Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes it hard to read, write, and spell. Children who have dyslexia may read slower than what is expected at their age. Or they may have trouble remembering math facts or words.

Overall intelligence does not seem to be related to dyslexia. But not being able to read well can make many areas of learning harder.

Dyslexia is also called specific learning disability, reading disorder, and reading disability.

Symptoms of dyslexia may include:

• Difficulty reading or sounding out words.
• Having a hard time with spelling or writing.
• Reading slower than what is expected at your child's age.
• Difficulty remembering number facts.

Symptoms usually start while the child is school-aged. And the symptoms are not caused by other things like vision problems or other conditions. If your child has one of these symptoms, it doesn't mean that your child has dyslexia. But if your child has several symptoms and reading problems, or if you have a family history of dyslexia, you may want to have your child checked.

No single test can diagnose dyslexia. A doctor or school professional will ask you and your child's teachers what signs of dyslexia you've noticed. Reading and other tests may help look at your child's learning style and their language and problem-solving skills. This can help check for dyslexia.

Treatment involves a number of teaching methods to help your child read better. These include:

• Teaching how letters are linked to sounds to make words.
• Having the child read aloud to a teacher or classroom aide.
• Teaching the child to listen to and repeat instructions.

United States law requires schools to set up a learning plan to meet the needs of a child with dyslexia. An example of this is an Individualized Education Program (IEP). You, your child's teachers, and other school personnel will have a say in designing the plan. The plan is updated each year based on how well your child is doing and what your child's needs are.

Medicines and counseling usually aren't a part of treatment for dyslexia.

Dyslexia will never fully go away, but early treatment during childhood can help. Support from family, teachers, and friends is also important.

You can support and encourage your child by helping them with learning strategies. Those strategies will change as your child grows older. With young children, playing alphabet games and reading rhyming books might greatly improve reading skills. Stay involved with your child's education throughout the school years.