Dyslexia is a learning disorder largely associated with reading. Those who have dyslexia have trouble reading in a traditional manner. While they might not be functionally illiterate, they can still have a hard time with understanding words and passages. Individual words will be difficult for them to comprehend as will longer passages. They’ll need to read slower than others, which can make it difficult for them to keep up with their classmates. They can lose track of what they’re reading and have trouble with writing. Even if they are able to communicate well verbally, it can be hard for them to reconcile that with their troubles when it comes to reading and writing.
Those with dyslexia deal with it in different ways, especially based on their age. While some issues become less pronounced over time, others can become more severe. It’s vital to diagnosis and address this condition at as early of an age as possible. Otherwise, someone could be completely unable to keep up with their peer group. Here are seven signs and symptoms of dyslexia to look out for.
1. Difficulty Memorizing
When you think of memory in relation to learning, you might think of studying for a test, trying to impart important facts into your head. While dyslexics do have trouble with memorizing information in this way, it goes much further than that. Their working memories, which allow them to understand how things like words are formed, are compromised by their disorder. While you might take for granted how vowels and consonants sound, dyslexics have to remind themselves of how these things sound on a more consistent basis.
Those with dyslexia can also have trouble with following instructions. They might be given instructions for an assignment at school but be unable to follow them. This is likely because their difficulty with memorizing has manifested itself again. They will need to be given repeated instruction. This isn’t a matter of them being lazy or inattentive. Their minds are just not designed in a way that lets them process and retain information in the same way others do. Memorization is a skill that some children pick up at a very young age. However, those with dyslexia aren’t able to consolidate information at the same rate. Repetition and use of their strong visual memory can help a dyslexic person.
2. Learning Disability
Dyslexia is a learning disability, which means it can cause problems with education. Because so much of learning is rooted in reading and writing, someone who is dyslexic might easily fall behind. Even classes like math and science, which deal largely with numbers, require some level of reading and writing. Plus, they also require following instructions, particularly with math formulas. Someone with dyslexia might require specialized classrooms or tutoring in order to not fall behind. Many people with dyslexia have become successful. It’s just a matter of making sure that anyone with the condition is able to be properly accommodated.
3. Speech Delay
You might think that dyslexia is something which is diagnosed only after a child is of reading age. However, verbal skills play as much of a part in this condition as reading skills do. A child with speech delay might also be one with dyslexia. In addition to starting speaking at a later age, they might also have trouble with pronouncing words. Since they aren’t able to easily comprehend how words are formed on paper, they will also likely have difficulties forming them in their mouth. Should a child not be able to form words easily or at all, they might need to get checked for dyslexia.
4. Delayed Reading Ability
A delayed reading ability is also common for people with dyslexia. While children typically start reading between ages 4 and 7, it might take longer for a child with dyslexia to do so. Even once they get a general grasp on reading, they might be behind their classmates and have trouble reading at their grade level. They need to be given the proper guidance and encouragement. Specialized reading classes and tutoring might be needed. Instructors who can work them through texts can be very important when it comes to grappling with their reading difficulties. If you have a child who is having trouble with reading, they could be dealing with dyslexia.
5. Headache
Dyslexic people aren’t dyslexic for a lack of trying. They know that they’re having troubles and will try to push themselves to keep up with their peers. Unfortunately, doing so without proper planning leads to a great deal of strain, especially on their minds. As they try and keep up, they stress themselves out. A headache is a common side effect of having dyslexia. This an important reason why this condition should be dealt with properly. If dyslexic people are pushing themselves too hard, they won’t have anything to show for it other than further stress. Should your dyslexic child seem stressed out, you need to make sure they go easy on themselves.
6. Speech Impairment
Someone with dyslexia might have trouble forming words in their and then expressing them verbally. How to pronounce certain letters can easily become jumbled up internally. They might have to deal with a stutter or lisp as a result. They might also have trouble coming up with the correct word for a certain situation. While a word might be in grasp, on the tip of their tongue, it might be all but unreachable for them. Entire sentences and concepts might also be difficult for them to express. Their minds might have a clear idea about what they want to say, but they’ll have trouble putting this into action.
7. Difficulty Thinking
Those with dyslexia aren’t any less intelligent than others, but it can affect their thinking styles. They don’t process information the same way other people do. When trying to read or write or follow verbal instructions, they will have trouble keeping things straight in their mind. This is why it’s so important for them to receive the proper guidance. By being given the proper instructions, they can better understand how their minds work. There are shortcuts and other methods that can be used to help dyslexic children. Recognition of the signs and symptoms as young of an age is crucial, as it will allow them to catch up as well as possible.
