As a parent, discovering that your child has dyslexia can be both challenging and overwhelming. Dyslexia, a neurobiological condition that affects reading and language processing, is often misunderstood. Dr. Roberto Olivardia, a licensed psychologist, sheds light on this condition, emphasizing that while schools may not always provide the necessary support, parents can take proactive steps to help their children thrive using available tools and resources.
Dyslexia is a genetic and neurobiological condition, not a reflection of intelligence
Dyslexia is primarily genetic and influenced by neurobiological factors. Dr. Olivardia explains that in individuals without dyslexia, reading activates three parts of the brain, whereas in those with dyslexia, only one part is significantly activated. This difference makes reading more challenging. Importantly, dyslexia does not indicate a lack of intelligence; it is a learning difference that does not affect one’s ability to excel in various areas of life.
Dyslexia is genetic and lifelong, not a visual issue but how the brain processes words; with proper support and understanding, it doesn't hinder intelligence or self-esteem.
Most individuals with dyslexia can read, but face specific challenges
Contrary to common misconceptions, most people with dyslexia can read, though they may struggle with fluency, comprehension, and phonemic awareness. Dr. Olivardia notes that while some with severe dyslexia may not be able to read at all, many enjoy reading despite the difficulties. Understanding these challenges is crucial for parents to provide the right support and encouragement.
Dyslexia doesn’t just go away magically when you’re 18 years old. Adults who have dyslexia just navigate through it differently.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Dyslexia does not disappear with age, but adults learn to navigate it differently
Dyslexia is a lifelong condition that does not magically resolve at a certain age. Adults with dyslexia often develop strategies to compensate for their challenges, which may manifest differently than in childhood. Dr. Olivardia emphasizes that while some may not have received proper remediation in their youth, they can still find ways to manage their dyslexia effectively as adults.
Key takeaways
- Understanding Dyslexia: Dyslexia is a genetic and neurobiological condition that affects how the brain processes words and sounds, not a visual impairment. It's important for parents to understand that dyslexia does not mean a child cannot read at all; most children with dyslexia can read but face challenges with fluency, comprehension, and phonemic awareness.
- Supporting Self-Esteem: Dyslexia itself does not inherently affect self-esteem, but the lack of diagnosis, understanding, and support can lead to self-esteem issues. Parents should ensure their child receives a proper diagnosis and educational accommodations, which can help the child understand their challenges and feel supported, thereby boosting their self-esteem.
- Intelligence and Dyslexia: It's crucial for parents to recognize that dyslexia has no correlation with intelligence. Children with dyslexia can excel in various areas outside of traditional school settings. Parents should focus on providing strategies and support to help their child navigate their challenges, rather than seeking a cure, as dyslexia is not an illness but a different way of processing information.
Early diagnosis and understanding can positively impact self-esteem
Dyslexia can affect self-esteem, but it doesn’t have to. Dr. Olivardia points out that the lack of diagnosis and understanding often leads to low self-esteem, as individuals may feel they are not trying hard enough. However, when children understand their dyslexia and have access to educational accommodations, their self-esteem can improve. Parents can help by seeking early diagnosis and utilizing resources like the Dyslexia Test to better understand their child’s needs.
Global self-esteem is higher amongst dyslexic kids when they have the word dyslexia as an understanding of what they’re struggling with.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Parents can overcome the challenge of dyslexia by seeking specialized support for a better life for their child
One of the significant challenges of dyslexia is its impact on reading and language processing, which can affect a child’s academic and personal development. However, parents play a crucial role in overcoming this challenge. By seeking out specialized support, such as a Dyslexia Tutor, parents can provide their child with the tools and strategies needed to succeed. This proactive approach can lead to a more positive outcome, enhancing their child’s confidence and overall quality of life.
Empower your child’s learning journey with the Dyslexia Bundle, designed to provide the specialized support and strategies they need to thrive.
See what All Access gives your child
Take the dyslexia test
Is your child struggling in school?
Get your free personalized learning roadmap
You describe what you see at home. We turn it into a plan you start this week.
- Answer 5 short questionnaires about what you already notice, 30–45 minutes at your own kitchen table
- Your child sits no test and gets no score: nothing to schedule, nothing for them to dread
- You do the answering, the AI does the writing, and a person reviews it before it reaches you
- Access all 40+ courses instantly: reading, math, focus, processing and more, with new ones added regularly
Why we use AI, plainly: it writes from a knowledge base our team maintains and audits. We work through it line by line and pull anything the evidence stops supporting. The roadmap you get on Tuesday reflects what we corrected on Monday, and a human still reads it before you do.
Your school district must evaluate your child free of charge if you ask in writing, whatever your income and whatever the outcome (US, 34 CFR 300.111 and 300.301(b)). That route takes time and answers a different question than you do. This one starts today, from what you already know.
Your answers stay yours. We do not sell your personal information, and we do not hand identifiable assessment data to outside AI companies to train their models.
A screener is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If your child might need formal accommodations (an IEP or 504 plan), or you suspect a vision, hearing or medical cause, pursue a professional evaluation too. That is the only route to those supports.
