When it comes to Dyslexia, we’re almost there in terms of understanding what it means for a child to live with this learning difference. Many parents whose children are challenged with a learning difference are compelled to delve deeper into learning more about it. However, there’s a large portion of people who have developed several myths about Dyslexia due to lack of proper awareness.

In this blog, we’re going to debunk myths about Dyslexia, and break the false positives of every preconceived notion.

The Un-Truth about Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning issue, which is something almost everyone is aware of today. We move a step ahead by debunking myths about Dyslexia so that we also know what it’s not!

Myth #1: Dyslexia causes reading and writing letters backwards.

Fact: Some kids write letters backwards, some don’t.

Many children commonly reverse letters while writing as they confuse b with d and p with q. Alternatively, they might confuse word order when reading. However, this is not necessarily a sure sign of dyslexia. Furthermore, dyslexia is not a condition that causes words to appear differently. Children with dyslexia are challenged with identifying speech sounds with written letters or groups of letters. This deficit results in difficulty with writing and reading.

Myth #2: Dyslexia does not exhibit any signs until elementary school.

Fact: Dyslexia does not have a set time to exhibit its signs.

It can show up in preschool or even earlier as it affects language skills essential for reading. At the same time, some preschoolers may experience difficulty in rhyming or being a late talker. It may be a signal to evaluate their learning abilities.

Myth #3: Children with dyslexia can read better if they work harder than usual.

Fact: Studies show that the brain performs differently in children with dyslexia.

Research further indicates that reading can change the brain over time. However, the level of effort put into reading has nothing to do with improving the ability to read. It’s the type of instruction that makes an impact. Therefore, by implementing the right instructions and practice, children with dyslexia can improve their reading skills.

There are several reading programs developed for children challenged with reading. You can try out our Dyslexia training modules and other related courses to help a child with Dyslexia.

Myth #4: Dyslexia disappears once children learn to read.

Fact: Learning to finally read does not elicit Dyslexia treatment.

It is a lifelong learning difference that can impact reading skills as well as other related functions. Dyslexia can make it difficult for a child to read fluently. It can influence their skills to comprehend what they’ve read. Children learn and progress much more quickly with proper intervention and support.

Myth #5: Dyslexia is the result of sight issues.

Fact: Dyslexia is not a condition that occurs due to vision problems.

In fact, vision problems can occur in children with or without dyslexia; the two are not interconnected. However, if a child with dyslexia has vision problems then it may be due to their brain not being able to recognise details in images. To put it simply, the brain cannot process what the eye is seeing, which is what may also be connected to reading difficulties.

Myth #6: Dyslexia only occurs in children learning the English language.

Fact: Dyslexia is prevalent worldwide and in all languages.

However, it may take longer to pick up on reading issues for children who are multilingual. It is most likely that teachers and parents may misidentify the child as taking time to learn a new language. So, it’s relevant to identify if the child is having trouble reading their first language and then their second language, which calls for further evaluation.

Myth #7: Dyslexia is caused due to reading less at home.

Fact: This notion is incorrect as reading at home is not connected to developing dyslexia.

It may be assumed that a child is too lazy to read at home or is not reading enough.

As a result, the child is labelled as not making the effort to catch up on their reading skills, causing people to believe that the child has developed dyslexia. However, it is a neurological condition and is caused due to the differences in how the brain functions.

Myth #8: Dyslexia can be cured with meditation, the right diet, and exercise

Fact: Dyslexia is not a medical condition that necessitates a cure. Furthermore, it is a neurological condition that requires specific learning tools to help a child with this learning difference.

While exercise, diet and meditation are good for many people, it is not related to alleviating the intensity of dyslexic symptoms. Of course, discipline and healthy habits could help indirectly with lowering stress levels, but one cannot improve dyslexia on this basis. Providing emotional support and professional advice can help a child cope with their learning differences.

Spreading awareness and debunking myths about Dyslexia becomes necessary so as to help children more effectively. That said, considering the complex nature of Dyslexia, simplifying it with extreme generalisation can also prove to be a disadvantage for these children. If you want to learn more about Dyslexia and how you can help a child or student, reach out to us to assist you with the right tools for training.