5 Essential Resources for Dyslexic Teens and Young Adults
Support For Dyslexia: Five Resources For Dyslexic Teens and Young Adults
The word “dyslexia” is made up of two Greek words: “dys,” meaning difficulty, and “lexis,” which refers to language or words. According to the American Psychiatric Association, dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to write, read, or comprehend written words. It is commonly diagnosed in childhood, but anyone of any age can have the disorder. For teenagers and young adults experiencing distress from dyslexia, finding appropriate support can be vital to managing it effectively. Early intervention is crucial to successfully living with dyslexia, but support at any age makes a significant difference. There are numerous resources available for those with dyslexia, five of which are detailed below.
Resources for teenagers and young adults with dyslexia
For dyslexic students and young people, navigating educational and social environments can be challenging. Not knowing where to turn when you are struggling with this disorder can be disheartening. The following resources may empower individuals with dyslexia to learn more about the condition, discover new ways to manage its impacts, and ultimately feel less alone.
1. International Dyslexia Association
The International Dyslexia Association, or the IDA, is one of the most reliable portals of information available for individuals with dyslexia. It can also be a great resource for family members and supporters of dyslexic individuals. The IDA provides consistently updated information and practical advice about different aspects of the disorder, success stories of those who overcame challenges related to dyslexia, and a questionnaire that you can use for a preliminary dyslexia self-assessment before visiting a professional, such as a speech-language pathologist. The organization also holds global conferences featuring professionals and individuals with dyslexia and is a pioneer in medical research on this learning disorder.
2. National Center for Learning Disabilities
This national resource encompasses information and aid for different types of learning disabilities. Its aims include advocating for a society that is inclusive of people with all kinds of challenges, including learning difficulties. The National Center for Learning Disabilities is focused on improving social, emotional, and academic situations for those with learning disabilities.
3. The American Speech-language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Of all the challenges that people with dyslexia face, communication is perhaps the most central. ASHA is an organization focused on helping individuals with learning disabilities improve their communication skills through professional intervention and speech therapy. Their mission is to make effective communication, which they view as a basic human right, “achievable for all.”
4. The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity
Having dyslexia or any other learning disorder has nothing to do with a lack of intelligence, motivation, or creativity. In fact, learning disorders can even inspire out-of-the-box thinking. The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity (YCDC) seeks to increase awareness about dyslexia and the creative abilities of those with the disorder. They use extensive research to help children and adults alike reach their full creative potential. YCDC also spreads awareness about dyslexia to promote greater understanding within society and tell success stories of those with the disorder who have accomplished significant milestones in their lifetime.
5. ReachLink Telehealth Therapy
Some individuals may prefer to find support from a professional as they learn how to manage life with dyslexia. Teenagers and young adults with the disorder might find speaking to a licensed clinical social worker to be helpful for addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of living with dyslexia. ReachLink’s telehealth therapy services can provide valuable support through secure video sessions with licensed clinical social workers who understand the challenges dyslexia presents. Since conditions such as anxiety and depression can occur alongside dyslexia, it’s important that these concerns are addressed as they arise. ReachLink’s therapists can help develop coping strategies, build confidence, and provide a safe space to discuss the emotional impact of living with a learning disorder.
How prevalent is dyslexia?
There are many kinds of learning disabilities related to speech or spatial recognition, but dyslexia is the most common and most researched learning disorder. Understanding dyslexia and its prevalence is essential to addressing the concerns of dyslexic teens and young adults living with the condition.
Common symptoms
Two of the most common symptoms found in people with dyslexia are trouble maintaining a fast pace while reading fluently and struggling to spell words without errors, even if the words are common parts of their vocabulary. Many patterns can be found in mistakes made because of dyslexia, like reversing similar letters, confusing the spellings of similar-sounding words, and other issues related to decreased phonological awareness. About 15% of the U.S. population lives with dyslexia; however, the number could be much larger. Many people may refrain from being tested for dyslexia due to the stigma that may surround learning difficulties.
What causes dyslexia?
While research on dyslexia is still evolving, studies have shown that its causes are linked with differences in the parts of the brain that are involved in language and writing skills and processing. Brain imaging studies have highlighted differences in the brain between people with dyslexia and those who do not have the disorder. These areas are also involved with comprehending different sounds in word pronunciations and recognizing written words and shapes.
Possible factors that cause dyslexia
Possible risk factors for dyslexia, according to research, could be related to genetics, making it a hereditary disorder that can be passed on from parents to their offspring. Premature birth can be a leading cause of dyslexia, as can exposure to neonatal dangers such as drugs, alcohol, nicotine, or other substances that can affect a child’s brain development.
Dyslexia across the lifespan
Dyslexia is not a disorder that disappears or lessens with age. Children, teenagers, and adults are all affected by it throughout their lives. However, the presentation may differ for different age groups, especially if the person is assessed by a professional from an early age. While dyslexia is often first diagnosed in younger children who are just beginning to learn reading and writing skills, many individuals aren’t diagnosed until adolescence or even adulthood, particularly if they’ve developed strong coping mechanisms.
What are the signs and symptoms of dyslexia?
Some symptoms of dyslexia are more obvious than others, and can include:
- Late onset of speech in children
- Difficulty learning new sounds or pronouncing words clearly
- Difficulty learning or remembering names, numbers, and rhymes
- Poor spelling
- Low reading comprehension
- Slower/fast reading speed compared to peers
- Trouble organizing written and spoken language
- Difficulty following multi-step instructions
It is important to remember that dyslexia manifests differently in each individual, and symptoms can vary widely. Early recognition of these signs can lead to timely assessments and interventions, greatly improving academic and personal outcomes.
In conclusion, dyslexia is a common yet often misunderstood learning disorder that spans across the lifespan. The availability of specialized resources—from advocacy groups and educational centers to professional therapy services—provides essential support for teenagers and young adults navigating the challenges dyslexia presents. By leveraging these tools, individuals with dyslexia can develop effective coping strategies, build confidence, and unlock their full potential.
Empowerment, understanding, and appropriate intervention are the keys to thriving with dyslexia. With the right support, dyslexic teens and young adults can not only overcome obstacles but also embrace their unique strengths and creativity, leading to fulfilling and successful lives.
