We understand how often families struggle with finding the best path for their students on their academic journey. There are countless misconceptions pertaining to dyslexia, which can make it hard to know what’s truly best for your child. With our experienced team of Dyslexia Interventionists, Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALT) and Licensed Dyslexia Therapists (LDT), we’re here to debunk those myths and help raise awareness of dyslexia and related learning challenges.
Read below for common myths and facts on dyslexia:
1.) Myth: Reading and writing letters backwards is a main sign of dyslexia.
Fact: This may not always be the case. We have students that come to us not writing backwards and some that do. Letter reversal isn’t necessarily a sign that your child has dyslexia, as many young children commonly reverse letters in early stages of their education.
2.) Myth: Dyslexia in children doesn’t show up until elementary school.
Fact: Signs of dyslexia in children can show up in pre-school or even earlier. Dyslexia can affect language skills that are essential for reading and writing. For example, a few signs that a preschooler may be at risk include being a late “talker” and difficulty rhyming words.
3.) Myth: Dyslexia “goes away” once a child learns how to read.
Fact: Although early intervention makes a big difference in helping children with dyslexia learn to read, the ability to read doesn’t mean they’re “cured.” Dyslexia is a lifelong learning obstacle that affects more than just basic reading skills.
4.) Myth: Dyslexia is a vision problem.
Fact: People diagnosed with dyslexia are no more likely to have vision problems than others. It’s true that many do have problems with visual perception or visual processing, meaning the brain has trouble processing what the eyes are seeing. These challenges can make reading difficult, but they are not a part of dyslexia.
5.) Myth: Dyslexia is caused by a lack of effort from a student.
Fact: Oftentimes, many students with dyslexia have above-average intelligence and creativity, working diligently to overcome their learning difficulties. With the right tools, resources and teacher support – any student can succeed.
6.) Myth: “Gifted children” cannot be dyslexic or have a learning disability.
Fact: Children diagnosed with dyslexia are gifted with unique learning abilities. There are several successful people with very high IQs and have gone on to accomplish outstanding things in their lives. Dyslexia does not define intelligence.
7.) Myth: Dyslexia only affects people who speak English.
Fact: Dyslexia occurs in countries all around the world with written language, including both alphabetic and logographic languages.
At Dyslexia School of Houston, we believe that empathy is the forefront for all good instruction and that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed academically. Our mission is to provide the right tools and resources for families navigating through the difficulties that come with dyslexia. We won’t stop until there is literacy for all. By understanding more about dyslexia and related literacy challenges, you too can help debunk myths. Learn more about dyslexia by following our Instagram and Facebook and if you’re interested in enrolling your child for Dyslexia School of Houston, contact us for more information.
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