But there isn’t a single test that diagnoses dyslexia. “Diagnosis often requires input from multiple professionals — teachers, psychologists, speech or language therapists, and parents, says Kimberly R. Freeman, PhD, the executive associate chair of social work and social ecology at Loma Linda University in San Bernardino, California. Different standardized assessment tools are used depending on the individual’s age, developmental stage, and symptoms. While you may confer about the possibility of dyslexia with a family physician, they can’t diagnose or treat the condition. A trained dyslexia expert can determine areas where a person needs assistance and come up with a treatment plan to address that individual’s specific needs. Professionals trained to diagnose or treat dyslexia include:
Reading specialistsPsychologistsSpecial education teachersNeuropsychologistsNeurologistsSpeech language pathologists
The earlier a child receives help, the better his or her chances for improving skills and gaining confidence to master school, work, and life with dyslexia. According to a 2015 study, what experts call “the achievement gap” between students with dyslexia and students without dyslexia is already present in first grade, but early interventions in preschool or kindergarten may help close that gap. (1) “The most commonly used, and research-supported, intervention is Orton-Gillingham, which teaches phonics,” says Katie Davis, PsyD, an educational neuropsychologist and neuroscience researcher based in Manhattan. The Orton-Gillingham program, which offers a multisensory structured language education, has been in use since the 1930s. (2) In this multisensory approach, children use sight, touch, and sound to make connections between words and their sounds. (3) The Preventing Academic Failure (PAF) and Wilson Language Training programs, says Dr. Davis, are based on Orton-Gillingham principles. For example, a tutor may incorporate an exercise where a student uses their fingers to tap out the number of syllables in a word. Or a student may use her finger to trace out the shapes of letters she hears. Through repeating these exercises, which can help them change the way they process information, people with dyslexia may see a gradual improvement in their written and spoken language skills. Schools are required by the federal law called the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act to take steps to assist a child once there is an official diagnosis of dyslexia, and IEPs are a result of these laws. They provide accommodations to diagnosed students and they’re developed by a team that includes: (4)
The child’s main teacherParentsA special education teacherSchool psychologist or other dyslexia expertA special education administrator from the school district
The professional who diagnosed or treats your child will likely get in contact with the child’s teacher to outline an IEP plan to help him or her succeed. If an IEP is not available to you through your school, you may be able to arrange for an education plan through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which protects students against discrimination for disabilities. (5) Through either an IEP or 504 plan, your child should be able to receive all or some of the following accommodations: (5)
Individual or small-group instructionTeacher-read instructionsOutlines or study guidesAudiobooksText-to-speech technologyRecorded lectures
It’s been noted that people with dyslexia have a higher risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (6) If your child has this condition, he or she may need medication or other therapies to treat focus problems or hyperactivity. But this isn’t the only condition that can co-occur. “Dyslexia can often overlap with other conditions, such as an auditory processing disorder, slow processing speed, visual processing issues, or executive functioning issues,” explains Freeman. “Problems with the physical act of writing and understanding math concepts can also co-occur,” she says. It’s not uncommon for someone with dyslexia to struggle with anxiety and depression. If negative emotions interfere with you or your child’s ability to benefit from therapy, your doctor or specialist may recommend treating a mental health disorder with medication or cognitive behavioral therapy. Here’s how you can create a supportive environment at home. Encourage reading time. Children with dyslexia typically avoid reading whenever possible, especially reading out loud. But as your child learns tools and techniques to improve reading, he’ll need to put these tools into practice and read more. As a parent, encourage more reading time and less screen time. Sit with your child and have the child read out loud. You can also set an excellent example by enjoying reading yourself, whether alone or in the family group. (7) Be an advocate for your child. Your child may only get the help they deserve if you speak up. Even though your school may have a legal obligation to provide support to your child once you have an official diagnosis, not every school considers this a priority. Stay in communication with your child’s teacher and tutor, and don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for accommodations. There’s a chance that you may know more than the educators and administrators at your school do. Join a support group. Even if you educate yourself about dyslexia and feel that you understand your child’s challenges and frustrations, this disability can be emotionally and mentally exhausting — for you and your child. A parent support group or family support group may help you feel less alone. You’ll meet other parents who understand your situation, and your child and their siblings can meet with other children who are living with the same struggle.
