Is Dyslexia really a Superpower?

Is dyslexia a superpower or is it simply a disability that makes everyday life difficult? It is true that a great number of creative people in our society are dyslexic, but there are many more working in low paid jobs or languishing in prison. So what makes the difference, is it possible for all dyslexic children to grow up to reach their full potential and follow their dreams?

I'm reading a book at the moment entitled Dyslexia is my Superpower (most of the time) which seeks to explore the positives and negatives of being dyslexic and what can be done to best support dyslexic learners. It is a collection of interviews with children who have dyslexia and the tips for supporting them come from the children themselves. 

So, what are the 'superpowers'? Well, dyslexics tend to be very creative in their thinking and many of the children in the book talked about being able to solve problems in different ways to their friends. 

Dyslexics tend to be good at visualizing things, often being able to see how something will look before they have made it. A lot of the children talked about being able to see things in 3D and many said that art and design were favourite subjects.

Of course, the children also described their struggles with dyslexia; as well as struggling with reading, writing and spelling, many of the children also found maths hard. Some also described problems with memory. The major impact on their lives was that it took them longer and they felt they had to work harder to do the same things as their friends. 

So, what helped them? Finding out that they were dyslexic was key for many as it proved that they weren't 'just stupid'. Specialist teaching was also a turning point along with supportive family and friends. Adjustments at school were also helpful to many such as more time in exams, handouts in lessons, quieter classrooms and patient teachers.

As with the children I teach, the children interviewed had great plans for their futures with many wanting to pursue creative or caring professions. Some wanted to become teachers so they could support other dyslexic children.

What was striking and upsetting was how long it took for some children to be identified - one child in Wales went through primary school without anyone spotting his dyslexia - and without learning to read at all. Many parents also had to battle to get their children supported.

Despite the positive title, Dyslexia is my Superpower also reveals how much more needs to be done to ensure all dyslexic children get the help and support they need.

If your child is struggling then contact me today to get them the help and support they need to succeed. 

Handling homework meltdowns

It's seven o'clock. You are preparing the evening meal when your child reveals that they have homework. Your initial response is one of irritation; why didn't they tell you earlier? You stop what you are doing and sit down with them to try to work out what they have got to do. It looks pretty straightforward but when you discuss what needs to be done with your child, you are met with resistance, confusion and tears. 

From time to time, all children will experience homework that they don't like or understand, but for children with dyslexia, perplexing and time consuming homework is the norm. Many will try avoidance tactics, putting it off till the last minute or persuade you to tell them what to write. Others will really want to do it to the best of their ability and will spend hours on a homework designed to take twenty minutes. 

One mum recently told me that their valuable family time at the weekend was "ruined" by her dyslexic son's desire to get his spelling right in his homework. "It takes him hours," she said. "It makes me cry when I see all the effort he puts into something that is only supposed to take 30 minutes."

So, what can you do to help? Well, here are a few tips collected from my pupils and their families.

• Ask your child if they have homework as soon as you get home so that there is plenty of time to complete it.
• Break the task down into manageable chunks; if you can, do a little bit over several days. If you only have one evening to complete the work then set a timer and take regular breaks.
• Read the questions to your child and ensure they understand the task before you begin.
• Agree a time limit and have something fun lined up for when the work is finished e.g playing a game or watching a favourite programme on their tablet.
• Talk to the class teacher if homework is taking over your life, taking too long or unduly upsetting your child; discuss strategies to reduce the stress on your child.

If dyslexia has not yet been identified or help and support in the school is inadequate then contact a specialist dyslexia tutor. Tuition will help your child  learn strategies to help them cope with homework as well as improving their general literacy.

Many schools, once they know a child is dyslexic, will allow pupils to complete homework more tailored to their needs, so consider dyslexia screening to help you and your child's school to understand where your child needs support.

Most importantly of all, don't let homework become a battleground. Remind yourself and your child that it isn't the most important thing in the world and if you think you have spent long enough on it, then put the books away and do something else. 

If your child is struggling then contact me today to get them the help and support they need to succeed.