Dyslexia is the nickname for a Specified Learning Disorder in reading-related activities that affects a child’s reading or writing ability. It makes it difficult for the child to read fluently because the child cannot identify speech sounds and struggles to decode, process, or synthesize language. This article will discuss whether dyslexia affects speech and how dyslexia and speech are connected.
Children with dyslexia may confuse letters with similar shapes, like “b” and “d .”They also show weak verbal memory and find learning new words and spellings difficult. This occurs due to individual differences in brain areas that process language.
Specific Learning Disorders include three main categories:
- Dyslexia: Difficulty in reading and spelling
- Dysgraphia: Difficulty in writing, spelling, and forming words
- Dyscalculia: Difficulty in understanding and working with numbers. This disability makes it difficult for kids to perform or deal with mathematical calculations.
Individuals with dyslexia have poor phonological awareness, meaning they cannot identify or struggle to process a spoken word’s sounds, syllables, and rhymes.
How Dyslexia and Speech are Related?
Dyslexia and speech are somehow related to each other. Dyslexia also affects a person’s speech and language skills in many ways. The symptoms and effects vary from person to person. People with Dyslexia face difficulty in:
- Recognizing the sounds of different words.
- Distinguishing words with similar shapes.
- Learning new words.
- Fluent speaking and correct pronunciation.
Common Issues in Dyslexics
Having understood how dyslexia and speech are interrelated, let’s try to identify the common issues that come with dyslexia.
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Dyslexia Makes it Difficult for Kids to Identify the Right Word.
The most common issue is trouble finding the right word. Individuals with dyslexia may use similar words in place of each other (like who in place of how). They may also use vague words when they find it difficult to express their thoughts. Dyslexics also make similar mistakes in writing. They take a lot of time to learn new words, and remembering them is a real struggle for them.
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Dyslexic Kids Might Stutter
Dyslexia also causes individuals to stutter. Approximately two-thirds of the people who suffer from dyslexia also stutter. Delayed speech production is also one of the major symptoms of dyslexia.
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Grammar Mistakes are Common in Kids with Dyslexia
They also get puzzled with the sentence structure and grammar. They cannot identify where to start a sentence and confuse nouns and verbs.
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Dyslexic Kids Might Have Less Processing Power
Because dyslexics cannot easily learn and remember new words, their processing power decreases. Individuals may also take time to respond to normal questions during a conversation.
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Communication Might Be Difficult for Them
They may speak in a way that is difficult to understand, which can hinder communication. They may also be unfluent while talking and use words like “uh” or “umm” repeatedly, which can negatively affect a person’s confidence.
Language understanding is primarily affected by dyslexia. When a child starts learning new words and sounds, the brain is unable to process and interpret that information accurately.
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Dyslexic Kids Prefer not to be Social.
Individuals who experience speech disabilities also suffer social, emotional, and psychological issues like social anxiety, anger issues, and negative thoughts about themselves or others.
How to Spell with Dyslexia
Learning to spell with dyslexia can be a great challenge, but here are some tips that can be helpful:
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Understanding Syllables
Help the person understand syllables because it makes sound identification and learning easier.
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Using Flashcards
The use of flashcards also makes the brain process information effectively.
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Breaking Words
Breaking down the words makes it easier for the kids to understand and comprehend words.
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Use of Rhythm
Teach them rhythmically and musically as it ensures impactful learning.
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TTRS (Touch Type Read Spell)
This online course helps children with reading, spelling, and writing issues. It uses a multi-sensory approach and also provides on-screen guides for accurate typing.
How to Cope with Dyslexia
Strategies for treating dyslexia can vary for everyone, depending on age, symptoms, severity of the disorder, and the recommendations of a specialist. Specialized tutoring, occupational therapy, and speech pathologies provide supportive roles in dealing with such disabilities. Let’s discuss some strategies to help kids cope with dyslexia.
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Phonological Awareness
The primary factor that causes dyslexia is a lack of phonological awareness. That is why training is necessary. It includes;
- Music, rhymes, and tunes
- Identification of syllables
- Different word games
- Observing mouth, tongue, and teeth movement during speech
- Focusing on similar words with different sounds and meanings.
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Articulation Exercises
Articulation exercises can improve a person’s speaking so that others can understand him easily. These exercises involve the repetition of difficult and challenging words. In addition, Articulation exercises also include some word games and oral exercises to practice the correct breathing patterns and movement of the mouth to produce different sounds.
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Reading Practice
Reading is essential, and dyslexics must work hard to develop it. This requires practicing reading aloud and focusing on speech errors. Reading is beneficial for both written and spoken language. It also develops vocabulary and improves attention and confidence.
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Use of Technology
Assistive technology refers to the devices that disabled people use to assist themselves in their everyday lives. These can include spectacles, hearing aids, etc. Dyslexics can use devices that stimulate the brain through neurofeedback. It increases the feedback our brain receives while performing a task. This ensures effective learning and full focus on our work.
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Speech therapy
Another important step is to seek the help of a linguistic expert or speech therapist. It is vital to develop communication skills. Therapists also play an important role in avoiding issues like social anxiety and autism. They help develop a confident and competent personality that can lead a content life.
How Counselling Helps with Dyslexia
People with dyslexia often feel shame, anger, frustration, or self-loathing. Challenges with written and spoken language can make reading, writing, and making sense of language difficult.
People often feel defective, like something is wrong inside, like they can never get anything written, or always deal with some struggle. Therapy helps to understand a person’s experience with dyslexia and to find self-confidence in their talents and abilities. It can also help to have compassion for the challenges of living with dyslexia and feel increased self-esteem and resilience.
Is Dyslexia a Disability in Canada?
Dyslexia is considered a disability in Canada, where 23% of the population is affected by it. It comes under the Canadian Human Rights Act, which helps and facilitates disabled individuals and ensures they do not face discrimination. They aim to provide equal opportunities for disabled people.
The Canadian government also provides support services for dyslexics, including special education programs, facilities in schools and universities, and modern technologies.
They are also facilitated in exams if they need extra time or to use assistive technology. This enables them to compete with others. They may also be able to be examined orally.
They also have rights in employment. The employer must meet disabled individuals’ unique requirements. The government also provides disability benefits, which vary according to the person’s condition and territory.
Moreover, the Canadian Dyslexia Association (CDA) provides vocational and emotional support to dyslexics and their families. Additionally, the government of Canada offers a disability tax credit to those eligible for it based on limited capacity to manage the daily needs of life.
At Boomerang Counselling Centre, we understand the challenges of living with a learning disorder like dyslexia. We are here to help support feeling better about yourself, even when you have difficulties like dyslexia. You can book a session online with one of our skilled and compassionate therapists or contact our office manager to answer any questions. Just fill out the form today or select Book Now to book a session today.