Dyslexia: Looking Beyond the Surface

Virginia Woronoff, M.S., CCC-SLP

Bilnigual Speech Pathologist at Communicate with Kate Speech Therapy

“Why Do I Have Dyslexia And My Brother Doesn’t?”

This was the question that struck my client one afternoon during a spirited game of Jenga.

Dyslexia is one of the many diagnoses treated by speech language pathologists that has not only an academic impact but also a highly social-emotional one. If your child/student has been recently diagnosed with dyslexia or you are concerned that they might have dyslexia, keep reading! 

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a reading disorder characterized by difficulty reading, writing, spelling, and speaking (word finding). Reading disorders fall under the larger umbrella of “specific learning disorder”. According to the research, roughly 10% of the world’s population has a specific learning disorder. Among that population with specific learning disorders, 80 -90% have dyslexia. 

*Fun Fact: Elbert Einstein, Walt Disney and Leonardo da Vinci all had dyslexia. 

Signs + Symptoms

Younger students at risk for dyslexia may present with difficulty: following directions, rhymes, repeating or leaving out short words (i.e. the, but, and, so, ect), and differentiating left from right.

Older students with dyslexia may present with: difficulty learning to read (i.e. sounding out words, identifying syllables, ect), continued reversal of letters and numbers when reading, difficulty taking notes/copying from the board, slow/lack of reading fluency, difficulty spelling familiar words, and avoids reading allowed in class. 

Outside of the academic setting, students with dyslexia will likely have trouble with: learning the rules to a new game, learning a new language, understanding signs/logos, reading an analog clock, and emotional outbursts due to frustration.

Impact

Many of us are familiar with the popular iceberg analogy and its general implications of “more is happening than meets the eye”. This analogy provides a nice visualization of the experience of a young person with dyslexia. Much of the initial work in therapy for dyslexia is based around rebuilding self confidence, specifically as it relates to academic ability, potential, and intelligence. 

Credit to Right Resources Co (LTD) 2013

Diagnosis

Difficulties with pre-literacy skills, phonological awareness, and word finding can become apparent (and be supported) in preschoolers; however, an official diagnosis of dyslexia is recommended once your child is school aged and has had some literacy education (i.e. 1st grade, around 6 years of age). Dyslexia can be diagnosed by a specialist in your child’s school or through a private practice by a speech language pathologist, psychologist, or neuropsychologist. 

Supports 

Students with dyslexia need specified intervention in the area of foundational literacy skills (i.e. phonological awareness). There are many great programs that have successfully supported students with dyslexia to increase their reading fluency, writing skills, as well as decrease their academic stress. (Read more about what to look for in a quality literacy program in our blog ‘Uncracking the Literacy Code: Programs that Boost Lnaguage and LIteracy’.)

In terms of accommodations, audiobooks, extended time on assignments, a quiet room/space to work, exemption from “popcorn reading” activities, the option to record lectures and preview/print class powerpoints to take notes on, ect are helpful. Arguably, the most important support is to point out student strengths and help them to rebuild their own self confidence around their intellect and academic abilities. 

Dyslexia is a dynamic diagnosis and, like most experiences, not the same for everyone. If you suspect that your child has dyslexia, contact your local SLP today. It is vitally important for your child's emotional and academic well being to receive services as soon as possible.

If you have concerns about your child’s speech, language or literacy skills, contact a speech and language pathologist today.

Written by Virginia Woronoff, M.S., CCC-SLP

Virginia (Gigi) is a bilingual ENG/SPA Speech Pathologist who is passionate about supporting educators, parents and other health professionals working with bi/multilingual children. Gigi is orginally from the USA.