Myths vs. Facts of Dyslexia

 Dyslexia is one of the most misunderstood neurological conditions to exist. Today, scientists know more than ever about dyslexia. But dyslexic people around the globe continue to be marginalized and stereotyped. 

Unfortunately, many misconceptions are floating around about this learning difference that it often gets hard to differentiate facts from lies. And this isn't just detrimental to a diagnosed dyslexic person's experience. Still, it also makes it hard to read the early signs of dyslexia and seek immediate help. 

Today we're going to shine a light on some of the most prevalent myths on dyslexia. 

Globally, 15-20% of people are dyslexic, according to the International Dyslexia Foundation. Thus, it's crucial to educate ourselves on the topic. If you like it, don't forget to share it with your friends and families. 

Myth #1 All Dyslexic People Read And Write Letters Backwards 

Truth: While reading and writing backward are some of the most popular symptoms, it doesn't apply to everyone. Also, not all children who do so are dyslexic. 

Reading letters in reverse is quite common in young children. It's not uncommon to confuse q for p and b for d. However, if you find your child doing so even by the time he graduates first grade, it's time for an evaluation. 

That being said, dyslexic people don't 'see' things in reverse. They just have a bit of trouble with directionality. 

Myth #2 Dyslexia Doesn't Show Up Until Elementary School

Although rarely diagnosed at a very young age, telltale signs of dyslexia could be present even during preschool or earlier. In preschool, the most obvious signs are children not knowing their alphabets, having difficulty rhyming, or simply being a 'late talker.' 

This is because dyslexia hampers language skills that are crucial to start reading. 

Myth #3 Dyslexia Is Sign Of Below Average Intelligence 

Truth: You'd be surprised to know that some of the world's most creative and intelligent people are dyslexic - Walt Disney, Albert Einstein, and Leonardo Da Vinci. Several studies have repeatedly proved that there's no correlation between dyslexia and intelligence. 

Dyslexic students typically demonstrate average or above-average intelligence. They're often more creative, intuitive, and out-of-the-box thinkers. Capitalizing on their strengths and not relying on the standard practice of just reading and writing will help them build confidence, try out new hobbies, and acquire new skills!

Myth #4 Dyslexia Is Rare 

Truth: Dyslexia isn't rare - it's almost widespread. Globally, 15-20% of people are dyslexic, according to the International Dyslexia Foundation. In the United States alone, it's estimated that 30 million adults have dyslexia. 

Likewise, the American Academy Of Pediatrics reports that dyslexia accounts for 80% of all learning issues.

Some have mild forms of dyslexia, while others are impacted severely. However, for many, it goes undiagnosed and untreated throughout their lives. In the United States, it's reported that only 1 in 10 dyslexic people qualifies for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). 

An IEP lays out the special education curriculum, instructions, and services a student needs to do well in school. 

Myth #5 Dyslexia Is A Vision Problem

Truth: No, dyslexia isn't a visual problem. Dyslexic children are no more likely to have eye complications than other kids. However, some children may indeed have problems with visual processing or perception. 

That is because the brain has difficulty detecting the small details in images and processing what the eyes see. There's nothing wrong with the eye's anatomy itself or its functioning. 

Myth #6 Dyslexic Children Are Just Lazy 

Truth: No, dyslexic children are not lazy. Being exposed to reading early on in life is important. But children don't become dyslexic just because they didn't have exposure or didn't try hard enough. Dyslexia is a neurological condition that can't be managed if the right intervention isn't taken - no matter how hard a child tries. 

Making some small yet impactful changes in the teaching mechanism can help dyslexic children thrive drastically. For instance, reducing the copying task from the board or using fill-in-the-blank, matching, or short-answer format on tests. 

Myth #7 Only Children That Speak English Have Dyslexia 

Truth: This myth is farthest from the truth. Dyslexia exists in all corners of the world and all languages. Dyslexic cases have been well studied and documented in various languages like Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese. 

However, indeed, it often takes much longer to pick up reading problems in bilingual kids whose first language isn't English. 

If a child is having problems reading and writing in both first and second languages, it's an obvious sign the child needs to be evaluated. 

Myth #8 Dyslexia Goes Away With Age

Truth: While early intervention, helping dyslexic children learn easily can be very impactful. However, dyslexia is a life-long condition that doesn't go away with age or once the child starts reading. Nor is it a 'disease' that can be cured. 

Children simply do not grow out of dyslexia. They may struggle less with writing and reading as they grow, but it cannot be completely outgrown. That is why the right intervention at a young age is important. 

Myth #9 Dyslexia Can Be Cured 

Truth: Dyslexia is a lifelong learning condition. But it's not a medical condition nor can it be cured like one. Mild or severe, dyslexia is innate or permanent. However, early, systematic and intensive invention can profoundly help improve the life of a dyslexic person. Music therapy has also been proven to help children struggling to read and write. 

Dyslexia can be remediated with the right kinds of instructions and guidelines and be kept under check by far and large.