Dyslexic children are not uniform in their abilities and disabilities – each one is different from the other. The condition might be either severe or mild. The educational future of the child lies in a cocktail of many factors – intensity of the dyslexic condition, the intelligence of the child, the support coming from the family, the resources of the family, and the professionals in the school, the wish to learn imbedded in the child and any other related disability like lack of concentration and hyperactivity (ADHD).

Of those with disabilities in learning nearly half have other problems that interrupt their progress in school. The disabilities connected with dyslexia include memory related problems or having difficulty in solving problems so as to reach a certain target.

Research that has traced the progress of the dyslexic students from kindergarten right through to high school show that the majority learns to accurately read albeit their speed might be slow; they are not fluent in reading. Thus many teenagers with dyslexia may require some special assistance in the class rooms.

These dyslexic students need to be given extra time to complete their assignments and tests. They may also require assistance in organizing their schedules, their work and finishing multiple tasks as well as long-term tasks. It is especially so during the middle school years. Thus it would be of great help to them if they are permitted to tape the lectures given in the classes, use books on the tape to find out the texts and other readings expected of them, give the tests vocally or in the form of brief essays avoiding multiple choices, make use of a laptop containing spelling checks and give the tests in a separate room that is quiet.

It will be easier for parents to give their support if they get to understand what dyslexia is and how to manage the special needs of the child. A dyslexic might develop an inferiority complex, suffer from depression or show behavioral problems. These can further hinder their advancement in reading. If the parent thinks that the child is suffering from lack of self-esteem because of dyslexia counseling might be of help.     

Will my child learn to read and succeed at school?

Generally dyslexic children are rather bright – despite the fact that reading will be a problem right through life. The earlier dyslexia is diagnosed and treatment begun the greater the possibility will be of the child learning to read at his highest possible level.

Another key factor is that the parents have to be encouraging and supportive with the child and to be involved with his educational progress. As they progress in school the parents should continue to help them. This requires extra dedication and effort on the part of the guardians. But the reward will be the increased improvement in the child to cope with his handicap and succeess in studies and other fields of activities to the best of his innate capacity.

A teacher’s help or tutor might be required if the child is severely afflicted with dyslexia to manage with the school tasks. To be eligible for special assistance in education according to the federal law the child has to undergo an examination in seven academic fields – vocal expression, listening comprehensions, written capabilities, fundamental reading capabilities, mathematical skills and numbering reasoning. These tests help to measure the language and numerical skills of the child.