Teaching students early literacy skills: Five resources for teens with dyslexia
The word "dyslexia" is made up of two Greek words: “dys,” meaning difficulty, and “lexis,” which refers to language or words. According to the American Psychiatric Association, dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to write, read, or comprehend written words. It is commonly diagnosed in childhood, but anyone of any age can have the disorder. For teenagers experiencing distress from dyslexia, finding support can be vital to managing it. Early intervention is crucial to successfully living with dyslexia. There are numerous resources for dyslexic teens to take advantage of, five of which are detailed below.
Resources for teenagers with dyslexia
For dyslexic students and teenagers, life can be complicated. Not knowing where to turn when you are struggling with this disorder can be disheartening. The following resources may empower students with dyslexia to learn more about the condition, discover new ways to manage its impacts, and ultimately feel less alone.
1. International Dyslexia Association
The International Dyslexia Association, or the IDA, is one of the most reliable portals of information available for individuals with dyslexia. It can also be a great resource for caretakers of dyslexic children as well. The IDA provides consistently updated information and practical advice about different aspects of the disorder, success stories of those who overcame challenges related to dyslexia, and a questionnaire that you can use for a preliminary dyslexia self-assessment before visiting a professional, such as a speech-language pathologist. The organization also holds global conferences featuring professionals and individuals with dyslexia and is a pioneer in medical research on this learning disorder.
2. National Center for Learning Disabilities
This national resource encompasses information and aid for different types of learning disabilities. Its aims include advocating for a society that is inclusive of people with all kinds of challenges, including learning difficulties. The National Center for Learning Disabilities is focused on improving social, emotional, and academic situations for those with learning disabilities.
3. The American Speech-language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Of all the challenges that people with dyslexia face, communication is perhaps the most central. ASHA is an organization focused on helping individuals with learning disabilities improve their communication skills through professional intervention and speech therapy. Their mission is to make effective communication, which they view as a basic human right, “achievable for all.”
4. The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity
Having dyslexia or any other learning disorder has nothing to do with a lack of intelligence, motivation, or creativity. In fact, learning disorders can even inspire out-of-the-box thinking. The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity (YCDC) seeks to increase awareness about dyslexia and the creative abilities of those with the disorder. They use extensive research to help children and adults alike reach their full creative potential. YCDC also spreads awareness about dyslexia to promote greater understanding within society and tell success stories of those with the disorder who have accomplished significant milestones in their lifetime.
5. TeenCounseling
Some individuals may prefer to find support from a professional as they learn how to manage life with dyslexia. Teenagers with the disorder might find speaking to a licensed mental health counselor to be helpful. In these cases, TeenCounseling can be a valuable resource. TeenCounseling is an online therapy platform that connects qualified counselors to individuals who may find guidance in managing their mental health to be helpful. Since conditions such as anxiety and depression can occur alongside dyslexia, it’s important that concerns are addressed as they arise.
How prevalent is dyslexia?
There are many kinds of learning disabilities related to speech or spatial recognition, but dyslexia is the most common and most researched learning disorder. Understanding dyslexia and its prevalence is essential to addressing the concerns of dyslexic kids and those living with the condition.
Two of the most common symptoms found in people with dyslexia are trouble maintaining a fast pace while reading fluently and struggling to spell words without errors, even if the words are common parts of their vocabulary. Many patterns can be found in mistakes made because of dyslexia, like reversing similar letters, confusing the spellings of similar-sounding words, and other issues related to decreased phonological awareness. About 15% of the U.S. population lives with dyslexia; however, the number could be much larger. Many people may refrain from being tested for dyslexia due to the stigma that may surround learning difficulties.
What causes dyslexia?
While research on dyslexia is still limited, studies have shown that its causes are linked with differences in the parts of the brain that are involved in language and writing skills and processing. Brain imaging studies have highlighted differences in the brain between people with dyslexia and those who do not have the disorder. These areas are also involved with comprehending different sounds in word pronunciations and recognizing written words and shapes.
Possible risk factors for dyslexia, according to research, could be related to genetics, making it a hereditary disorder that can be passed on from parents to their offspring. Premature birth can be a leading cause of dyslexia, as can exposure to neonatal dangers such as drugs, alcohol, nicotine, or other substances that can affect a child’s brain development.
Dyslexia is not a disorder that disappears or lessens with age. Children, teenagers, and adults are all at risk for developing it. However, the presentation may differ for different age groups, especially if the person is assessed by a professional from an early age. People with dyslexia struggle with reading, writing, and other literacy skills. For this reason, dyslexia is often first diagnosed in younger kids who are just beginning to learn these skills.
What are the signs and symptoms of dyslexia?
Some symptoms of dyslexia are more obvious than others, and can include:
- Late onset of speech in children
- Difficulty learning new sounds or pronouncing words clearly
- Difficulty learning or remembering names, numbers, and rhymes
- Poor spelling
- Low reading comprehension
- Slower synthesis of reading
- Slower reading pace, impaired reading skills, or writing speed
- Problems differentiating between similar letters or words
- Difficulty forming sentences or recalling words
- Problems with learning unfamiliar words or a foreign language
- Trouble remembering orders or sequences
- Mispronunciation of common or newly encountered words
Navigating life with dyslexia
People with dyslexia are often of average or above-average intelligence, so a dyslexic child generally does not need to be placed in a self-contained special education class for struggling readers. However, resources and professionals that can help make the lives of people with dyslexia more manageable are available, including the use of special methods for teaching students with dyslexia that can involve assistive technology tools. It is important for teachers and other practitioners to be a learning ally for people with dyslexia and support students with dyslexia when they navigate the unique challenges they may experience. Additionally, leading dyslexia experts encourage teachers to remember that specific learning disabilities, including dyslexia, can often be effectively managed.
People who live with dyslexia might take a little longer to grasp certain topics and can require additional attention from caregivers or teachers. Dyslexia is often first noticed by a child’s teacher when they observe certain signs such as below-average reading fluency, impaired letter writing, poor word recognition, difficulty rhyming words, and trouble with spelling. Appropriate instruction from educators with experience teaching kids with dyslexia can help children with dyslexia attain their expected level of reading proficiency for their age. If such attention is not available for them, their learning could be impaired and they may remain a struggling reader into adulthood. This makes dyslexia awareness an important element of early childhood education.
Diagnosis and treatment for dyslexia
Diagnosis of dyslexia involves comprehensive evaluations by professionals in schools or clinics. Individuals who can conduct such a diagnosis include clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, or school psychologists.
A treatment plan can be devised according to the individual patient’s information, background, environment, age, and other social factors. Often, treatment focuses on improving a person’s educational outcomes by employing techniques such as systematic phonics training, reading instruction, and the use of audiobooks to help the patient with reading comprehension and speed, speech, spelling accuracy, and understanding of letters, words, and numbers.
Early intervention can be key to making it easier to live with dyslexia and improving academic success and other life skills for children. Since dyslexia is so common, there are many free resources, practical techniques, and support groups available for children, teenagers, and adults who are living with the condition.
How online therapy can help
If you or a loved one is facing mental health challenges as a result of a learning disorder like dyslexia, online therapy could be a helpful option to consider. You can connect with a qualified therapist who understands learning disabilities and how they might affect your life.
The ability to schedule an appointment at a time that is convenient for you may make it easier to prioritize tasks in your daily life. This situation may be especially true for teenagers, who can still complete homework assignments, study for tests, and enjoy extracurriculars while receiving therapy. The potentially reduced flexibility of in-person appointments might create stress in having to choose between priorities, but online therapy can often remove that barrier to care.
Online therapy has shown particular effectiveness in treating adolescents who experience depressive and anxiety symptoms, which could be related to challenges with dyslexia. After reviewing the efficacy of 12 depression and anxiety programs for adolescents with anxiety and/or depression, researchers discovered that online interventions can be effective in improving symptoms.
Therapist reviews
Working alongside a mental health professional can be the difference between successfully managing the stress of dyslexia and struggling to keep up. Here’s what one user had to say about their experience with the trained professionals at Teen Counseling:
“Natasha is a great counselor and does her job with ease. She has helped me with stress, anxiety, and friendship issues. She is an amazing counselor just to talk to. She is very comforting and puts lots of effort into an individual. Before I had this time with her, I was probably in the worst place that I could ever be. It was to the point where I couldn’t sleep because I was too worried about my future. I was also very stressed about school at the time. I didn’t want my marks to drop or my parents to think of me as a failure. In just one month, Natasha has changed me completely. I can sleep properly, I know how to deal with stress and anxiety and I have lots of techniques for these types of situations. She is such a great counselor to talk to if you need help with stress, anxiety, or anything at all. I rate Natasha a 10/10 because of how much effort she puts into changing you for the better.”
Takeaway
Dyslexia is characterized by difficulty reading, writing, or using language. However, not all children who read slowly or have trouble with words have this condition, and only a qualified doctor, psychologist, educational researcher, or other specialist can diagnose it. Children diagnosed with dyslexia often benefit from receiving specialized help tailored to the difficulties they are experiencing. If you have dyslexia, an online therapist can be a steady source of emotional support as you learn strategies to overcome the difficulties associated with this condition.
How can I improve getting reading curriculum for students with dyslexia?
Reading is an essential part of the curriculum in any school, and it can be particularly difficult for students with dyslexia. Fortunately, there are several strategies that educators can use to improve the reading curriculum for these students.
Reading instruction may need to start with the basics. For example, educators can introduce concepts such as letter-sound recognition and phonemic awareness in a multisensory manner. They may also want to provide support materials such as books on tape or audiobooks.
Teachers may need to provide students with enough time to process the material they are reading or writing. Extra time on tests or assignments may be necessary for students with dyslexia. Creating an inclusive and supportive environment in the classroom is also important. Students may be more likely to engage with the material through positive reinforcement and scaffolded instruction.
Encouraging parental involvement may also be beneficial. Parents can help their children develop the skills necessary for success in school and provide additional support outside of the classroom. To empower parents, educators can provide them with resources that explain dyslexia and help them understand their child's needs.
What are some things you can do to help students with dyslexia if they have difficulty with writing?
If students with dyslexia have difficulty with writing, there are several strategies you can employ to help them. Here are some ideas:
- Encouraging the use of assistive technologies such as voice-to-text and text-to-speech software.
- Providing opportunities to spell-checkers and grammar checkers.
- Allowing students to dictate their assignments instead of writing them out in longhand.
- Providing additional time for completing writing assignments.
- Creating scaffolded writing assignments that break down the task into smaller, more manageable parts.
- Teaching outlining or mapping techniques to help organize ideas before writing.
- Utilizing mnemonic devices to help remember spelling and grammar rules.
- Offering proofreading assistance for students who need help with this task.
- Providing support services such as tutoring or counseling if needed.
- Allowing students to record lectures or notes in class, instead of taking handwritten notes.
Students who feel supported or have the appropriate tools and resources can be successful writers despite their dyslexia. With a little extra effort, educators can ensure all students get an equal chance to express themselves through writing.
What are three resources you could provide to the family of a child diagnosed with dyslexia?
Families of children diagnosed with dyslexia may benefit from a variety of supportive resources. First, connecting them with local or online dyslexia support groups can offer a valuable sense of community and experiences. These groups often provide emotional support and practical advice.
Recommending reputable books or articles on dyslexia can help families better understand the condition and effective strategies for supporting their child's learning. For example, The International Dyslexia Association (IDA), National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), and Decoding Dyslexia provide valuable information on dyslexia.
Learning centers and tutoring services can be a great way for parents to get their children the additional support they need in reading and writing. These centers often employ experienced professionals specializing in dyslexia and other learning disorders. Parents can also contact their school district to find out if any special education services are available in the area for children with dyslexia.
Families need accurate information and resources to make informed decisions about their children's education. Supporting them throughout the process can help ensure the child receives the best care possible.
What strategies help children with dyslexia?
Several evidence-based strategies can help children with dyslexia. These include:
- Explicit instruction: Providing explicit instruction can help kids learn to segment words into their component parts and recognize language sounds. It also focuses on breaking down unfamiliar words into smaller, more manageable chunks.
- Multisensory approaches: Incorporating multisensory activities, such as writing words with sand or tracing letters in shaving cream, can help cement concepts and boost student engagement.
- Phonological awareness: Teaching phonemic awareness, recognizing sounds within a language, can be vital for reading development. This approach involves being able to identify individual sounds (or phonemes) in spoken words, as well as being able to blend and segment them.
- Structured literacy: Incorporating structured literacy programs, which focus on phonemic awareness, phonics, morphology, syntax, semantics, and fluency, can help build a strong foundation in reading.
- Assistive technology: Assistive technologies such as text-to-speech software, speech recognition tools, and audiobooks can help make reading materials more available
When combined with other supportive interventions, these strategies can help children with dyslexia develop the skills they need to be successful readers. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching children with dyslexia, these strategies may be a great starting point. However, it is important to remember that every child learns differently, and what works for one might not work for another. Therefore, it is best to tailor interventions and strategies to the individual student's needs.
How can people with dyslexia adapt their learning to be successful?
Individuals with dyslexia can make adaptations to their learning approaches to increase their chances of success.
Exploring different learning styles and strategies to identify what works best can be beneficial. Some strategies might include visual aids, audio materials, or interactive methods.
Creating a structured and organized study environment can help manage information effectively. Setting a consistent routine and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can also aid comprehension and retention. Depending on the type of assignment, students may benefit from studying in pairs, utilizing a recorder or notes app to capture lectures or information, and using visual cues such as color coding.
Finally, it is important to remember that dyslexia is not an indicator of intelligence. Individuals with dyslexia are as equally capable of learning and succeeding as others. Seeking support from educators, tutors, counselors, or support groups can offer valuable guidance and help overcome challenges that may arise. With the right strategies and resources, individuals with dyslexia can find the success they are striving for.
How can learning problems among children with dyslexia be resolved?
Learning problems can result from various factors, many of which can be addressed and resolved.
First, it is important to recognize that dyslexia affects each person differently, so it is important to identify any potential learning issues or challenges the child may be facing. Once these are identified, educators and families can work together to develop effective solutions, which may involve modifications, accommodations, and/or assistive technology.
Additionally, providing children with dyslexia with an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 Plan can help ensure they receive the support they need. This plan should include evidence-based interventions that target the student's specific needs.
Connecting the child with appropriate professionals, such as a speech-language pathologist or learning specialist, may also be beneficial. These professionals can help assess the child's abilities and needs, develop an IEP, and provide additional interventions that may help improve reading and academic skills.
Emotional support can be as important as practical techniques for addressing learning issues. Reassuring families that they are not alone and providing them with resources to help manage the challenges of dyslexia can help create an environment that allows children to learn and grow.
How can you improve fluency with a student who has dyslexia?
Fluency involves a student's ability to read aloud with accuracy, expression, and speed. Improving fluency in a student who has dyslexia may involve a variety of strategies.
Often, the student's basic reading skills must be strong. Therefore, providing appropriate instruction and practice with phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and vocabulary can help lay a solid foundation for improved reading skills.
Once the basic reading skills are established, repeated readings can improve fluency. In this method, students read the same passage multiple times until they can do so with speed and accuracy. Other activities that may help build fluency include having students practice choral reading and partner reading.
Having the student listen to audio recordings of the text being read aloud can also be beneficial. This approach may help improve their fluency by providing a model to listen to and imitate.
Ensuring that the material is at an appropriate level for the student can help as well. If the material is too difficult, they may struggle to understand or recall. If it is too easy, they may become bored. Providing verbal and written feedback can help motivate the student and provide guidance for improvement. Reinforcing positive behavior can help foster a sense of confidence and progress, which can benefit the student's overall academic success.
How do you empower students with dyslexia?
Empowering students with dyslexia involves creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that recognizes their strengths and provides tools to overcome challenges.
Here are some strategies:
- Building self-awareness: Helping students understand their learning styles and strengths can help them recognize their unique capabilities and develop confidence in their abilities.
- Establishing a growth mindset: Encouraging students to view mistakes as opportunities for learning and improvement can help foster resilience, creativity, and motivation when encountering difficulty.
- Promoting self-advocacy: Teaching students to recognize what helps them learn best and how to communicate their needs can help them become more independent and successful in the classroom.
- Establishing positive relationships: Developing positive relationships with teachers, peers, and family members can create a supportive environment where students feel safe and accepted.
- Encouraging participation: Involving students in decision-making can help them take ownership of their education.
- Celebrating successes: Acknowledging and celebrating small successes can reinforce progress, even when the journey is challenging.
By consciously empowering students with dyslexia and providing tools to overcome challenges, educators can empower students to thrive academically and develop a positive self-image, ultimately helping them reach their full potential.
How do you motivate students with dyslexia?
Motivating students with dyslexia involves providing personalized support and recognizing their unique strengths. Here are some strategies:
- Setting realistic goals: Helping students set achievable goals can help them develop a sense of accomplishment.
- Building on strengths: Focusing on the student's existing skills and abilities can help foster self-esteem and motivate them to build on these strengths.
- Providing choice: Offering students choices can help keep them engaged and motivated to learn.
- Incorporating interests: Connecting course material to a student's passions can make learning more enjoyable and increase their enthusiasm for the subject matter.
- Offering constructive feedback: Providing meaningful feedback based on individual needs can help motivate students to reach their goals.
- Mindfulness and stress reduction: Incorporating activities that help manage stress, such as breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques, can help control emotions and reduce anxiety.
Educators can foster motivation, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment in students who may face unique challenges by providing personalized support and focusing on a student's strengths. How do you create an inclusive environment for students with dyslexia?
What is the best learning environment for dyslexia?
The best learning environment for individuals with dyslexia is structured, supportive, and multisensory, catering to their specific learning needs. Such an environment prioritizes individualized instruction that embraces students' strengths and addresses their challenges.
Incorporating multisensory teaching techniques involving visual, auditory, and tactile methods can help reinforce concepts and enhance retention. The setting should also be free from unnecessary distractions, ensuring that a student focuses on the task at hand. Adequate lighting and noise control can make a significant difference.
Teachers and instructors in this environment should be trained in dyslexia-specific teaching methods and show patience and understanding. Encouraging a positive mindset, where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities and accomplishments are celebrated, can boost confidence and create an atmosphere conducive to learning.
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