When it comes to reading and writing, some children face unique challenges that can be difficult to detect. Dyslexia is a common learning disorder that makes reading and writing a daunting task, and parents must know what to look for to guide their children to get the support they need.
The team at PediaPlex provides comprehensive and individualized care to children with developmental and learning differences. Our mission is to identify and evaluate dyslexia early to provide effective treatment options. In this post, our team discusses five telltale signs of childhood dyslexia for eagle-eyed parents to look out for.
Occupational therapy can play a significant role in helping individuals with dyslexia overcome their challenges. By addressing fine motor skills, visual perception, and sensory processing, our occupational therapists can help children with dyslexia improve their reading, writing, and spelling abilities.
Occupational therapy interventions can also enhance overall academic performance and improve self-esteem, leading to success in school and beyond.
The following are five signs that a child may be struggling with dyslexia:
Children with dyslexia often struggle with reading. They may read slowly, have difficulty sounding out words, or confuse letters and sounds. These difficulties can cause your child to feel frustrated and reluctant to read, which can be mistaken for disinterest or a lack of effort.
These challenges are not for lack of motivation; however, they’re signs of a neurological difference that requires a unique approach to learning.
Children dealing with dyslexia may also experience challenges when it comes to writing. They may have difficulty organizing their thoughts and expressing themselves in writing, often reversing or transposing letters and numbers.
This issue can result in messy, illegible handwriting that is difficult to decipher. Additionally, children with dyslexia may struggle with spelling, even when they can articulate complex words or ideas. Patience and understanding are essential, as these writing difficulties can be incredibly frustrating for your child.
Short-term memory and sequencing can be another challenge for children with dyslexia. They may struggle to remember specific details, instructions, or the order of events. They may have difficulty following multi-step directions, memorizing math facts, or recalling the sequence of a story. It's crucial to recognize that these memory and sequencing struggles are not due to inattention or carelessness; they’re often directly related to dyslexia.
Children with dyslexia may have difficulty managing their time and staying organized. They might struggle to complete tasks within a given timeframe or have trouble keeping track of assignments, materials, and schedules.
Providing extra support and implementing organizational strategies can help your child manage these challenges more effectively.
The struggles that come with dyslexia can take a toll on a child's emotional and social well-being. They may feel isolated, anxious, or experience low self-esteem due to their difficulties in reading, writing, and other academic tasks.
Provide emotional support, validate their feelings, and encourage open communication about their struggles. Building a strong support network of understanding peers, teachers, and family members can help your child build confidence and resilience.
Recognizing the signs of dyslexia in your child is the first step to providing the support they need to overcome these challenges. Early intervention is crucial to help your child develop coping strategies and build a strong foundation for future academic success.
If you suspect your child may have dyslexia, the multidisciplinary team at PediaPlex can help. With early intervention and support, your child can overcome challenges, achieve academic success, and build the self-confidence they need to thrive.
Call or use our online booking feature today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation at one of our PediaPlex offices in Southlake, Fort Worth, or Frisco, Texas.
