How does dyslexia manifest?
The first signs are usually noticeable in grades 1–2, when the child is expected to read fluently. He holds syllable-by-syllable reading for a long time, loses a line, reads one word several times, or, conversely, guesses it by its first letters. Retelling is difficult: energy goes into deciphering the letters, but there is no time left for their meaning. Often the child avoids reading aloud, refuses to do his homework and says that he is “stupid”, although he is not. Oral speech and mathematical reasoning can be at a good level.
- Slow syllable reading after 2nd grade
- Omissions, permutations and substitutions of letters and syllables
- Guessing words at the beginning
- Lost line, reading the same thing over and over again
- Poor comprehension and retelling of what is read
- Refusal to read aloud, anxiety before reading lesson
Types and mechanisms
Most cases are based on phonemic weakness: the child poorly distinguishes and identifies sounds in a word, so the “letter-sound” connection is formed unstably. Less commonly, visual-spatial difficulties or problems with keeping lines and sequences are the leading ones. The precise definition of the mechanism is important because the lesson program depends on it. The speech therapist determines this by the nature of the errors, and not by the general impression.
- Phonemic: difficulties with sound analysis of words
- Optical: mixing similar letters, mirror reading
- Agrammatical: errors in endings and agreement
- Mnestic: difficulties in remembering the image of a letter
- Mixed options are most common
Causes and risk factors
Dyslexia has a strong hereditary basis: parents and siblings often had similar school difficulties. Additional contributions are made by features of early speech development and the course of pregnancy and childbirth. There is a separate issue of bilingualism: life in itself in a bilingual environment does not cause dyslexia, but it can mask it or, conversely, create a false impression of a disorder if the child learns to read in a less familiar language.
- Cases of reading difficulties in relatives
- Delayed speech development, erased dysarthria
- Prematurity, complicated birth
- Frequent otitis media and temporary hearing loss at an early age
- ADHD and attention difficulties
- Early learning to read without the child's readiness
Survey
The diagnosis is made by a speech therapist after a special examination: the child reads texts of varying complexity, and the specialist analyzes the speed, type of errors and understanding. Phonics analysis, vocabulary, grammar and writing are also tested because dyslexia often goes along with dysgraphia. Before starting classes, vision and hearing must be assessed so as not to mistake ordinary myopia or hearing loss after otitis media for dyslexia. A pediatric neurologist is involved in case of developmental delays, seizures and fatigue.
- Speech therapy testing of reading technique and understanding
- Phonemic awareness and sound analysis assessment
- Analysis of written work
- Examination by an ophthalmologist, checking visual acuity
- Hearing test
- Assessment of attention and memory by a psychologist
Correction and assistance at school
The main tool is systematic classes with a speech therapist, based on sound analysis and repeated, but measured reading. Short daily workouts at home instead of infrequent long sessions are helpful. It is important to reduce emotional stress: do not compare with classmates, do not force to read out loud in front of everyone, praise for effort. Simple measures help at school - more time on a task, large print, the opportunity to answer orally. There are no universal “pills for dyslexia”, and dietary supplements do not treat it.
- Regular sessions with a speech therapist according to an individual program
- Read for 10-15 minutes daily without pressure
- Games for sound analysis and syllable structure
- Audiobooks to maintain interest in texts
- Large font, ruler bookmark to hold the line
- Additional time for tests
- Supporting self-esteem and building on strengths