What is Dyslexia? What Are the Characteristics of a Child with Dyslexia?

Although dyslexia, which we call learning disability, is a congenital learning disorder, it manifests itself in primary school periods. What are the characteristics of the child with dyslexia and what happens if dyslexia is not treated?

What is dyslexia?

First of all, let’s start with the question of whether a specific learning disability and dyslexia are the same thing . These two concepts are essentially the same thing. The report is given as a specific learning disability. However, it is also known as dyslexia because it is recognized in the field of literacy and more generally in the field of literacy.

Dyslexia is a developmental learning disability that is mainly seen in neurological-based skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics. In order for a child to be diagnosed with dyslexia, they must have normal or superior intelligence and no emotional or physical disorders.

Specific types of learning disabilities

1-Dyscalculia; difficulties in acquiring arithmetic and mathematical skills, solving operations involving basic mathematical skills very slowly and difficultly, and difficulty in learning mathematical concepts.

2-Dysgraphia; It is a disorder that affects writing. Writing for age is slower than expected, and writing is more erratic in form.

3-Dyslexia; Difficulty in reading, reading letters incompletely, reading by changing or adding suffixes, reading slowly and spelling according to age is a condition.

4-Dyspraxia; It manifests itself in the form of difficulties in gross motor functions, inability to provide organization, and difficulties in longitudinal concepts.

Dyslexia symptoms

At what age does dyslexia occur, the question is one of the most curious things about the subject. The first signs of dyslexia appear around the age of 1-2, when children learn to make the first sounds, but are mostly understood in primary school. Let’s talk about the characteristics of the child with dyslexia .

• Reading words backwards
• Mixing syllables and letters
• Pausing reading,
• Confusing numbers with some letters (For example, they can write the letter “E” backwards. They can use the number “3” instead of “E”. Especially the lowercase “b” and “d” letters, dotted letters and non-dotted letters are mixed. They have difficulties with tails.).

• If a child comes out of diapers late or walks late,
• Inability to tie his shoes and wear them inside out,
• Inability to button up his clothes
• The inability to use fine motor neurons such as fork and spoon may be among the symptoms of specific learning disabilities.

In kindergarten, a child should be able to paint without overflowing the coloring book. But in general, it manifests itself in the first grade of primary school. Even though children are not fluent in this period, they should have learned to read and write gradually. If there is a contrary situation, the probability of dyslexia is very high.

What causes dyslexia? Does dyslexia happen later?

It is a congenital, genetically inherited neurological condition. It is not possible for a child to become dyslexic later on. It is also necessary to explain whether dyslexia is a “genius disease” or whether dyslexia has anything to do with intelligence. Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence development.

Are children with dyslexia any different?

It is not correct to call dyslexia a disease. These children only experience difficulties in academic terms. Apart from that, there is no difference between them and their peers. In other words, there is nothing that children with dyslexia cannot do compared to their peers.

Dyslexic children do not have a problem with intelligence. Every dyslexic child can achieve academic success like his peers when he receives education with the method that is suitable for him and can choose the profession he wants in the future. Diagnosis should be made in line with the suspicions without neglecting it.

What is dyslexia treatment?

The question of which doctor to go to for dyslexia is one of the issues that parents wonder. The diagnosis of dyslexia (specific learning disability) is made by child psychiatrists. After the diagnosis is made, special education should be started. Let’s talk about what happens if dyslexia is not treated . If dyslexia is not treated, there is a continuity of failure in academic life.

What is dyslexia education?

An education method is determined according to the deficiencies written in the reports of the children who receive a dyslexia report. Each dyslexic child is evaluated individually and education is planned accordingly. They can receive special education from 6 to 18 years old.

Children with dyslexia should continue to receive special education while they go to the schools where they are educated. While continuing the education given at school, the foundation should be strengthened by determining the right method in special education. In the education of the child with dyslexia, the teacher should cooperate with the family and the child, and the curriculum should be prepared accordingly.

What are the challenges faced by dyslexic children and their families?

In addition to academic difficulties, children may be reluctant to read, write and go to school. For families, it is important to accept the situation first and to cooperate with an institution that provides education with the right method. From time to time, children experience peer bullying.

It is necessary to be aware of how families should treat their children with dyslexia. Dyslexia is not a disease. They should support children in getting the right education, should not approach them in an accusatory manner and should cooperate.

Are there any dyslexia games or activities?

It is important for them to participate in all activities that other children attend, so that they do not experience social isolation. Sports activities and playing an instrument are supportive for dyslexic children.