is Dyslexia Awareness month. 1 in 5 people have dyslexia and it can look so different from person to person. If you have a child who is struggling and it just seems like something is off, listen to your intuition and get them screened for dyslexia. If you are an adult who just doesn’t like reading or struggles to comprehend what you are reading or has to read things over and over again to understand what you have read, get screened!
What Does Dyslexia Look like?
There are many different types of dyslexia and they can show up in each person in a unique way. However, below are some symptoms that may indicate a problem.
- Early speech problems
- Early struggles with rhyming words
- Difficulty hearing the difference in letter sounds
- Reading below grade level
- Struggling to comprehend what they read the first time through
- Difficulty spelling
- Slow reading/writing
- An aversion to reading out loud
What can you do if you suspect Dyslexia in your child?
If you suspect dyslexia get them screened, started in some type of Orton Gillingham tutoring, and bring the to The Brain Breakthrough so we can help! Below are some additional ideas that can help to support your kiddo!
- Encourage your students to use audio books. This helps your students to “read with their ears” and read the same books their peers are. It also will help to improve their vocabulary and sentence fluency as they are exposed to new genres.
- Use Technology: There is a lot of great and free technology out there that can help people with dyslexia. From voice to text for writing to Beeline Reader or Read to Me which are free addons to Google Chrome and helps dyslexics be able to read the print on a screen easier, to spell check etc. Pockets spellers can help students find the correct spelling when writing.
- Support them emotionally: Having dyslexia can be emotionally challenging. Be sensitive to a child who may be overwhelmed by their school day. Help them find an activity that they can excel in and help them understand what dyslexia is and why the see the world differently.
- Multisensory Learning: Multisensory activities help dyslexic students absorb and process information easier, they benefit not only dyslexics but learning for all students. (Legos, sand, beads, etc.)
- Help them know they are not alone: Connect with local organizations that support kids with dyslexia, help them find other kids who struggle, and let them know they are not alone. I often say to my clients “You have a different road map in your brain, not better or worse, just different.” Kids need to know what learning is hard and that there are others who struggle as well!
Brain Breakthrough Therapy can help! Please call today to schedule a free consultation in person or by phone . 6270 NW Oats, Portland, OR 97229 | 971-601-6256
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