Diagnosing and managing dyslexia in children is essential, particularly for kids who are struggling to read. It’s no surprise that kids usually find it challenging to read when they start schooling. But if reading becomes a consistent struggle, leaving a kid behind their peers, the chances are high they have dyslexia, a common learning disorder in children.

Dyslexia is the difficulty of attaching letters to sounds of spoken languages. The condition is usually linked to trouble learning to read because it affects a child’s ability to identify and manipulate sounds in languages. Kids with dyslexia find it hard to decode new words, causing difficulty in reading, spelling, and writing.

Below are the basics you need to know about dyslexia in children.

Early Signs of Dyslexia 

Most experts recommend that children with dyslexia should be diagnosed as early as possible and receive the help they need. The best way to achieve that is by watching for the signs and symptoms of the condition. The child’s teacher should always look out for signs that things aren’t okay. Here are the signs of dyslexia in school-going children.

• Reverse numbers and letters when reading
• Find it difficult to sound out new words
• Have difficulty taking notes and copying down words written on the board
• Lack fluency of language compared to other kids of their age
• Find it challenging to spell even the most common words
• Feel tired and frustrated when called upon to read out loud to classmates

Treatment and Support for Kids

If your kid has dyslexia, invest in programs to help the child improve their reading ability. Such programs emphasize teaching dyslexic kids how to pronounce small, simple words. The child will also learn how to break bigger words and memorize sight words.

To support children with dyslexia, encourage them to participate in activities they love doing most, whether it’s drawing, painting, or music. Such non-reading activities will build their confidence. Provide emotional support to boost their self-esteem.

How and When to Test for Dyslexia

You can spot the early signs of dyslexia even before your kid learns the ABCs. Check if your child finds it tricky to rhyme words or remember lyrics. Children with dyslexia can’t easily pull words apart and understand the differences in rhyming words or sounds.

In early elementary schools, children with dyslexia may complain about doing homework and going to school. Schools should test things like a kid’s ability to sound out nonsense words. Diagnosing the kids will help them love school and stay confident.

Conclusion

Early evaluation and diagnosis of dyslexia in children is the most effective way to treat and support kids suffering from this neurological condition. Schools should test for the signs of dyslexia as early as kindergarten. With proper guidance and support, any child with dyslexia can learn how to read and write, even though it’s challenging.

Connect with us to learn more information about dyslexia in children.