Dyslexia is a common problem we encounter as an organization dedicated to treating or resolving learning disabilities in children. It’s a frustrating reading disability for many children who find themselves unable to comprehend words and sentences like their peers.

Dyslexia can also affect spelling and writing but does not reflect a lack of intelligence. We’d like to delve further into this topic by reviewing the common symptoms along with what you can do about them.

Symptoms of Dyslexia

Do you recognize any of these symptoms of dyslexia in your child?

• Their reading capability is below grade-level expectations.
• They have difficulty comprehending or remembering sequences.
• Your child avoids reading altogether.
• They may also struggle to sound out tough words.
• Their reading and writing speed is abnormally slow.
• If it progresses into their teens, it may translate into difficulty solving math word problems or learning foreign languages.

If you’ve noticed these symptoms, then don’t despair, but consider visiting your healthcare provider for an assessment. There are ways to address dyslexia, but that of course begins with a proper diagnosis.

Dyslexia FAQs

Here are a few FAQs from parents with concerns about childhood dyslexia.

1. What causes dyslexia?
   • Genetics and neurobiology are the primary contributors to dyslexia, but it’s not considered a “disease.” The most common predictor of dyslexia is a family history of the problem.
2. Are there other similar conditions?
   • Yes, and as much as 20% of the population experiences some type of language-based learning disability. You may also encounter learning troubles such as dyscalculia (difficulty grasping math) and dysgraphia (handwriting difficulty).
   • Dyslexia sometimes corresponds with non-learning disabilities like Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Finally, dyslexia impacts boys and girls, and members of various ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds proportionally.
3. Does dyslexia make it impossible to read?
   • No, there’s plenty of hope for your child, provided you seek assistance through a reputable phonics training program. If a child does not receive structured literacy intervention, then the problem will probably persist into high school and adulthood. It is, however, never too late to help someone with dyslexia.

Patient & Effective Guidance for Children with Dyslexia

Laurel Ann Colgate, founder, and owner of the Center for Natural Integrated Learning has years of experience as a dyslexic interventionist. Her experience as a trained educator and parent of a disabled child makes her uniquely qualified to mentor and train children with learning disabilities, including dyslexia.

If you’re a parent of a child suffering from dyslexia, we want you to know there are resources for improving the condition. Contact us to learn about dyslexia, our caring and educational resources, and everything else we offer clients in Florida by calling 941-264-3727.