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How can I Help my Dyslexic Child?

Diana Bocco
Diana Bocco

Dyslexia, or developmental dyslexia, is a condition in which a person has difficulty with word recognition, reading, writing, and concentration. Researchers estimate that up to eleven percent of school-aged children in the United States have some level of dyslexia.

If you have a dyslexic child, there are many things you can do at home to help him or her, starting with gathering as much information as you can about dyslexia. The more informed you are, the more you can do to help. Here are some other ideas to consider when dealing with a dyslexic child:

When working with a dyslexic child, it's often helpful to treat reading as a game rather than a task.
When working with a dyslexic child, it's often helpful to treat reading as a game rather than a task.

Provide emotional support by building a positive atmosphere. A dyslexic child often feels anxious and needs frequent reassurance from a loving parent. Make sure you encourage him through the difficulties and build his self-esteem by providing him with chances to shine in other areas outside the academic environment. Play up your child's natural abilities, be they sports, art, or video games. Emphasize the importance of other skills and make sure your child understands that grades are not the ultimate measure of his value.

Providing emotional support and reading often may be beneficial to a dyslexic child.
Providing emotional support and reading often may be beneficial to a dyslexic child.

Focus on reading as a game rather than a chore. Read to your dyslexic child every chance you get, from traffic signs to labels to books and magazines. Point out new words and make spelling them part of the game. There are many books available that emphasize alliteration and rhyme, and they can be an excellent addition to your household. Above all, become a role model by showing your child that reading is enjoyable.

It may help a child's confidence to play up his or her natural abilities, such as sports.
It may help a child's confidence to play up his or her natural abilities, such as sports.

A dyslexic child usually needs more attention and help with homework than other children do. A dyslexic child also needs more frequent breaks. Pay attention and encourage "breathing time" when you see your child starting to get anxious and overly distracted. Use these breaks to play word games or encourage other activities, but don't overdo it. Too much extra work can make a child with dyslexia feel overwhelmed and result in frustration and resentment.

Discussion Comments

jjmueller

We found a program that explained explains the seven main reasons some children have difficulty learning to read. The program is "Easyread by Oxford Learning Systems". This is an online program that helps struggling children learn how to read. (It has a 96 percent success rate as well as a guarantee) It is especially optimized for dyslexic children and highly visual learners.

This program has helped our two children by using lessons that are less than 15 minutes per day, four to five days per week. I wholeheartedly recommend this program!

Bhutan

SurfNTurf - I have heard of that program. It is supposed to be really good.

I know that my friend’s son had a problem with dyslexia and she took him to Lindamood Bell. It is a center that offers remedial instruction for children that have difficulty learning.

They offer a comprehensive exam and then tailor the lessons in order to develop the child's reading and math skills.

My friend’s son attended Lindamood Bell for about a year and he now reads at grade level even though he had difficulty learning due to his dyslexia.

surfNturf

Mutsy - Wow what a nice message. I have to say that there are programs for helping a dyslexic child.

Audiblox is a cognitive development program that you can use in the comfort of your own home with your child that will help with the cognitive processing problems of letter and number reversals.

The program costs $280 and includes a manual with seven programs along with blocks and a CD to use with your child.

The program is available for the school market as well.

mutsy

I agree that many dyslexic children can develop into successful students. I saw a movie about a true story about a student who struggled with dyslexia in medical school.

He eventually was able to graduate from medical school and become a doctor. It was such an inspiring story and really proves that there are no limits to what you can achieve.

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    • When working with a dyslexic child, it's often helpful to treat reading as a game rather than a task.
      By: altanaka
      When working with a dyslexic child, it's often helpful to treat reading as a game rather than a task.
    • Providing emotional support and reading often may be beneficial to a dyslexic child.
      By: Elenathewise
      Providing emotional support and reading often may be beneficial to a dyslexic child.
    • It may help a child's confidence to play up his or her natural abilities, such as sports.
      By: biker3
      It may help a child's confidence to play up his or her natural abilities, such as sports.
    • Dyslexic children may need more frequent breaks from homework.
      By: Cheryl Casey
      Dyslexic children may need more frequent breaks from homework.
    • One-on-one tutoring is one resource that might help someone dealing with dyslexia.
      By: Monkey Business
      One-on-one tutoring is one resource that might help someone dealing with dyslexia.