Mental Health: What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia was brought to the limelight with Darsheel Safary, playing a dyslexic child in the film Taare Zameen Par. According to experts, dyslexia goes undetected as parents presume their child is either slow at learning or is not putting enough effort into studies. But in reality, dyslexia is a neuro development disorder that can be corrected with the right help and guidance.

Dyslexia was brought to the limelight with Darsheel Safary, playing a dyslexic child in the film Taare Zameen Par. According to experts, dyslexia goes undetected as parents presume their child is either slow at learning or is not putting enough effort into studies. But in reality, dyslexia is a neuro development disorder that can be corrected with the right help and guidance.

What is Dyslexia?

According to pediatrician Dr. Anjana Thadhani, ¡°Learning disability or dyslexia is a well-established neurodevelopment disorder and is present in a child since birth.¡± Dr Thadhani who is attached with Niramay Guidance Clinic and Learning Disability Centre, KEM Hospital points out that dyslexia is estimated to be present in 10% of all school-going children. It is seen in boys as well as girls.

Also Read: Famous Dyslexics

Mental Health : What is Dyslexia?

What causes Dyslexia?

It may manifest at any time depending on various factors such as academic exposure, environmental stimulation, potential of the child etc. It is known to run in the family and genetic basis has been suspected as the causes of dyslexia. No clear cause is identified but any minor "insult" or harm to the growing brain during pregnancy, birth or even later, may lead to learning problems later on.
?
Also Read: Possible Causes of Dyslexia

Mental Health: What is Dyslexia?

What are the types of Learning Disability?

Learning Disability consists of three distinct types, Dysgraphia (difficulty in writing), Dyscalculia (difficulty in arithmetic) and Dyslexia (difficulty in reading).

?Also Read: What is Dysgraphia?

Mental Health: What is Dyslexia?

How does Dyslexia present itself?

The condition of children with dyslexia is varied. Children may have various combinations of academic and behavioural problems that make each child with dyslexia unique. Since it is a hidden handicap, it may go undetected. A child who is otherwise bright and is able to perform well in other spheres of life does badly in school. The child shows very salient but definitive social adjustment problems if not helped earlier. Most of the children exhibit academic problems by the fourth and fifth standard or even earlier.

Mental Health: What is Dyslexia?

What are the signs of Dyslexia?

The child shows reading problems whereby he may hate reading aloud or may not read at all or reads with finger tracing. Usually, his oral performance is much better than the written work. The child may show a lot of spelling errors and slow and inadequate written output. Most of the children just dislike writing. There may be significant problems in mathematics including understanding basic concepts, learning of tables and sequencing.

Also Read: When do 5 year olds start reading and writing properly

Mental Health: What is Dyslexia?

If my child does not study, what do I do?

An eye checkup and audiogram is required to check the vision and hearing of the child. A detailed evaluation of the child including the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) along with educational assessment helps to understand the child better. In the city of Mumbai, this kind of help is available for evaluation of learning problems in various guidance and counselling centres.

Also Read: 37 Common Characteristics of Dyslexia