Understanding the Early Signs of Dyslexia
Missy Purcel’s story begins with the early signs of her son’s dyslexia, which were evident as early as preschool. She recalls receiving a report that highlighted her son’s social skills and math abilities but noted his struggles with reading. These early indicators, often dismissed as developmental delays, are crucial for parents to recognize. Missy’s experience underscores the importance of paying attention to these signs and advocating for early intervention, even when met with resistance from educators.
When Dysgraphia and Dyslexia Come Together
As a parent, discovering that your child has dyslexia can be both enlightening and overwhelming. The journey to understanding and supporting a child with dyslexia is filled with challenges, but also with hope and strategies for success. This article aims to provide parents with insights and guidance based on the experiences shared by Missy Purcel on the “Don’t Call Me” podcast, where she discussed her journey with her son’s dyslexia and the broader implications for families navigating similar paths.
The Emotional Impact on Children and Families
The emotional toll of dyslexia on children and their families cannot be overstated. Missy describes her son’s frustration and self-doubt, which manifested in first grade as he struggled with reading and writing tasks. He would often say, “I can’t do this,” and his work showed signs of intense effort followed by defeat. This emotional struggle can lead to anxiety and a sense of failure, affecting a child’s self-esteem and overall well-being. Parents must be prepared to support their child emotionally, reinforcing their strengths and helping them navigate their challenges.
Author Quote
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When no one in the room will answer your question, it means you’re right and they don’t know how to answer you.
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Advocating for Your Child in the School System
One of the most significant challenges Missy faced was advocating for her son within the school system. Despite her background as an educator, she encountered resistance and a lack of understanding about dyslexia. She had to fight for appropriate interventions and accommodations, often feeling unheard and dismissed. Missy’s journey highlights the importance of persistence and the need for parents to educate themselves about their rights and the resources available to them. She emphasizes the value of building a support network and using tools like social media to connect with other parents and advocates.
Key Takeaways:
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Recognize the Signs of Struggle: Be attentive to your child's behavior and academic performance. Signs such as frustration, frequent erasures on schoolwork, quitting tasks prematurely, and expressions of self-doubt like "I can't do this" or "I'm stupid" are red flags that your child may need additional support. Keeping a record of their work can help you identify patterns and provide evidence when advocating for your child's needs.
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Advocate for Early Intervention: Don't wait for your child to fail before seeking help. Early intervention is crucial for children with dyslexia. If you suspect your child is struggling, push for assessments and individualized instruction tailored to their needs. Remember, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) if you disagree with the school's assessment.
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Empower Your Child to Self-Advocate: Teach your child to express their needs and understand their strengths beyond their dyslexia. Encourage them to communicate with teachers about what helps them learn best, such as needing more time or specific accommodations. Building this skill will empower them and help them navigate educational and life challenges more effectively.
Addressing Dysgraphia and Its Impact on Learning
In addition to dyslexia, Missy’s son was also diagnosed with Dysgraphia. This condition, which affects writing abilities, added another layer of complexity to his educational needs. Dysgraphia can make it difficult for children to express their thoughts on paper, leading to further frustration and academic challenges. Missy found that combining Orton-Gillingham instruction with speech-language therapy was particularly effective for her son. Parents should be aware that dysgraphia often co-occurs with dyslexia and may require specialized interventions to support their child’s learning.
Author Quote
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We discovered that Matthew, in addition to having dyslexia, had dysgraphia as well as a developmental language disability.
”Understanding Dyscalculia and Its Overlap with Dyslexia
Another learning challenge that parents may encounter is Dyscalculia. While Missy’s son did not have this condition, it is important for parents to understand that dyscalculia, which affects mathematical abilities, can sometimes co-occur with dyslexia. Like dyslexia, early identification and intervention are key to helping children with dyscalculia succeed. Parents should be vigilant for signs of difficulty with numbers and mathematical concepts and seek appropriate support if needed.
If your child is struggling in school and showing signs of frustration or low self-esteem, don’t wait to seek help. The Brain Bloom System offers specialized support to help your child build resilience and achieve success.