What is Dyslexia?

Welcome

Hi there, parents! I’m Sarah Walters, an IMSE-trained literacy coach, and someone who's worked closely with children and families navigating the world of reading and literacy for years. Today, I want to dive deep into dyslexia—a topic close to my heart as both a trainer and an advocate for children. Dyslexia is often misunderstood, and my hope is that by unpacking what it truly is, I can help you feel more confident in understanding your child's journey and supporting them effectively.

Dyslexia: More Than Just Letter Reversals

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, affecting the way the brain processes language. It’s important to start by clearing up one of the most enduring myths: dyslexia is not simply about reversing letters. Many parents I speak to are surprised to learn this. While reversing letters may happen for some children, dyslexia is primarily about difficulties with decoding words, spelling, and processing written language.

Dyslexia is a neurological condition, and no two children experience it in exactly the same way. Some children may struggle with reading fluency, others with spelling, and some may have challenges with both. Dyslexia exists on a spectrum—meaning a child can have mild, moderate, or severe difficulties, depending on the individual. The one thing I’ve seen time and time again is that dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence. In fact, many kids I work with are incredibly bright, creative, and capable—they just need the right strategies to unlock their potential and express their true abilities.

"Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence. Many kids I work with are incredibly bright, creative, and capable—they just need the right strategies to unlock their potential."

For example, a child might have a fantastic memory for stories, excel at building complex structures with blocks, or be incredibly empathetic—all qualities that demonstrate their strengths, even if reading and writing feel like an uphill battle. It’s essential to recognize these abilities and remind children (and ourselves) that their struggles with reading are just one part of who they are, not a reflection of their overall potential.

The Emotional Impact

Beyond the technical definition, I want to acknowledge the emotional aspect of dyslexia. I’ve seen firsthand how dyslexia can affect a child’s confidence. Imagine being in a classroom where everyone seems to be "getting it," while you’re struggling with each word on the page. It can be incredibly isolating, and it’s crucial that we as parents and educators provide encouragement, support, and understanding. As a licensed school counselor, I take a solution-focused, positive approach—emphasizing strengths, building resilience, and using tools like bibliotherapy to help children feel empowered. This is why I always stress building a child’s self-esteem as well as their literacy skills.

In Kit's Reading Adventure, we show Kit's personal journal as an important part of her story. Journaling is a powerful tool for children to express their feelings, especially when they are facing challenges like dyslexia. It gives them a safe space to process their emotions, celebrate their successes, and work through their struggles. I advocate for kids to use journals because it helps them put their thoughts into words, fostering both emotional growth and self-awareness. Journaling also encourages a positive mindset, which is crucial for building resilience.

"Journaling is a powerful tool for children to express their feelings, especially when they are facing challenges like dyslexia. It gives them a safe space to process their emotions, celebrate their successes, and work through their struggles."

For Kit, her journal becomes a companion in her journey—a place where she can be honest about her fears, reflect on her progress, and ultimately see how far she’s come. This is something I strongly encourage for any child facing literacy challenges, as it not only aids their emotional well-being but also complements their literacy development. By allowing children to write freely about their experiences, we provide them with a creative outlet and a tool for processing complex emotions. In my work with students, I often see that the simple act of journaling can lead to significant breakthroughs in both their confidence and their willingness to tackle difficult tasks.

Journaling helps children externalize their internal struggles, making those challenges less overwhelming and more manageable. It provides a record of their growth that they can look back on with pride. Encouraging children to reflect on their progress, no matter how small, can help them develop a growth mindset—an understanding that their abilities can improve with effort and persistence.

The Science Behind Dyslexia

The science of reading tells us that dyslexia often involves difficulties with phonological processing—the ability to hear and manipulate the sounds in language. This is why early screening and intervention are key. The earlier we can identify these challenges, the sooner we can provide targeted support that builds phonemic awareness, decoding skills, and ultimately fluency. Programs like Orton-Gillingham-based IMSE training (which I use in my work) are incredibly effective because they use a structured, multisensory approach that helps children engage multiple senses to learn.

In these programs, children learn to connect sounds with letters using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile activities. This means that instead of just looking at a letter and hearing its sound, children might also trace the letter in sand or use their fingers to shape it out of clay. Engaging different senses helps solidify these connections in the brain, making reading less of a daunting task and more of an achievable goal.

Hope and Help Are Available

The good news is that with the right approach, children with dyslexia can learn to read and thrive academically. As someone who’s seen the power of intervention first-hand, I want to encourage you: there is so much hope. It may not be an easy journey, but with persistence, patience, and the right strategies, your child can succeed. The key is understanding your child’s unique needs and providing them with tools that meet their specific needs.

One of the most important things to remember is that progress might be slow, but every step forward matters. Celebrate the victories—whether it’s a new word your child can read, a book they finish, or the confidence they gain in expressing their ideas. These moments add up and can make a significant difference in your child’s reading journey and overall self-esteem.

"The good news is that with the right approach, children with dyslexia can learn to read and thrive academically. It may not be an easy journey, but with persistence, patience, and the right strategies, your child can succeed."

In upcoming posts, I’ll cover myths about dyslexia, early signs to watch for, and how you can work with your child’s school to get the support they need. Together, we’ll explore how you can become your child’s strongest advocate.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. Remember, you’re not alone, and your child’s potential is limitless.