In my many years working with children and young adults, I have seen firsthand the challenges people with dyslexia face in their everyday lives. However, I’ve also seen the remarkable resilience and potential they possess when provided with the right tools and support. In this blog post, I’ll share some valuable insights and practical tips to empower and support people with dyslexia.
Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects reading, writing, spelling, and sometimes speaking. Dyslexia is NOT reflective of intelligence; it is a difference in how the brain processes language. With the right strategies, individuals with dyslexia can thrive in school and beyond.
Tools and Tips:
- Use Multisensory Learning: Engaging multiple senses (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) helps reinforce learning in multiple ways. When we engage multiple senses while learning, the information we learn is stored in multiple parts of our brain instead of in one concentrated area. This makes it easier to quickly access and retrieve the information when needed. Some examples include highlighting or color coding text, repeating the information out loud while marching or bouncing a ball, drawing pictures or diagrams of the information, or incorporating hands-on activities to enhance understanding of difficult concepts.
- Mind Mapping and Graphic Organizers: Incorporating visual tools such as mind maps or graphic organizers can help organize thoughts to increase understanding of concepts. These visual organizers can help one brainstorm, plan, or summarize complex information in a way that is easier to understand.
- Assistive Technology: There are many assistive technology tools available to support people with dyslexia. Text-to-speech software or speech to text tools can help bypass some of the challenges of reading and writing.
- Flexible Accommodations: Advocate for accommodations such as extended time on exams, note-taking supports, or alternative formats for assignments (e.g., audio recordings). These accommodations can help individuals with dyslexia demonstrate their true abilities.
- Positive Reinforcement and Self-Advocacy: Celebrate your strengths and achievements and advocate for yourself when necessary. Always remember that dyslexia is only a difference in how you take in and understand language- it does NOT mean you are less smart than peers. Advocate for ways to demonstrate your strengths and maintain a supportive group of peers who make you feel valued.
What treatment is available?
If you are looking for ways to help yourself or your child, contact us at Neuroclics for a free consultation. We offer Physio-Neuro Therapy (PNT), which has been proven for over 35 years to help those with dyslexia overcome their disability and enjoy academic success. Call us today!