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-6^th grade and I was even tested for special education.

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