Though dyslexia is quite common, it is still a mystery to many people, especially to those who don’t have it, or don’t know anyone who struggles with dyslexia. Though it’s a complex disability, there are some major components that everyone should know, whether they have a loved one struggling with dyslexia or a fellow student working through this disability. We’ve found that education is the best way to combat stigma, so let The Total Learning Center get to the basics of dyslexia with you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dyslexia
- What is dyslexia? Good question! This language-based learning disability isn’t quite the “backwards letter” stereotype you’ve no doubt heard, but a challenge with manipulating language. It’s an umbrella term referring to a number of symptoms, such as difficulty reading, pronouncing words, spelling, and writing. Though its cause has been debated for many years, severity varies from person to person, which is why evaluations and lessons are crucial. You can find more information in this helpful video:
- How common is dyslexia? It’s estimated that one in five people struggles with some form of dyslexia, so 20% of the population has a reading difficulty.
- Can dyslexics ever learn to read? Of course! There are many strategies to manage dyslexia. The earlier it is caught, the easier it will be for a student to adapt to the various tools offered. That includes a carefully structured education like the one offered through the Wilson Curriculum at our dyslexia learning center serving Long Branch.
- What are some ways to help dyslexic students? This is a multi-layered question with no simple answer, but it starts at home: don’t make children feel incompetent for not understanding. They perceive language and words in a different way. On a more practical level, there are a number of apps for students to assist with reading, spelling and language, and teachers and parents alike can work together to accommodate a dyslexic student to make education less stressful for them.
- Is dyslexia genetic? Yes. It’s a combination of neurobiological and genetic factors, though previous relatives with dyslexia will not necessarily determine the severity of the next relative who inherits it.
Have more questions about dyslexia, or suspect your child may be struggling with it? Let us help. Contact the Total Learning Center today to learn more about our classes or schedule a dyslexia evaluation.