What to Look for with Dyslexia: Early Signs and Supportive Strategies

Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects reading, writing, and speaking. It's estimated that 1 in 5 people have dyslexia, making it one of the most common learning disabilities today. While the exact cause of dyslexia isn't known, there are early warning signs that parents can look out for. Moreover, there are supportive strategies parents can use to get their children the help they need if they do have dyslexia.

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Signs of Dyslexia in Young Children

Dyslexia often presents itself between ages 3-7. If you think your child may have dyslexia, some early warning signs to look out for include difficulty with rhyming words, difficulty learning letters and sounds in isolated settings such as an alphabet chart or during phonics instruction, slow progress in letter recognition and sound formation even after multiple attempts, difficulty recognizing sight words such as "a" or "the" when used in the context of a sentence or story, difficulty with handwriting and spatial orientation tasks such as drawing shapes like squares or circles and copying from one place to another.

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Getting Help for Your Child

Suppose you notice any warning signs of dyslexia in your child. In that case, it is important to seek out professional help from a specialist or psychologist trained in the assessment of learning disabilities so that your child can receive the supports they need. The specialist may recommend multisensory instruction involving several senses simultaneously (visual and tactile). This type of instruction will help your child learn better by allowing them to better connect with the material through sight, sound, smell, touch etc. Additionally, many school districts provide special accommodations such as extra time on tests or homework assignments through Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans and offer specialized programs within schools to support children with dyslexia. Finally, tutoring services are available outside school hours if needed.

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It is essential to be aware of potential warning signs of dyslexia so parents can get their children the support they need early on. As soon as any concerns arise about your child's development, it is crucial to speak up and seek assistance from professionals who understand the complexities associated with learning disabilities like dyslexia. With the proper support and resources, your child will have an easier time succeeding academically and beyond!

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