Dyslexia, which is a subtype of specific learning disability and also called "reading disorder", can be manifested as inability to read letters or numbers, misreading, slow reading speed and spelling. Stating that the diagnosis can be made late due to misperceptions that the child does not read on purpose or is reluctant, experts emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and early special education.
NPISTANBUL Hospital Child Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Lecturer. Member Mine Elagöz Yüksel said that dyslexia is a part of special learning disabilities.
Letters or numbers are misread
Noting that dyslexia, also called "reading disorder", is the most common subtype of special learning disability, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Mine Elagöz Yüksel said, "Dyslexia can be seen in both boys and girls. Dyslexia is suspected when children have reading skills below their intelligence level. In these children, inability to read letters or numbers, misreading, slowness in reading speed, reading by spelling can be seen."
Right-left confusion may occur
Noting that dyslexia may be accompanied by other problems, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Mine Elagöz Yüksel said, "Dyslexia can often be accompanied by other problems such as confusion of right-left, inability to determine direction, difficulty in the concepts of before-after, forward-backward, kicking a ball, jumping rope, difficulty in tying shoes, attention deficit, forgetfulness. In cases where dyslexia is seen together with other subtypes of specific learning disabilities, there may be difficulty in arithmetic, inability to understand what is read, incorrect or inverted writing. Children with dyslexia may show symptoms of different intensity from each other, they do not have to have every symptom."
Beware of late speech!
Noting that learning disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders thought to be caused by the interaction of underlying genetic factors and environmental factors, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Mine Elagöz Yüksel warned, "Although these children are usually diagnosed in the primary school period, they may show symptoms such as late speech, difficulty in letter pronunciation and weakness in motor skills before primary school."
Diagnosis should not be late
Noting that these children may have difficulties in the academic field as they do not have mental retardation, but they may be resourceful or creative in other areas, Prof. Dr. Mine Elagöz Yüksel stated that early diagnosis is important and said, "This situation may confuse the families and cause the diagnosis to be made late by causing the child to be perceived as if the child is intentionally not reading or reluctant. In this process, it is common that families are often exhausted, tired of explaining lessons to the child and repeating them frequently, yelling and criticizing them. It is necessary to consult a child-adolescent psychiatry specialist for diagnosis."
Early diagnosis and early special education are important
Emphasizing that it is possible to progress rapidly in treatment with early diagnosis and early special education, Mine Elagöz Yüksel said, "Medical treatment is not started for every child with dyslexia, but medication can be added to the treatment if needed. Late application to the physician and late diagnosis will delay the treatment and may cause the child to have self-confidence problems due to inability to perform and to become reluctant to go to school. In the advanced period, diagnoses such as depression and anxiety disorder may accompany."
Cooperation should be made with the teacher
Emphasizing the need to cooperate with the child's teacher during the treatment process, Dr. Faculty Member Mine Elagöz Yüksel said, "The teacher's knowledge about the diagnosis will help him/her understand the child better and help him/her better. The fact that parents and teachers are understanding and supportive towards the child positively affects the treatment. It should not be forgotten that children with dyslexia can learn in different ways and that dyslexia is a condition that can be treated."
