Child with dyslexia. A therapist's guide for parents

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Dyslexia is not an illness and is not related to intelligence levels - people with this disorder can be exceptionally talented in other areas. Early recognition of symptoms and appropriate educational support are crucial for the child`s success in school and everyday life.

Symptoms of Dyslexia. What to Watch For

Symptoms of dyslexia can vary and change depending on the child`s age. In preschool, there may be issues with recognizing letters, difficulties in rhyming words, or delays in speech development. In primary school, dyslexia manifests as problems with learning to read - the child may confuse letters, struggle with fluent reading, and make numerous spelling mistakes despite following rules.

“Often, dyslexia in a child presents in several forms simultaneously. Therefore, observing the child is very important, and when parents or teachers notice concerning symptoms, they should consult a psychological and pedagogical clinic,” explains special educator Magdalena Paźniewska, a dyslexia specialist from the Familijna Poradnia Psychologiczno-Pedagogiczna in Wrocław and an expert from the #MAMYNATORADĘ advisory platform, managed by the National Educational Operator Foundation. “A professional diagnosis will clearly confirm or exclude suspicions. In the first case, it will help immediately develop and implement solutions that will allow the child to avoid many additional difficulties and stress in the future.”

Diagnosing Dyslexia. Time Matters

This disorder can have various causes, including genetic predispositions, neurological disorders, and environmental factors, such as a lack of appropriate educational stimuli in early childhood.

“There is also the concept of acquired dyslexia. This occurs when a child who previously had no problems with writing, reading, or counting suddenly develops difficulties. This can happen due to strong emotions, trauma, or injury,” explains Magdalena Paźniewska.


The earlier appropriate steps are taken, the greater the chances of alleviating learning difficulties. In Poland, diagnosing dyslexia is possible through specialized psychological and pedagogical assessments that evaluate reading, writing, and other cognitive functions.

As the expert from the National Educational Operator Foundation emphasizes, it is important for parents and teachers to be aware of the symptoms of dyslexia and to pay attention to any concerning signs. However, it often happens that learning difficulties are trivialized or attributed to the child`s laziness, which delays diagnosis and appropriate support.

Supporting the Child. Living with Dyslexia

Children with dyslexia require a specialized educational approach. Many therapeutic and instructional methods exist to help overcome difficulties. One of the most important elements is an individualized approach to the child, adjusting the pace of learning and using methods that engage various senses in the learning process.

Parents play a key role in this process. From active collaboration with teachers and specialists to providing emotional support for the child. Regular reading with the child, exercises to improve concentration, and motivating them to learn can significantly influence the child`s progress. Remember that dyslexia is a challenge but not an obstacle to success.

Many well-known individuals, such as Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, and Steven Spielberg, had dyslexia and still achieved great success in their fields.

Tips for Parents:

• Observe the child for difficulties in reading, writing, and remembering sequences, as these may be potential symptoms of dyslexia.
• Adjust teaching methods to the child`s needs by using a multisensory approach that engages different senses in the learning process.
• Maintain regular contact with teachers and specialists to collaboratively develop an effective educational plan.
• Encourage the child to learn and build their self-confidence to help them cope with difficulties and develop their talents.

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This advice is part of the #MAMYNATORADĘ social project, aimed at supporting parents in caring for their children`s proper development. Free guides for parents are developed by experienced educators, child psychologists, and speech therapists with practical experience in schools and kindergartens: https://operator.edu.pl/pl/poradnia

The project is run by the National Educational Operator Foundation. It is funded by voluntary donations and 1.5% income tax deductions.

The media patron of #MAMYNATORADĘ is the weekly Reporterzy.info