Dyslexia is often a misunderstood disorder, mainly because it can be challenging to spot. Here are some key signs that may suggest dyslexia:
Difficulty Reading
The primary symptom of dyslexia is difficulty reading. Although all children struggle to read at some point, children with dyslexia have trouble with basic phonetic sounds, which is why they struggle with reading comprehension and spelling. They may also have difficulty recognizing common words, needing to read them many times before comprehending their meaning.
Struggling to Write and Spell
Difficulty spelling and writing is another sign of dyslexia. People with dyslexia may have difficulty recalling the correct spelling of words, and their writing may be disorganized with many mistakes. They may also struggle with handwriting, making errors such as swapping letters, making letter reversals, or writing letters backward.
Trouble with Learning Foreign Languages
Dyslexia makes learning foreign languages extremely challenging. Dyslexics find it hard to learn new characters and sounds of a different language, and remembering grammar rules can be a frustrating experience. Recognizing Word Sounds Many dyslexic children have difficulty recognizing the different sounds that make up words, resulting in hesitation while reading. They might be able to identify a word when said out loud, but struggle to recognize it when seen in writing.
Memory Issues
Dyslexia can impact working memory. Working memory is the cognitive system responsible for temporarily storing and manipulating information required for complex tasks such as learning or problem-solving. Dyslexia may make it challenging to “store” new information learned in a specific context, making it challenging to recall later.
Difficulty with Sequential Tasks
Dyslexia is associated with difficulty with tasks that require sequencing. These tasks can include putting events in order, or determining the order of steps in a process. Phonics and spelling programs, counting or anything that involves placing items in a logical order may prove difficult for people with dyslexia.
Social Difficulties
Some children with dyslexia may experience difficulties with socializing. This difficulty may partly arise as children usually get together well through literacy, so those struggling with the subject may miss out on interactions with peers, leading to feelings of social anxiety.
Conclusion
Dyslexia can be a crippling disorder that can lead to reduced educational and career opportunities, especially if not spotted early enough. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward managing the condition. Dyslexia often requires a specialist diagnosis, but recognizing the signs, as listed above, should help direct you or your loved one to professional help. Dyslexia is not a curse, and with the right help, individuals with this disorder can overcome the barriers that make reading and writing challenging, and achieve their full potential.