Understanding Dyslexia in Children

Dyslexia in children is one of the most common learning differences affecting millions of people worldwide, including many in Nigeria.

Despite its prevalence, dyslexia remains widely misunderstood, often leading to stigmatization and frustration for those who experience it.

We aim to shed light on the complexities of this condition and offer practical advice on how to support children with dyslexia, both in educational settings and everyday life.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a neurobiological condition that primarily affects reading, writing, and spelling skills. It is classified as a specific learning disorder because it mainly interferes with language-related tasks while leaving other cognitive abilities intact.

Contrary to popular belief, dyslexia is not linked to intelligence. People with dyslexia often have average or above-average intelligence and can excel in other areas like creativity, problem-solving, and oral communication.

Dyslexia in children arises from the way the brain processes language, particularly the connection between letters and their corresponding sounds.

Children with dyslexia struggle to break down words into phonemes (the smallest units of sound), making it challenging to read, spell, and write fluently.

Signs and Symptoms of Dyslexia in Children

While dyslexia manifests differently in each child, certain signs are common. It’s essential to recognize these early, as timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Key indicators include:

1. Difficulty Reading:
   • Children with dyslexia may find it hard to decode or sound out words, even those they’ve seen before. This often leads to slow, laborious reading.
2. Frequent Spelling Errors:
   • Individuals with dyslexia may consistently spell words incorrectly, even after learning the correct spelling. They may also confuse similar-looking letters (e.g., “b” and “d”).
3. Problems with Writing:
   • Dyslexia can make it difficult to organize ideas and thoughts in writing. This can result in disjointed sentences, poor grammar, and trouble with sentence structure.
4. Trouble Following Instructions:
   • Working memory challenges can make it difficult to remember multi-step directions, especially if they involve a sequence of tasks.
5. Delayed Speech or Language Development:
   • In some cases, dyslexia can be linked to early language development issues, such as delayed speech or difficulty learning new words.
6. Struggles with Math:
   • While dyslexia mainly affects language, some individuals may also experience challenges in math, particularly when it involves word problems or sequencing.

The Neurological Basis of Dyslexia

Research shows that dyslexia stems from differences in the brain’s structure and function. Studies using brain imaging techniques, such as functional MRI, reveal that individuals with dyslexia exhibit less activation in areas of the brain involved in processing phonological information (i.e., the sounds of language).

This affects their ability to recognize, decode, and process written words efficiently.

Dyslexia often runs in families, suggesting a genetic link. If a child has a family history of dyslexia, they are more likely to develop it. However, environmental factors like the quality of instruction and exposure to language also play crucial roles in mitigating or exacerbating its effects.

Common Myths About Dyslexia

Despite growing awareness, several misconceptions about dyslexia still persist:

1. People with dyslexia see letters or words backward.
   • Reality: While some individuals with dyslexia may confuse similar-looking letters like “b” and “d,” dyslexia is not a visual problem. It’s related to difficulties in phonological processing, not in how the eyes perceive text.
2. Dyslexia is caused by laziness or lack of effort.
   • Reality: People with dyslexia work much harder to process written language than their peers. The brain requires extra effort to decode words, which can make reading more tiring and less enjoyable.
3. Dyslexia only affects boys.
   • Reality: Dyslexia affects both boys and girls equally. However, boys are more likely to be identified and diagnosed due to behavioral differences in the classroom, leading to the misconception that it is a “male” condition.
4. People with dyslexia will never learn to read.
   • Reality: With the right support, individuals with dyslexia can become proficient readers. Early intervention, specialized instruction, and accommodations can make a significant difference.

Supporting children with Dyslexia

For children with dyslexia, overcoming the challenges they face requires understanding, patience, and effective support systems. Here’s how parents, teachers, and communities can help:

1. Early Diagnosis and Intervention

Early identification is key to helping individuals with dyslexia succeed. In schools, screening for dyslexia can begin as early as kindergarten. Once diagnosed, educators can implement evidence-based reading programs that focus on phonics, phonological awareness, and fluency.

2. Tailored Educational Strategies

Specialized instructional methods that engage multiple senses—such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic approaches—are highly effective in helping students with dyslexia.

These techniques break down reading and spelling tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, allowing students to progress at their own pace.

3. Use of Assistive Technology

Assistive technology plays a critical role in leveling the playing field for individuals with dyslexia. Tools such as text-to-speech software, audiobooks, and speech-to-text applications can help reduce the reading and writing barriers dyslexic individuals face.

Additionally, digital note-taking apps and organizational tools can help manage tasks and track progress.

4. Classroom Accommodations

Accommodations such as extended time for exams, oral testing, and the use of computers for writing can greatly ease the burden on dyslexic students. These adjustments are not about giving them an unfair advantage, but about providing them with the tools they need to demonstrate their true potential.

5. Emotional and Psychological Support

Living with dyslexia can be frustrating and, at times, emotionally overwhelming. Many individuals struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. Offering emotional support is essential.

Teachers and parents should celebrate small successes and encourage persistence, fostering a growth mindset that focuses on effort and improvement rather than perfection.

6. Encouraging Strengths

Dyslexia is not an obstacle to success, and many people with dyslexia excel in fields that leverage their strengths, such as creativity, problem-solving, and out-of-the-box thinking. By recognizing and nurturing these strengths, we can empower individuals with dyslexia to achieve great things.

Breaking the Stigma of Dyslexia in Nigeria

In Nigeria, awareness and understanding of dyslexia are growing, but there is still much work to be done. Many people with dyslexia go undiagnosed and are misunderstood in educational systems that lack the resources and training to identify and support learning differences.

Teachers may label students as “lazy” or “unmotivated” without realizing that they are struggling with dyslexia.

The stigma surrounding learning disabilities can also prevent individuals and their families from seeking help. Dyslexia should not be seen as a barrier to success, but as a difference that requires specific strategies to overcome.

As awareness increases, initiatives like specialized dyslexia centers and support groups are beginning to emerge across Nigeria, offering hope for a more inclusive future.

A Path to Empowerment

Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects millions of people globally, but with the right support, children with dyslexia can lead successful, fulfilling lives.

From early diagnosis to the use of assistive technology and tailored educational strategies, there are numerous ways to help people with dyslexia reach their full potential.

At Wellbeing.ng, we believe in raising awareness and breaking down the stigma surrounding dyslexia in children. By fostering a supportive environment and embracing the strengths of children with dyslexia, we can create a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.