What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a neurological difference that affects the way an individual learns and processes information. It is not caused by low intelligence, lack of motivation, or impaired hearing or vision. Dyslexia is often hereditary. It can be found in approximately 40% of siblings and 49% of parents who have children with dyslexia.

Varying in degrees of severity, dyslexia specifically impacts phonological awareness, the skill of identifying and manipulating sounds in spoken language. It impedes the ability to decode words and to connect alphabetic letters that are seen to the sounds that they make. Dyslexia makes reading, writing, and spelling extremely difficult — despite having average to high intelligence.

When left undiagnosed, children with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities often enter a downward spiral. It starts by losing confidence in themselves at a very young age, by being viewed as ‘dumb’ by their peers and teachers.  They are often held back in school for one or more grades. This can cause them to be ostracized and sends an unspoken message that they have failed. 

Children with learning differences then begin behavioral avoidance strategies out of frustration, like acting out or deflecting, to find ways to get out of difficult academic situations. They become isolated from those who surround them.

In order to cover up their inability to read or understand, even more severe behavior like cheating or skipping school sets in. At the same time, disciplinary measures ratchet up to address the behavioral issues. Their anxiety and stress rise. Depression sets in and substance abuse can begin. By high school, many have already contemplated or even attempted suicide.

The Downward Spiral does not have to happen. Not a single part of it.  It is completely preventable.