Dyslexia is an ongoing difficulty that has to be managed by parents and teachers together. Proper diagnosis can only be done by an educational psychologist. Note should be taken of the recommendations and they need to be acted on. It should not be assumed that all teachers are aware of the implications of dyslexia or the breadth that this difficulty can cover. Of course at school the primary consideration will be writing and reading especially in the early years. However talking generally there are several important facts to consider and they concern the child most.

1. Early intervention and diagnosis is an absolute must. Several conditions can induce dyslexic type tendencies as far as academic performance is concerned. Deafness, Poor vision, Glare from the board, bright light, supersensitive hearing.

2. Making sure the child feels valued and loved. This is just not the parents responsibility, this is important at school too. Remember your child will spend more time with other adults and their peers than they spend with you.

3. A dyslexic child will probably not be able to remember the stuff he needs for school the next day. It is important to work with the teacher to make sure you know what he needs for school. A good teacher will help, remember it is in their interest too to make sure the day goes smoothly! Help pack their school bag. Routine can be good.

4. Try and make sure that your child gets specialist help at school if the Ed Psych recommends it. A specialist teacher will do wonders for self esteem.

5. Remember a Dyslexic child will also have strengths that you may not, he or she may be artistic, musical. They are of course just as intelligent as their non-dyslexic peers! Its just works differently. Their long term memory may be better than yours too. They have to operate in visual and imaginative environment, as adults we get out of practice. If they have to research something for school, get the video or tape. Good teaching is not just "talk and chalk"

5. Stay positive. Most of us have dyslexic tendencies if we look hard enough.

Learn more about this author, Jol Martyn-Clark.
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