Dyslexia is an often-misunderstood disorder in Malaysia. Much like other neurological childhood disorders, it is rife with stigma and ignorance. If you’re wondering about some of the dyslexia myths your acquaintances or family members may have told you, here’s some that have been debunked.
Dyslexia Is a Visual Problem Like Near-Sightedness
One of the most common dyslexia myths is that it’s a vision problem. And that it can easily be rectified with corrective eyewear. This is actually the first option for many parents. They will take their children to an optometrist to get prescription glasses.
Most of the time, even the optometrist is unaware of the dyslexia because it often exhibits the same symptoms as long and short-sightedness. But where those two conditions defer is that dyslexics have perfect vision, except for when they read.
Words and letters can seem blurry or incomplete, which is probably where this myth may have originated. Vision therapy does not work for dyslexics either, for that matter. And glasses do not fix dyslexia.
Dyslexic Children Are Stupid, Slow or Lazy
Many dyslexic children are left behind in their education. Here’s a representation of what it’s like to suffer from dyslexia.
Try reading the words below. If you find it frustrating, impossible or downright infuriating, then that’s what it’s like for a dyslexic. Every day.
Because of their condition, many children give up trying to learn or don’t put much effort into it. Especially if their teachers and parents ridicule or dismiss their condition out of ignorance and denial.
They get left behind during lessons, and learn less than their peers. It is a result of apathetic adults who don’t take their responsibilities seriously.
All Dyslexic Children Experience the Same Symptoms
When it comes to dyslexia, there are a group of common symptoms that every parent needs to watch out for: speech delays, bad memory, reading difficulties, illegible writing, spelling errors, etc.
Some dyslexic children may also have other subcategories of the disorder, like dysgraphia (difficulty writing) and dyscalculia (difficulty performing mathematics).
Other rare symptoms include clumsiness, ambidexterity, uncoordinated movements, trouble telling left from right, and even difficulty tying shoes or putting shoes on the right way.
Some children may only exhibit one or two of these symptoms, others may have all of them. But reading difficulty is usually the main denominator.
Dyslexia is a Symptom of ADHD and Similar Other Disorders
While it’s true that dyslexic children often have trouble concentrating, this does not necessarily mean they have ADHD. But the error in this myth is the belief that ADHD causes dyslexia (or vice versa).
Dyslexia and ADHD are completely different disorders that occur in different parts of the brain. While they are both neurological in nature, they are not causative of each other.
However, where this myth originated may have something to do with how often those two conditions overlap. About 3 in 10 dyslexics have ADHD.
When this happens, the child has a dual diagnosis, which often makes it twice as difficult for the child to function.
But as far as similarity goes, ADHD and dyslexic are two different disorders each with their own special ways of treatment.
Dyslexia Will Eventually Resolve in Adulthood
Dyslexia is a lifelong condition that cannot be cured, or prevented, for that matter. Not with surgery, lifestyle changes or dietary restrictions. Unlike Down syndrome, there is no way of knowing if your unborn child may have dyslexia.
However, with the right intervention, a dyslexic person can lead a normal, happy life with all the same opportunities as their peers.
If you don’t believe me, just look at some of the successful celebrities who are dyslexic: Jennifer Aniston, Whoopi Goldberg, Keanu Reeves, Kiera Knightley and yes, even the great screenwriter and director, Steven Spielberg.
Acting, directing and showbiz in general requires a lot of reading and writing scripts. The fact that these people have become major celebrities despite having dyslexia means that it does not stop you from leading a fulfilling life.
Dyslexia Can Be Managed with Medication
Dyslexia is not a mental illness like depression or schizophrenia. So, it can’t be managed with medication. The difference between psychological disorders and neurological disorders is that the former is a result of chemical imbalances.
Medication serves to bring those imbalances back into sync. By regulating the production and release of neurotransmitters.
Dyslexia is a structural issue with the brain, ‘crossed wires’, so to speak. If a dyslexic child has ADHD as well then medication will be prescribed to treat ADHD, but not dyslexia.
Hints of a possible cure are circulating the medical community, but the research is new and untested. It will be a long time before such an option is available.
Dyslexia Comes and Goes
You may be surprised when a dyslexia child (or adult) performs well in school (or work), and even more so when they don’t. But just like the previous myth, sufferers do not get a ‘free pass’.
They will struggle with reading difficulties their entire lives. But during those golden moments when their mental wellbeing and physical health are well taken care of, dyslexia people are able to function at maximum capacity.
Even with their limitations. This is why it may look like their dyslexia is ‘cured’. However, this is probably because they were having a good day.
Just like with everyone else, things like stress, poor sleep and exhaustion can just as much affect their performance just like neurotypicals (individuals who think and behave in ways that are considered the norm by the general population).
Debunking Dyslexia
Just like with all childhood disorders that don’t typically manifest as physical deformity, dyslexia is often dismissed as a make-believe condition. But it affects over 10% of Malaysian children. Many go undiagnosed due to lack of awareness and education.
Moreover, the public school system does not have the resources to properly help dyslexic children other than put them in a remedial class.
The first step to spreading awareness is through articles like this. So, share with a friend or family member who may still be harbouring some misconceptions about dyslexia. It may just enlighten them.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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