It is quite often that we hear parents complaining about their children not studying properly. Children may also often bother them by not reading, writing, or learning what is being thought and it is usually common at this age. But sometimes, in certain situations, a child may not be able to recognize letters, read words, face problems in writing them, which is uncommon and not normal. This can be due to a learning disorder called Dyslexia. This condition has been highlighted in certain Hollywood and Bollywood movies as well and to know more about it, our team spoke to an expert and senior psychiatrist Dr. Veena Krishnan.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dr. Krishnan explains that dyslexia is a type of mental state, in which the child is unable to obtain, understand, and use any kind of information. It is also known as a learning disorder. It not only affects the child’s academics but also other day-to-day activities like sports and games, that children usually indulge in. Statistics show that about 10 percent of children have learning disorders. To say, if there are 30 children in a class, the possibility is that three children out of them may have this problem.
Causes And Symptoms
Dyslexia is a nervous system-induced neurological disorder and may occur due to genetic reasons. Since it is not a physical disease, its symptoms cannot be identified just by looking at the health of a child. Usually, the symptoms may be observed when the child starts going to school because that’s when they start learning a new language and other things. Learning disorders are mainly of 3 types:
- Dyslexia: Where a child has difficulty reading words.
- Dysgraphia: Where the child is not able to write properly
- Dyscalculia: Where they have has difficulty in mathematics
Dr. Krishnan says that dyslexia is not a mental illness and kids suffering from this condition may have average or even above average intellectual capacity. These children can be an excellent orator. However, they usually find it difficult to understand directions, to identify letters and differentiate between normal and inverted letters, to form correct sentences, and memorize words or text. In addition to this, dyslexic kids may have problems in performing simple tasks such as tying shoes, fastening shirt buttons, and other things that require concentration.
Its Impact On Children
Our expert explains that many times, due to lack of information and inability to identify the symptoms, both teachers and parents feel that the child is not studying properly and intentionally making mistakes due to lack of concentration, laziness, or mischievousness. As a result of which, he/she may be unnecessarily scolded or even beaten up at times.
Also, these children develop a little slower than other children of their age because of which their friends and classmates may mock them and this leads to a decline in their confidence levels. In such a situation, the child is not able to do even that work, which he/she excels in.
Can It Be Treated?
Dyslexia is a mental condition and there is no definite or particular treatment for it. As soon as its symptoms are identified, it is necessary to seek advice from an expert psychiatrist. A child's ability to read and write can be improved through correct learning techniques and guidance when dyslexia is recognized. Such children should be encouraged to do things that they are proficient in, such as painting, singing, playing instruments, games or sports, and any other activities to improve their condition and instill confidence in them. Therefore, to tackle such children, it is important for his/her parents, teachers, and guardian to have patience and a good temper. Treating them like a normal child, motivating them, and boosting their confidence is very important.
