Within the group of 'dys'-type disorders, dyslexia is one of the most common. The importance of the problem can be demonstrated by the fact that dyslexics are entitled, for example, to benefit from special rules for passing the matriculation examination. The disorder does not mean that the patient has intellectual deficiencies, but if left untreated, it can worsen and significantly complicate life. What is dyslexia, how does it affect functioning and what can be done about it?
Standing out from peers in lessons can result in harassment and unpleasant teasing. This can cause children to withdraw into themselves, experience low self-esteem and even, in the most severe situations, develop depression.
Dyslexics may experience difficulties in social relationships. Their appearance is related both to their sometimes problematic expression of their own thoughts and not fully understanding other people's speech. These may first interfere with school functioning and later even with professional functioning.
Dyslexics can find it difficult to learn foreign languages due to difficulties in assimilating new words - and it is well known that knowledge of foreign languages is extremely important in today's job market.
How can we help dyslexic patients?
The first line of help is the parents. They are especially required to be patient: after all, the effects of working with their child can be slow to appear. A helpful role is played by:
- reading aloud to the child,
- providing literature that matches the child's interests,
- providing your child with books in the form of audio books.
photo: panthermedia
The child's teacher should be aware of the problem so that he or she can not only pay special attention to the dyslexic child, but also be more patient when teaching him or her to read. Some schools have teacher-therapists on staff who are qualified to deal with children with learning disabilities.
Special reading aids are available, e.g. apertures to cover certain words or lines of text (used so that the patient can focus on only one part of the text at a time).
A certificate indicating the student's dyslexia should be provided to the school, especially in the case of examinations (such as the Baccalaureate) as special conditions are provided for these students to pass and their work to be assessed. You can obtain this document from a psychologist or educationalist.
Speech therapists can offer special exercises for dyslexics, and there are even offers of therapy camps for patients with reading difficulties. The most important thing is to choose the right therapy according to the needs and interests of the person in question and to be patient: it takes time, sometimes even years, to achieve tangible results. Considering the potential consequences of not doing anything for a dyslexic patient, even if for a long time, it is probably worth waiting for the results.
