Dyslexia Treatment

Dyslexia Explained

Dyslexia in children, also called a specific reading disability, is the most common learning disability. Children with dyslexia have impairment with their ability to translate written images into meaningful language. As a result, children with dyslexia’s spoken language and writing can be impacted.

Dyslexia, if left untreated, may contribute to other social problems for children. Spotting dyslexia prior to a child starting school is challenging. Treatment for dyslexia begins with recognizing your child may not be progressing as expected in reading and writing ability. Once diagnosed, dyslexia treatment teaches children how to cope using educational tools and other methods.

Dyslexia’s Associated Disorders

Children who are diagnosed with dyslexia also sometimes struggle with other learning difficulties including:

Dyscalculia – mathematical disability
Dysgraphia – writing disability
Dyspraxia – sensory integration disorder
Gerstmann’s Syndrome – cognitive impairment as a result of brain damage in a specific area
Language-Based Learning Disabilities – problems with age appropriate level in reading, writing, and/or spelling

In addition to these associated disorders, if left undiagnosed, a child with dyslexia could experience social problems such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and withdrawal from teachers, family and friends.

Symptoms of Dyslexia

According to The Mayo Clinic, it may be difficult to accurately diagnose dyslexia in children prior to the child starting school.

Pre-school Age Dyslexia Symptoms

These symptoms may arise in children prior to reaching school age:

Difficulty with rhyming
Delays with talking
Learning words at a slower than normal pace

School Aged Dyslexia Symptoms

These symptoms may arise in children after they reach school age:

Reading below the expected age level of the child
Difficulty processing and understanding what is heard
Difficulty following more than one prompt
Seeing letters or words in reverse
Difficulty spelling
Difficulty with sequencing
Difficulty with pronunciation

Causes of Dyslexia

According to the Mayo Clinic, dyslexia has been linked to a gene and consequently seems to be an inherited condition.

Commonality of Dyslexia

According to The National Assessment of Educational Progress, one in five students, or 15-20% of the population, have a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia in children is probably the most common of the language-based learning disabilities.

Diagnosis of Dyslexia

The diagnosis of dyslexia is often made through a comprehensive psychoeducational academic assessment. This type of assessment helps with accurate diagnosis, which in turn, helps a family establish appropriate school and home-based recommendations.

Equilibria Kids in Philadelphia conduct comprehensive learning disability testing for dyslexia diagnosis, along with other learning disorders affecting a child or teen’s academic performance.