Finding Solutions for Kids Who Struggle With Reading
Many people struggle with reading. This is caused by many different factors. It could be dyslexia, autism, or difficulty with sound recognition. There have been numerous research and solutions offered by professionals to help those with reading-related concerns. All the experts agree that early diagnosis and intervention are the keys to solving or managing these issues. To this day, doctors continue to work together to find solutions for kids who struggle with reading.
Dyslexia
People with dyslexia are often thought to be at a disadvantage because of the difficulties they have with reading. They have difficulty recognizing letters, so they have no idea how to put these symbols together to form words. Dyslexia varies in severity, but symptoms start at the age when children start to read.
Problems with Processing Sounds
Speech and reading experts have associated problems with hearing sounds and reading delays and disorders. Processing sounds is different from hearing. Hearing has to do with acknowledging the presence of sounds, while processing sounds has to do with discriminating between the sounds of the letters of the alphabet. Pediatricians and reading experts usually recommend reciting nursery rhymes because it helps children recognize letter sounds even before they speak their first word.
Brain Imaging Helps with Assessment
A machine called an magnetoencephalography (M.E.G.) machine, developed by Dr. Andrew Papanicolau, was designed to locate the part of the brain that is responsible for or involved with speech. Throughout their research and experiments, Dr. Papanicolau’s team found information that was related to reading. They found that when using the M.R.G., the right side of the brain was activated—more activated than the normal reader. This is known to be a signature of dyslexia. Keep in mind that the M.E.G. is just one example of a machine that was developed to take images of the brain. This process is just one part of the entire assessment process.
Interventions for Children
Specific kinds of intensive reading instruction are designed to address reading delays and disorders. The intervention programs are not one size fits all—each one will be tailored-fit to address a child’s unique concerns and goals. These interventions can include specialized tutorials at a reading and speech clinic to be followed-up by activities at home with parents. Results are most impressive when professionals and caregivers work together to help the child.
Teachers, parents, speech, and reading specialists need to work together because reading is an activity that involves the entire brain. It has to do with looking at letters, recognizing the letters, associating it with a sound, forming letters into words and then sentences into paragraphs—all to make sense of what is written on a piece of paper.
The Emotional Toll
There is much talk about reading delays and difficulties, but we often overlook the emotional toll it takes on those who have reading difficulties. People who struggle with reading might feel embarrassed and insecure and cover it up by acting funny, being withdrawn, or even acting out. They might feel judged by their peers, teachers, and family and feel embarrassed to even reach out for help.
Early Intervention is Key
At 3 to 4 years old, some reading problems start to show themselves. Parents and caregivers who have some concerns should not think twice about consulting professionals, even if it’s just to rule out any disorders. In an ideal setting, a supportive team of doctors, teachers, and parents work together to implement interventions and monitor the progress of the child. There are celebrities and public figures that have come forward with their stories to give a voice to those who are struggling and encourage them (or anyone they know who needs it) to get the help that they need. Interventions for children with autism can help others who may not have autism but have difficulties with reading comprehension.