Empowering Parents
Empowering Parents
Your child struggles with reading. Maybe sounding out words is a challenge. Or reading without making a lot of mistakes. Could this be dyslexia?
If you think your child has dyslexia, you may worry about what it means. There are a few things to know.
First, dyslexia is very common. Second, children who have it are just as smart as other children. And third, there are proven methods for teaching children with dyslexia to read and improve skills.
Here are steps to take if you’re concerned your child has dyslexia:
- Learn the signs of dyslexia—and the myths.
Reading involves many skills and children can struggle with more than one. Plus, reading challenges show up in different ways as children get older.
- Look for patterns.
Watch for what happens when your child reads, and take notes on what you see. You may be able to pick up patterns. For example, are certain words harder for your child to sound out than others? The more you notice, the more information you have to share with others.
- Find out what the teacher is seeing.
Tell your child’s teacher what you’ve noticed at home, and ask if the same things are happening at school. Sharing information gives you both a better idea of what your child is struggling with so you can get the right support.
- Let your child know there’s help.
Struggling in school can make children feel alone and bad about themselves. Let your child know you’re working with the teacher to find the best ways to help. Knowing they can improve can help your child stay motivated.
- Know where to go for answers.
Teachers and health care providers are great resources. They can suggest steps to take to find out if your child has dyslexia, like an assessment at school.
Many schools use the DST, the Dyslexia Screening Test. Others use online assessments.
- Find ways to help at home.
There are lots of ways to build reading skills at home. Discover strategies that you can try . But don’t just focus on challenges. Help your child celebrate small and big successes in reading or any other activity.
- Build a support network.
As you take steps to help your child, it’s important for you to have support, too. Try to be open about your child’s challenges with people you trust. You can also connect with other families in the secure understood community. Facebook has many support groups or join the Hampshire Dyslexia Association!!