Every day school activity e.g. reading an interesting comprehension aloud in the class may seem so ordinary and stress free for most persons. There are however persons who find such tasks overwhelming. The letters may seem to dance as they read thus, experiencing difficulties reading them. Dyslexia is a difficulty of language development. It is the most common learning disability affecting about 5 in every 100 children across the globe.
Dyslexia is a learning disability of reading characterized by the following symptoms.
- Difficulties with word recognition spelling and decoding.
- Difficulties reading fluently.
- Slow development of language skills.
- Auditory short term memory.
- Difficulties with directionality.
This differs in persons depending on the severity. Certain persons may experience more of the writing difficulties others may experience more of reading or directionality difficulties. Some persons show signs of difficulty with early reading and writing and then later experience other language skills disabilities. The above symptoms do not signify that the children have below average intelligence.
EFFECTS OF DYSLEXIA
- SELF ESTEEM: The presence of the above symptoms often reduces an individual’s sense of self worth. This induces stress on the child and as a result, can make the child dread going to school. Dealing with the stress of school work makes for frustration and reduction in sense of self worth.
- SOCIAL LIFE: Dyslexia makes it difficult for children to express themselves and others would also find it tasking to understand them. They also may find it difficult to understand jokes. Thus, making it difficult for them to relate with their peers and greatly limiting their social life.
DIAGNOSIS
Trained professionals can conduct certain assessments to determine/ identify it. You can also log on to www.mobilehealthconsult.org to book assessment appointments.
TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT
- MINDFULNESS: This is a complete focus of the present moment involving awareness of bodily sensations, the environment and thoughts without judging it as good or bad. It has been found severally to improve general well being especially psychological health.
Through mindfulness, dyslexic individuals can improve their memory span. Mindfulness also would be key in increasing focus and attention when given academic tasks thus, greatly improving verbal skills such as the skills of writing, and reading. With these symptoms checkmated, feelings of self worth and social life gets greatly improved. The effects of mindfulness however are not automatic. It takes time, persistence and patience to master. Sign up for your Childs free mindfulness training today at www.mobilehealthconsult.org/smartmind.
- DEVELOP AN ENGAGING LEARNING FORMAT FOR THE CHILD:
This is an individualized educational program should be carried out by the educational psychologist. This program should address the child’s needs and difficulties.
- PHONO-GRAPHIC READING METHODS:
This involves combining words with pictures. This helps the children create a mental pictures of the words and thus helps the child have better memory.
- EXPOSURE: it may be helpful to expose the child to oral reading, writing, drawing of texts of varying topics at an early stage.
- Emotional support and encouragement would also be needful for the child.
