Even the most observant parents can sometimes struggle to recognize the subtle signs of dyslexia in their children. While it's natural for some kids to not be ready to read at early ages, distinguishing between a mere developmental delay and a specific learning challenge like dyslexia can be complex.
Meghan, a speech-language pathologist, often found herself questioning whether her son, Jackson, was simply having difficulties with reading and writing or if there were deeper issues at play. During attempts to write birthday cards to his friends, Jackson experienced significant frustration, often resulting in tears and meltdowns; the seemingly simple task could stretch to over an hour. His reading habits were equally concerning—he frequently confused letters, mistaking words like "bat" for "tab," and often skipped over entire words while reading aloud. Recognizing patterns in these behaviors, Meghan sought a professional evaluation for dyslexia. The subsequent assessment revealed that Jackson was facing a severe phonological processing delay, alongside significant challenges in both his reading and writing skills.
Thanks to a specialized multisensory approach implemented by his therapist, Jackson made remarkable strides. Over the course of two years of targeted therapy, he developed the skills needed to spell, read, and write at a level that matched his age peers.
What Are the Symptoms of Dyslexia?
Symptoms of dyslexia manifest differently at various developmental stages. Early detection and intervention significantly enhance a child’s potential for progress and achieving age-appropriate skills. Furthermore, research indicates that dyslexia has a genetic component, with estimates suggesting that between 40% and 70% of cases may be hereditary.
Ages 3-5:
Difficulty with the Alphabet: Struggling to learn and recall the letters of the alphabet.
Rhyming Patterns: Challenges in recognizing and producing rhyming sounds.
Ages 5-7:
Sounding Out Words: Difficulty in phonetic play, particularly with simple words, leading to frustration.
Perception of Reading: Expressing that reading is hard or unenjoyable.
Ages 7-15:
Reading Skills: Exhibiting slow and awkward reading abilities compared to peers.
Avoidance of Oral Reading: Preferring not to read aloud due to embarrassment or lack of confidence.
Timed Tests: Struggling to complete tests/assignments within the allotted time frame.
Spelling Challenges: Encountering ongoing difficulties with spelling words correctly.
Handwriting Quality: Producing messy or illegible handwriting.
How Can a Speech-Language Pathologist Help?
Dyslexia is primarily a cognitive and language-based disorder that hinders an individual's ability to read, write, and spell effectively. Phonological awareness plays a crucial role in this context, which encompasses the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in spoken and written language. Within this broader category lies phonemic awareness, the skill of isolating, segmenting, substituting, and deleting phonemes in words. Developing phonemic awareness is vital, as it requires readers to be consciously aware of the sounds they encounter in written text. Addressing these skills typically occurs within the framework of explicit instruction on the sounds associated with letters and words. Together, these foundational skills enable the transition from mere printed symbols to comprehensible text.
What Sets Therapy Tree Services Apart?
At Therapy Tree Services, our team of speech-language pathologists undergo extensive and specialized training, equipping them to address dyslexia through a comprehensive, “big picture” approach. Our evaluation and treatment processes are more thorough than the basic phonics programs commonly offered at typical reading or tutoring centers. Our therapists focus on a holistic range of skills, including reading, writing, and essential language capabilities—both receptive and expressive. We also target phonological awareness, memory and naming skills, reading comprehension, written expression, functional reading, and practical writing skills. Our evaluations are detailed and typically require several hours to complete, as we assess a wide range of competencies to understand each child's unique needs.
How Can I Have My Child Evaluated for Dyslexia?
If you suspect your child may be experiencing difficulties related to dyslexia and would like to schedule a comprehensive evaluation, please reach out to our office at 919.238.9088. Alternatively, you can visit our website at www.therapytreeservices.com and click on the “Contact” link at the top of the page to get started.
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