Dyslexia and The de Paul School

What is dyslexia?

There are various types of learning differences, each affecting different aspects of learning. Dyslexia is a specific learning difference that causes difficulties in making sense of written language, specifically reading and/or spelling words. A person with dyslexia may struggle to read and/or spell words accurately, quickly, or both. Curricula and instruction that are effective for most students are not adequate for a student with dyslexia, because these students need specific kinds of experiences to learn to read.

Dyslexia and Intelligence

Dyslexia is unrelated to intelligence, and so it can be especially frustrating to a child who watches their peers excel beyond them in reading. Some of the most successful people in all areas of career and livelihood are dyslexic, and they often attribute their success to aspects of their learning difference.

Variations of Dyslexia

Individuals experience dyslexia in their own ways. They may have mild challenges or severe difficulties. They may be more impacted in reading or spelling. The amount of specialized instruction needed to become readers varies, depending on each individual’s learning profile.

Causes and Outcomes

Dyslexia is the result of neurological and environmental factors. Dyslexia can be heritable (passed along from parents). Scientists have identified several underlying causes, rooted in how the brain processes different kinds of information. The different combinations of these can affect the severity and symptoms of dyslexia.

If early reading intervention does not take place, the resulting lack of reading practice often leads to various additional reading deficits in vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and positive feelings about reading. The child’s emotional wellbeing and self-esteem can be negatively impacted as well. While intervention at an early age is best, an intervention with appropriate techniques is beneficial at any age.

Dyslexia Around the World

Dyslexia exists in all cultures and languages, and the way dyslexia impacts learning is affected by the type of written language being learned (for example, whether it is alphabetic like English or character-based like Chinese).

What are the signs of dyslexia?

Dyslexia can look different at different ages. Here are some common signs:

Preschool: Struggles to learn the alphabet or rhyme words. Reverses letters and numerals more than typical for their age.
Elementary school: Lags behind peers in sounding out words, reading fluently, building a sight word vocabulary, or spelling. They might also avoid reading altogether.
Middle school and beyond: Guesses when reading multisyllabic words. Has a limited number of memorized sight words. May have poor reading comprehension because so much mental energy is focused on sounding out words.

It’s important to remember that these are just potential signs, and not every child who exhibits them has dyslexia. If you’re concerned, it’s best to talk to your child’s teacher, school counselor, or an educational psychologist.

Will my child ever be a “strong” reader?

Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, but with the right support from The de Paul School, children can become successful readers and learners. Dyslexia should not be allowed to keep a child from reaching their potential.

The de Paul School utilizes a structured literacy program that explicitly teaches the underlying skills of reading and spelling. Structured literacy, taught through de Paul’s Five Pillars of Instruction, helps children develop the skills they need to decode and understand written language.

What kind of support is available for children with dyslexia?

There are a variety of resources and strategies that can help:

Specialized Reading Instruction: The de Paul School has been providing specialized reading instruction for over 55 years. Every academic teacher in our building has been trained in The Science of Reading which includes crucial skills like phonics and phonemic awareness. Our school curriculum is structured, multi-sensory (engaging multiple senses), and individualized to a child’s needs.
Assistive Technology: Text-to-speech software, audiobooks, and other assistive technologies can help children access and engage with written material.
Counseling: Children with dyslexia may experience frustration, anxiety, or low self-esteem related to their reading difficulties. Counseling can help them develop coping mechanisms and build resilience. The de Paul School partners with Groupworks Psychiatric Services to offer individual and group therapy for our students during the school day. Our families are encouraged to contract with Groupworks or continue with their preferred therapist.
Speech/Language Therapy: Some children with dyslexia also have delays in oral language development. The de Paul School partners with speech therapy providers who work with students at school during school hours.

How can I support my child with dyslexia outside of school?

Here are some tips:

Read aloud to your child. Even if your child struggles to read independently, listening to fluent reading can help them develop language skills and a love of stories.
Make reading fun. Explore different genres, let your child choose books, and create a cozy reading nook.
Play games that involve language. Nursery rhymes, word games, rhyming games, and storytelling can help build essential skills.
Be patient and encourage. Learning to read can be a long and challenging process for children with dyslexia. Celebrate small victories and focus on your child’s strengths.
Advocate for your child. Talk to your child’s doctor about dyslexia and reach out to The de Paul School for guidance along your journey.

Navigating schools for a child with dyslexia can feel overwhelming at times. With the right team of educators, therapists, and family members, your child can overcome reading difficulties and achieve their full potential. You are your child’s most important advocate, and de Paul is here to help!