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I believe the most crucial initial step for any parent, carer, teacher or learning support hero embarking on this journey is understanding what Dyslexia is and what it isn't.
The clearer your understanding, the easier it will be to support your child, and the more confidently you will be able to explain the what and why of their challenges, ensuring they feel seen and understood.
Dyslexia is a lifelong difference -There is no fixing, growing out, or wishing it away. It won't just get better with time. It's not an age and stage thing or any other pieces of unknowing advice you may have received.
As a parent, this can take time to process. So, if you are very early in the diagnosis stage, please take a deep breath and give yourself some time.
A lifelong difference does not mean that the challenges faced early in the journey (particularly during the school years) will remain forever. It is highly unlikely if your child is taught effective learning strategies.
Dyslexia has ZERO impact on a child's intelligence or 'IQ'. In fact, many people with Dyslexia are deemed 'gifted'.
So what is it?
You can find varying definitions, some kinder than others. For me, as a person with Dyslexia, the most empowering and accurate definition that I choose is…
Dyslexia is a difference in the way the brain processes information.
But it doesn't stop there. Yes, that means there are challenges with specific tasks, i.e. learning to read, spell, memory recall, telling the time, and often comprehension. Still, we must remember that with these challenges also comes incredible strengths.
As your child progresses through school, it may often feel like a not-so-fun rollercoaster. There will be periods of calm but also emotionally turbulent times.
The one thing I am constantly reminding parents of is [sadly] school is an environment that focuses primarily on the Dyslexic challenges. This is important to remember.
Yes, all children need to learn the foundations of reading, writing, spelling and math. However, the environment in which they do and the mindset they adopt can have just as much, if not more, influence on their future outcomes.
If we go back in time and look at why the school system was developed the way it was. It was built to establish group standards and group thinking, not individuals with the freedom of individual thought.
The basis of our system is preparing our children for a world that no longer exists. Organisations now seek high emotional intelligence, creativity, innovation, abstract reasoning and independent thought. All traits that our children are gifted with in droves.
A person with Dyslexia is unlikely to be a rote learner; we work best when we understand the concept or strategy, comprehend why, and see the whole picture.
In addition, our brains work in a way that allows us to seek multiple solutions to one problem; few things are truly singular. If we take these skills into the 'real' world, they are incredibly valued strengths that the world could use more of.
This is just one example of how crucial it is that you don't lose sight of the fact that Dyslexia is gifting your child just as much as it is challenging them right now. It is all about perspective.
As you continue on this journey, I encourage you to be mindful of where you are getting your information and balance your research on supporting challenges with enhancing and promoting strengths.
If you don't fully understand the dyslexic difference, below are a few great and reputable resources.
Note of warning: at some point, you may come across a program, book, or 'specialists' spruiking a way to help or even fix Dyslexia. These are almost never based on science. If you need more clarification, always ask what the research behind the suggested intervention is before you jump in.
Some activities I like to encourage parents of newly diagnosed Dyslexics to try are:
1. Check out the above resources to deepen your understanding.
2. Choose a definition that resonates for you and your child. It's important to say it out loud a few times. This will help you confidently explain your child's challenges to family and friends.
3. Understand the physical difference in the brain of a person with Dyslexia.
4. List any unanswered questions about Dyslexia and work through the list at your own pace.
Most of all, just that you're here and seeking to learn more means you're already doing a great job.
You've got this.
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