5 Traits To Help Identify Dyslexia In Your Child

Dyslexia

Does your child struggle in school?

Do they cry during homework because they are so frustrated that they do not understand what they are learning?

That was me as a child; I struggled in reading and I could not spell. I would flip my b’s and d’s and I would have multiple break downs during homework because I did not understand what was in front of me.

My parents tried almost everything; I had tutors throughout the year, I was in a special reading class from K-6th grade and I was even tested for special education.

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No one knew why I struggled so much in school until my 3rd-grade year.

I was tested for dyslexia and my parents found out that I was mildly dyslexic.

Dyslexia is not something that will hinder your child from going to college, nor will it cripple your child from being a successful adult. Dyslexia is not a handicap. A child with dyslexia is no less intelligent than an average child; they just require specialized avenues of intervention. If your child is having trouble in school, here are 5 traits to help determine if your child deals with dyslexia.

5 Traits To Help Determine If Your Child Deals With Dyslexia

Basic Skills

  • May not be able to match letters and sounds together to sound out words
  • Has trouble recognizing if two words rhyme

Spelling

  • May forget how to spell words even after learning words for multiple weeks
  • Spells phonemically and inconsistently
  • Mixes up the order of letters while spelling
  • Flips letters (ex: b = d, p =q)

Reading

  • Seems confused or bored by books
  • Have difficulty recalling details when they read
  • Difficulty sounding out words
  • Reads below expected grade level
  • Difficulty recognizing common sight words
  • Frequently has to re-read passages
  • Often skips over small words while reading out loud

Math

  • Difficulty telling time
  • When computing math, the child is dependent on finger-counting or other tricks to solve math problems
  • Can count but has difficulty counting objects and dealing with money
  • Consistently struggles with word problems
  • Unable to grasp algebra or higher math

Behaviors

Dyslexia does not directly cause behaviors, but due to the fact that a child is behind academically, a child may start exhibiting behaviors to cope with their frustration.

  • Anxiety may be due to their constant frustration and confusion in school.
  • A child may become angry because they may feel defeated with school
  • Dyslexic children may have a poor self image
  • Depression is another complication with dyslexia

While dyslexia may be viewed as a barrier, it is not a determinant of academic success. With the guidance and understanding of my parents, I was able to develop ways to cope with dyslexia.

Because of my academic struggles, I have dedicated my life to helping children that struggle in school, just like I did. If you feel like your child may have dyslexia, consult with your doctor or school counselor and begin to build a plan cope with dyslexia.

 

~McKenzie

 

Picture of McKenzie Wickham, M.S.Ed

McKenzie Wickham, M.S.Ed

One comment

  1. I noticed 2 years ago my son was confused with his letters and can’t do word problems and he’s 12 and is in a ese class . Still feel he needs more help he only has the left side of his brain but is extremely smart.

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