A lot like everything else, dyslexia has its fair share of misconceptions. It’s really important that we understand and educate ourselves about dyslexia and what it is so that we can better understand and avoid stereotyping those with dyslexia. Here’s more.
Intelligence
Myth: People with dyslexia aren’t intelligent Fact: Dyslexia doesn’t affect general intelligence
Dyslexia affects certain ways in which someone can learn, bit intelligence isn’t determined by whether or not someone has dyslexia. It’s a learning difficulty, more than a determining factor for one’s intelligence. People with dyslexia may take longer to read than others, but they’re capable of understanding just as much as the average person. With enough tutoring and specialised programmes, many dyslexic people can read as well as the average person.
Poor vision
Myth:* Dyslexia’s caused by poor vision* Fact: Dyslexia isn’t related to visual deficiencies
Dyslexia is more of a neurological condition that’s based on how the brain processes, receives and responds to language/ messaging.
What dyslexic people see with their eyes isn’t what determines their condition. So they see everything just as the average person does, but their minds interpret it differently.
Early signs
Myth:* The first sign of dyslexia in children is the reversal of numbers and letters* Facts:* Most children, even those who aren’t dyslexic, reverse numbers and letters*
It’s perfectly normal to reverse numbers and letters as a young child. This is a phase that usually lasts until a child is about eight years old, and it may even last longer, but this doesn’t mean that they’re dyslexic. Poor reading skills, not knowing the alphabet and struggling with counting is also not a sign of dyslexia. The most common sign to look out for is actually delayed speech.
Medical condition
Myth: Dyslexia is a medical condition Facts: Dyslexia can be managed, but it’s not a illness or something to be “cured”
Due to the fact that dyslexia is a learning challenge, it usually continues forever, regardless of how severe it may be or how old one is. Although dyslexics may make strides, they still continue to read intuitively, rather than
deliberately. Support such as tutoring, specialised learning programmes and systematic teaching can improve the way people with dyslexia process messages and language.
Laziness
Myth: Dyslexics are lazy Facts:* Dyslexics may be self-conscious, not lazy*
People with dyslexia may shy away from tasks that require them to read, but this doesn’t they’re lazy. Because they don’t process letters and numbers like the average person, they may feel self-conscious or discouraged to even attempt. It’s important that we all educate ourselves to avoid labelling them as things that they aren’t.
Dyslexia isn’t new, but there’s a lot of inaccurate information making the rounds. Debunking the myths and sharing facts is the first step to educating ourselves and others about it. If you know someone with dyslexia but you’re unsure about how to support them, you can read this article, and if you’re a dyslexic and need someone to talk to, we’re always available to chat in our social media DMs Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or on Ask CellCgirl.
