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Empowering Young Readers: A Therapeutic Approach to Dyslexia

Would you like to know what remedial sessions look like? Our most veteran therapist Kashmira Kakalia, will share a gist of some sessions relating to reading here.

“Why do I have to read? Can’t I just look at the pictures and understand the story. Please tell me the story, I promise I will listen with attention. This reading is like a mystery to me like this story!” blurted a student when we began with a simple colorful reader.

Mystery is something that you cannot understand or explain. I agreed with this child. Reading must be a mystery to her! 

She had a mind of her own. She was imaginative and I would say a good guesser. She would guess the words she read but was very inconsistent.

Well, that’s what we call Dyslexia, isn’t it? There were issues not only with reading but with information processing, memory and organizational skills. She had poor phonological skills, resulting in difficulties with decoding, reading fluency, and spelling.

Here are some of the common symptoms of Dyslexia and reading challenges

• Difficulty reading words, even simple ones
• Slow and labored reading
• Mixing up letters in words
• Blending words together
• Difficulty remembering what was read
• Difficulty spelling
• Avoiding activities that involved reading

We started from scratch. Luckily alphabet recognition and sounds were achieved. We started with three letter words, phonic base and moved on to blends. 

An Individualised Educational Program was planned. Involvement of parents was necessary to follow up at home. 

Method used was to engage all the senses such as sight, sound and touch.

Program used was to teach phonics, decoding and comprehension skills.

She was encouraged to read aloud, which could improve her decoding skills and reading comprehension.

Repeated reading experience and multiple exposure to words was provided. Where she was encouraged to recognise words in different places or situations, while traveling, from magazines or newspapers.

Parental support was essential. Parents were guided and home programs were assigned.

Peer support was required and established as she was a friendly child with a caring attitude. All her classmates were ready to help. Her friends were assigned duties to assist her in different subjects.

Positive feedback to encourage her and build self-esteem was essential.

It took some time for her to be an average reader. She can read now. But if you observe closely, you would find her tracing her lines with her finger. 

It is important to note that an adult identified as dyslexic would still be a dyslexic even if she/he has learned to read well. She/He has acquired the skills that were once difficult. The person has learnt to overcome this difficulty with appropriate instruction and support. People with dyslexia can succeed in school and the workplace.

Self-awareness and acceptance is the key for any person assessed as being dyslexic. One can definitely see dyslexia as a strength. As we understand, the development of effective strategies can make those with dyslexia as competent as the non-dyslexics.

In fact, people with dyslexia may have some of the following as strengths:

• Empathy in particular
• Creative and imaginative skills
• Problem solving abilities
• Awareness of multi-sensory techniques
• Grit
• Resilience.

Seeing the brighter side of Dyslexia and Reading with ImPerfect

Dyslexia, once considered a hindrance, can be reframed as a unique lens through which individuals perceive the world. With the right support and understanding, by trained and experienced psychologists at ImPerfect, dyslexic learners can not only overcome their challenges but also harness their exceptional strengths. By embracing their diverse learning styles and providing tailored interventions, we can empower dyslexic individuals to reach their full potential.

It’s crucial to remember that dyslexia is not a limitation but a different way of thinking and learning. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, we can help dyslexic learners develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed. 

Let us celebrate the unique perspectives and creative minds of dyslexic individuals and work together to create a world where they can thrive.