Imagine a child struggling to read a simple sentence in class, despite showing great enthusiasm for learning. Their teacher might wonder if the child is just not trying hard enough, while their parents may feel perplexed about how to support them. For many, this struggle is a sign of dyslexia—a common but often misunderstood learning difference that affects a child’s ability to read, write, and spell.
Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects language processing. It makes it difficult for individuals to connect letters with their corresponding sounds, decode words, and read fluently. Dyslexia is not tied to intelligence or effort—many individuals with the condition are highly creative and analytical thinkers. The condition stems from differences in the brain’s language-processing areas. Dyslexia is not related to intelligence or laziness; rather, it is a specific way the brain processes written and spoken language. While it often persists throughout life, with the right support, individuals can overcome many of its challenges.
Key Characteristics of Dyslexia include difficulty reading or decoding words, struggles with spelling and writing, challenges in phonological awareness (understanding the sound structure of words), problems with reading fluency, accuracy, and comprehension, among many others. Dyslexia varies in severity, with some individuals facing mild difficulties and others experiencing significant challenges. Importantly, with the right interventions, children with dyslexia can excel academically and socially.
Statistics from World Population Review shows that dyslexia impacts approximately 10% of the global population and up to 700 million people globally, have some degree of dyslexia.Far from being a measure of intelligence or motivation, dyslexia is rooted in how the brain processes language. For children with dyslexia, early and consistent support from both parents and teachers can make all the difference in their educational journey.
There are some common misconceptions about dyslexia. Many believe that dyslexia is caused by laziness. In the real sense, dyslexia has no correlation with effort. Children with dyslexia often work twice as hard to keep up with their peers. Others believe that dyslexia can be outgrown. While its symptoms can be managed, dyslexia is a lifelong condition. Support and tailored learning strategies are essential throughout a child’s life.
While this can be difficult to manage, parents plays a huge role in helping their children overcome this and excel in their academics . Early identification of dyslexia can significantly improve outcomes. Parents should look for difficulty recognising letters or sounds, persistent trouble learning to read, and frustration or avoidance of reading-related activities in their children.
Parents must advocate for their child’s needs within the educational system. This includes requesting Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans, which outline specific accommodations for the student. Children with dyslexia often struggle with self-esteem due to repeated academic challenges. Encourage your child by focusing on their strengths, celebrating small victories, and reminding them that effort matters more than perfection.
Make reading enjoyable by surrounding your child with diverse and engaging books. Audiobooks are particularly helpful, as they allow children to enjoy stories without the pressure of decoding text. Assistive technology can be transformative for children with dyslexia. Tools like text-to-speech apps, digital spell-checkers, and phonics software make learning more accessible.
Educators are also at the frontline of identifying and supporting students with dyslexia. By adopting inclusive teaching strategies, they can create an environment where all students feel valued and supported. Teachers should implement multisensory teaching techniques and approaches which engage multiple senses—sight, sound, touch, and movement—to reinforce learning. Examples include incorporating hands-on activities, like building letters with blocks, pairing auditory instructions with written notes, among many others.
Tailoring lessons to meet individual needs is crucial. This can involve breaking tasks into smaller steps, providing additional time for assignments, or offering alternative methods to demonstrate understanding. Teachers should also promote a positive environment where students feel safe to ask questions and make mistakes. Educate classmates about dyslexia to build empathy and reduce stigma.
Students with dyslexia often struggle with complex instructions. Teachers should use simple, direct language, repeat and rephrase key points, and provide written instructions alongside verbal ones. In addition, pairing dyslexic students with supportive peers can enhance learning and social integration. Collaborative activities also help reinforce skills in a non-pressurised setting.
Dyslexia is not a barrier to success, but a call for understanding and creativity in teaching and parenting. By debunking myths, recognising strengths, and implementing supportive strategies, parents and teachers can transform the educational experiences of dyslexic children. With the right guidance, children with dyslexia can grow into confident, accomplished individuals who contribute meaningfully to society. It takes a village—of parents, educators, and communities—to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
