October is a special month, not just because of the pumpkin spice lattes and cooler weather, but because it’s Dyslexia Awareness Month! This blog post will shed some light on dyslexia, its early warning signs, and how specialized services at NeuroAide can unlock the boundless potential of every child with learning differences.
Dyslexia at a Glance
At its core, dyslexia is a specific learning difference affecting reading and language-based processes. Neurological in origin, dyslexia impacts how the brain processes written and spoken words. This neurological difference can manifest in different ways. One individual with dyslexia may struggle with reading fluency, sounding robotic or halted when reading, and another may read fluently, but struggle with spelling.
Dyslexia is not a reflection of intelligence. Many individuals with dyslexia posses above-average intelligence and boast a range of cognitive strengths including creativity, “big picture” thinking, problem-solving, and empathy.
Signs of Dyslexia
You probably heard that letter reversals (switching b and d or p and q) are a sign of dyslexia. Letter reversals, after age 8, are just one signal that an individual may have dyslexia, but there are so many more. Recognizing the early signs of dyslexia is critical for timely interventions. Here are some key indicators:
🚩Preschool Age:
Delays in speech development
Difficulty in recognizing rhymes
Frequently changes word sounds, like saying “basketti” instead of “spaghetti” (occasional sound errors are typical)
🚩Elementary School Age:
Challenges in decoding (sounding out) words and slow reading speed
Misreading or skipping small words (e.g., “at” or “to”)
Inconsistent spelling, might spell the same word in several different ways
Difficulties recalling a sequence of events
🚩Teenagers and Adults:
Excessively tired or gets headaches after reading
Reliance on memorization, rather than reading, to understand content
Difficulties putting thoughts into words (spoken or written)
How Educational Therapy Can Make a Difference
While dyslexia is not “curable,” the symptoms can be alleviated and managed by strengthening the underlying neurological processes involved in language. Targeted interventions can make reading, spelling, and writing easier, boosting confidence and paving the way for individuals with dyslexia to thrive.
Educational therapy at NeuroAide helps individuals with dyslexia by:
Identifying their neurological strengths and weaknesses
Developing an individualized intervention plan
Empowering them through goal-focused strategies that promote self-advocacy and confidence
Dyslexia is not a roadblock, but a detour sign indicating a different path. With the right guidance and support, students with dyslexia can soar in academic achievements and beyond.
Join Us in Making a Difference
As we embrace Dyslexia Awareness Month, consider reaching out. Whether you have concerns about your child or are a teacher seeking guidance on supporting students, our door is always open. Together, we can ensure that every child, irrespective of their learning differences, has the tools to shine brightly.
To find out if educational therapy can help you or your child, schedule a FREE 20-minute consultation with NeuroAide today.
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