What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to read, write, and spell, despite having normal intelligence and adequate education.

It primarily impacts how the brain processes written and spoken language, making it difficult to recognize letters, sounds, and word patterns.

Common Symptoms & Experience

Common Symptoms

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects reading, writing, and language processing. It is not related to intelligence but rather to the way the brain processes written and spoken words.

Recognizing the symptoms early can help individuals receive the right support and strategies for success.

Difficulty with Reading and Word Recognition

Struggling to recognize common words or read fluently.
Skipping, adding, or mispronouncing words while reading.
Taking longer than usual to decode letters and sounds.

Poor Spelling and Writing Skills

Frequent letter reversals (e.g., confusing "b" and "d" or "p" and "q").
Difficulty spelling words correctly, even after practicing.
Writing that appears disorganized or inconsistent.

Trouble with Phonological Awareness and Processing Speed

Difficulty breaking words into sounds (e.g., struggling with rhyming or blending sounds).
Taking longer to process and recall written or spoken information.
Struggling to follow multi-step instructions related to language.

Experiences

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to read, write, and spell. It is not related to intelligence but rather how the brain processes language.

Recognizing the symptoms early can help with effective intervention and support.

Struggles with Reading and Writing

Difficulty recognizing words, leading to slow and effortful reading.
Frequent spelling mistakes and letter reversals (e.g., confusing "b" and "d").
Writing that appears disorganized or inconsistent, making it hard to express thoughts clearly.

Frustration and Low Self-Esteem

Feeling frustrated or embarrassed when struggling to read aloud.
Avoiding schoolwork or written tasks due to fear of making mistakes.
Experiencing self-doubt and anxiety, leading to a lack of confidence in learning abilities.

Strengths in Creative and Problem-Solving Skills

Many individuals with dyslexia develop strong problem-solving abilities to compensate for their challenges.
Excelling in visual thinking, storytelling, and hands-on learning.
Thinking in big-picture concepts, which can lead to creativity and innovation.

How Psychological Therapy Can Help You

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects reading, writing, and language processing. While it is not a psychological condition, psychological therapy can play a crucial role in supporting individuals with dyslexia.

Therapy helps address the emotional, social, and cognitive challenges that often accompany dyslexia, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and frustration.

Building Self-Esteem and Emotional Resilience

Many individuals with dyslexia experience self-doubt, frustration, and low confidence due to academic struggles.
Therapy helps develop self-acceptance and positive coping strategies to reduce feelings of failure.
Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can challenge negative thoughts and build self-worth.

Children and adults with dyslexia often experience performance anxiety, especially in school or work settings.
Therapy provides tools to manage stress, test anxiety, and frustration through relaxation techniques and mindfulness.
Emotional regulation strategies help individuals cope with setbacks and stay motivated.

Managing Anxiety and Stress Related to Learning

Enhancing Social and Communication Skills

Dyslexia can sometimes lead to social difficulties due to struggles with verbal expression or written communication.
Therapy supports effective communication skills, boosting confidence in social and academic settings.
Group therapy or social skills training helps individuals build stronger relationships and reduce feelings of isolation.