Dyslexia - The Daily Struggle (Part 2)

Today, I'm going into more in details on symptoms and warning signs of Dyslexia. If you recognize any of these signs, or if you see these in someone you know with them, there are numerous  web sites that you can go to and take a quick and easy test. Of course, these are not meant for diagnosis, you should consult a professional for that. Your school counselor should be able to get the ball rolling. Sometimes you do have to get in their face to get action.  Once you have their attention, they can be helpful in conducting the tests and getting a diagnosis. The symptoms charts you can find on the internet are helpful in bringing to light the possibility, and then help can be sought. You professional can put into place a training plan to help with the child's learning. 

Did you know,  ten to fifteen percent of the US population has dyslexia, yet only five out of every one hundred dyslexics are recognized and receive assistance? True statement, quoted from The Dyslexia Research Institute. 


Symptoms can include  letter and number reversals. These are the most common warning signs and usually diminish by the age of  7 or 8. Trouble spelling words. Difficulty copying work from the board or book. A general disorganization of written work. Not being able to remember content. May appear to be uncoordinated and have difficulty with organized sports or games (oh this one is me all the way). Difficulty with left and right is common, (and this one too!), and often dominance for either hand has not been established. In the early grades, music and dance are often used to enhance academic learning. Children with dyslexia can have difficulty moving to the rhythm of the music.

Dyslexia goes beyond the written word on the page or reading; it can also encompass auditory problems. The most common is a child may have difficulty remembering or understanding what he hears or trouble recalling more than one command at a time. Parts of words or parts of whole sentences may be missed. Often, words can come out sounding funny, or using the wrong word or a similar word. Children struggling with this problem may know what they want to say but have trouble finding the actual words to express their thoughts (another biggie for me.)

If you or your child are have trouble taking a written test, try to give the test orally. You'll be very surprised that the child, or adult for that matter, will test way better. This is true for me. I struggled with test taking and had failing grades in school because of it. I will say that were was one teacher in high school that did recognize some of my symptoms. They allowed me to take my final history test privately, 1 on 1 with them orally. My grade on that test went from D- to a B. Unfortunately, this was in my senior class, and with graduation a month away, there was nothing that the school would do. They never even told me I may have it. It was just one teacher. Too bad...

That's why I am so passionate about raising awareness for those that have this disability and don't even know it.  

Dyslexia is difficult to diagnose. Help should be sought early on to prevent you or your child, or even someone you know, from becoming withdrawn and depressed. Believe me, this is a very real thing. The not knowing why I was so bad at school affected my self-esteem on so many levels I can't even begin to tell you.

 Even writing this Blog is a challenge, as evidenced with my part 1 post yesterday. There are errors in there...and there are most likely errors in this one too.  The important thing is to recognize the signs and act. Don't wait until it's too late...don't be ashamed if you have it, or if you child has it. It's not a disease, it's a learning disability. Please do them a favor and get help early.

People with Dyslexia are special. This is why I have such creative abilities and I can write books. I have overcome...I have made it through hard work and perseverance.

When you have the enlightenment of this disability, it is amazing at the empowerment you will receive and you can discover that you are a very capable person.  

For more information on Dyslexia, visit WebMD, or the Dyslexia Research Institute to find a more inclusive list of symptoms and helps that are available. Heck, you can just go to Google and search for Dyslexia and find dozens of articles. 

Tomorrow, I'm going to give you tips on how to help you correct and live with the daily struggle of Dyslexia.

From the Author's Chair,
Brian K. Larson
#TheDyslexicAuthor