Do I Have Dyslexia - Explaining Symptoms and Myths for Kids

Posted by Erica Warren on Mar 18, 2021

What do you do when you learn that your child has dyslexia? Should you hide this diagnosis to protect them from labels and misunderstandings, or should you tell them? If you do decide to tell them, how do you do this? Can you help them to overcome any potential fears or misunderstandings? These are the questions that I answer in this blog. Feel free to use my kid-friendly graphics.

What are the Benefits of Telling Your Child That He or She Has Dyslexia?

Educating your child with dyslexia about the common signs and misconceptions can help them to:

understand that they learn in a different way than other kids that don’t have dyslexia.
shed negative labels such as stupid, careless, unmotivated and lazy.
correct any misunderstandings.
identify with other successful people that have or had dyslexia.
acquire the needed intervention and instruction in school.
learn that many people with dyslexia have strengths that others do not have. Individuals with dyslexia are often:

great at communicating their ideas aloud.
creative, critical thinkers.
good at seeing the big picture.
excellent at solving puzzles and building things.

Help your Child Understand Dyslexia by Reviewing the Eleven Common Signs

Show your child the image below and read the list out loud. Ask them to identify which symptoms describe their difficulties.

You have or had trouble with letter reversals (b and d) and words reversals (was and saw).
You have or had troubles with reading aloud.
You have or had trouble with words problems in math.
You have or had trouble understanding jokes, punchlines, sarcasm and inferences.
You have or had trouble following a series of written or aural directions.
You have or had trouble mispronouncing words.
You have or had trouble rhyming words.
You have or had trouble telling directions.
You have or had trouble recalling names or words.
You have or had trouble with spelling
You have or had trouble learning how to read.

What are Four Myths and Truths about Dyslexia?

Show your child the graphic below and read the list of myths and truths out loud. Ask them to respond to each of the myths - "Have you ever felt this way?" Then read the truth and address any questions.

Myth #1: People with dyslexia are not smart.
Truth #1: Many dyslexic individuals are extremely bright and creative. In fact, many kids with dyslexia are gifted. Watch a video on famous people with dyslexia: Click Here

Myth #2: People with dyslexia cannot learn to read or write.
Truth #2: With the right intervention and instruction people with dyslexia can become excellent readers and writers.

Myth #3: People with dyslexia see things backwards.
Truth #3: Dyslexia is not a vision problem. It has to do with how the brain make sense of what is seen. Click here to learn more about visual processing.

Myth #4: People with dyslexia are lazy and should try harder.
Truth #4: Kids with dyslexia learn differently. When they are asked to learn in a way that does not work well for them, it can take more time.

Finding Multisensory Remedial Tools for Kids with Dyslexia:

If you are looking for fun, creative and multisensory remedial materials, lessons and games created for learners with dyslexia, CLICK HERE.
If you would like a free copy of these images CLICK HERE.
Perhaps you would like some free sample activities that can help students with dyslexia - CLICK HERE

Did You Know that There Are Many Different Types of Dyslexia?

There are many different types of dyslexia, because there are numerous cognitive processing weaknesses that can lead to this diagnosis. Therefore, it important to discover and understand each dyslexic student's unique pattern of processing deficits so the best intervention can be defined.

Three of the most commonly defined subtypes of dyslexia include Dyseidetic Dyslexia or Visual Dyslexia, Dysphonetic Dyslexia or Auditory Dyslexia and Dysphoneidetic or Alexic Dyslexia. CLICK HERE to learn more.

If you want to learn more about the gifts of dyslexia and strategies for success consider reading:

Cheers, Dr. Erica Warren

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning. She is also the director of Learning to Learn, and Learning Specialist Courses.