Dyslexia

By Mardeen Tait - (UFS) CAS(SA)

Did you know there are 7 subtypes of dyslexia? These are a combination of visual, auditory, and motor dyslexia.

What are dyslexia?

Dyslexia are defined as a neurological based and often hereditary disability that interferes with understanding and processing of language. This can cause difficulty with spelling, reading, writing and sometimes mathematical calculations.

Signs of dyslexia can include:

  • Challenges with spelling, reading, and writing even if a child is highly intelligent

  • Child is sometimes classified or labeled as lazy, difficult, and not trying hard enough

  • Despite a high IQ, they have poor academic performance, but do very well in verbal exams

  • Low self-esteem

  • Frustrated and negative outlook on going to school and writing tests

  • Very talented sportsman, musicians, and artists plus creative

  • Daydreaming and appears not to be focused

  • Hyperactive and sometimes misdiagnosed as ADD

There are definitely benefits to having dyslexia:

Dyslexia is a unique form of intelligence that often leads to extraordinary skills. They usually think outside the box and have a multi-dimensional thinking pattern when it comes to pictures. 

Dyslexia is not a “thinking” disability, but a “learning” disability. Dyslexia is thus a result of a multidimensional perceptual talent.

Thorough tests can be performed by a professional to determine the type of dyslexia before further therapy and coping mechanisms can be discussed.