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The Four Ds of Dyslexia
Defining, Deciphering, Diagnosis and Dealing
By Ruth Brister
The first step in helping your child deal with dyslexia is a thorough diagnostic evaluation. "This will profile strengths and weaknesses as well as help determine an appropriate plan for intervention," Carter says.
Equally important is constant communication with your child's teacher. Find out the kind of reading instruction being used. Inquire about what changes can be made that will help your child. "If your child needs more help than the general education classroom can provide, you can request an assessment to better understand the nature of your child's reading problems and to determine his/her eligibility for special education and related services," Jess says. She points out that parents can support a child's learning at home by having reading materials easily available in the house, by reading to their children and asking questions about content.
Encourage your child to participate in activities such as art, music, athletics and mechanics. This will provide an opportunity for recognition and praise, but most of all, it will enhance the child's self-esteem.
Maintaining a sense of self-worth is critical for a child who is struggling in school. Dyslexia may be a lifelong problem but it does not have to be a lifelong struggle. After all, a child with dyslexia is in good company: Albert Einstein, Walt Disney, John F. Kennedy and Charles Schwab all succeeded despite dyslexia.