Dyslexia is caused by poor vision. False. If there is any undetected vision problem it may cause reading difficulties but it does not lead to dyslexia. In dyslexia, the brain processes information differently. Many children with dyslexia have normal vision so you may find them enjoying a range of visual activities like watching a movie, playing a video game etc but they may have trouble with reading, writing, spelling and processing information.
Children with dyslexia have low intelligence. False. Often, parents and teachers assume the child with dyslexia is not intelligent enough or is simply lazy. This is far from the truth. Dyslexia can occur in children who are hardworking and whose intelligence is as much as or above the average. In fact, people with dyslexia are often found to be very creative and unique thinkers.
Repeating a grade can help overcome dyslexia. False. Not if the right support or intervention is not offered. Many schools have teachers who are not trained to work with children with learning difficulties, in which case repeating a grade will be no help. Instead it would help if the child receives extra support from a teacher who is specifically trained in learning difficulties.
Not all children with dyslexia reverse letters and numbers. True. When young children learn to write, they often reverse letters and numbers. This is very common upto the age of 8. However if the reversal persists even longer, then it can be a concern for dyslexia. It is also important dyslexia is complex and other than reading, it can manifest in many different ways including difficulty with spelling, memory, writing etc.
Dyslexia can be ‘cured’. False. There is no known ‘cure’ for dyslexia and it is not a phase one can outgrow. However with adequate support and the intervention, people with dyslexia can learn coping strategies that will help them be successful in school and in life.
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