Is it harmful to label a child as "dyslexic"? Find more information about this question, as well as info about our online dyslexia tutoring and treatment program at http://www.dyslexiaconnect.com .

Some parents are hesitant to use the term "dyslexia" or "dyslexic" in regards to their child. This is sometimes true even if they have their child in a dyslexia tutoring or dyslexia treatment program.. To better understand this issue, it is necessary to consider why some parents hesitate to use the term "dyslexic".

Some parents fear that by labeling their child as dyslexic, the label will become bigger than the child. They fear that more attention will be paid to this label, than to the child's gifts, talents and intelligence. Another common concern is that a child with dyslexia will become unmotivated, and that the label will cause them to feel that making an effort to do well in school is pointless, because they have dyslexia. Or, parents may fear that a child will no longer believe that they can succeed in life. Parents may also be concerned that their child will be taunted or bullied for being dyslexic. Is there merit to these concerns?

In fact, the benefits of using the term "dyslexia" when it is appropriate far outweigh the possible negatives. To begin with, the use of accurate language helps greatly in addressing issues. If a child is dyslexic, using the proper terminology will help to clarify the issue. Regarding the question of whether a dyslexic child who is labeled as such will become unmotivated, we have found, in fact, that the opposite is true! When a child with dyslexia finally discovers that dyslexia is the cause of their issues with reading, spelling and comprehension, they are often very relieved. For years, they may have experienced frustration in not knowing why they were struggling so much, and they may have simply resorted to thinking that they were not smart enough or not capable. Once they discover that they have dyslexia and have a good understanding of it, the issue becomes manageable. Dyslexia tutors are very good at explaining dyslexia to their students, so that their students have an accurate understanding of it. Once they start getting help for their dyslexia, from a dyslexia tutoring and treatment program, their self-esteem and confidence increases.

In addition, accurately knowing the source of a child's struggles can help you decide on which accommodations at school may help your dyslexic child. A variety of accommodations may be available at a school when setting up an IEP, and having a good knowledge of dyslexia will help you decide which of these may be beneficial, and which ones may not be beneficial.

In terms of the ability to succeed, there are many dyslexic individuals who are tremendously successful! There are websites dedicated to the stories of these individuals, giving examples of dyslexics who have succeeded in all walks of life. In my own experience, I have met and worked with dyslexic adults who are tremendously successful in their professions. Sharing stories about successful dyslexics with your child can help inspire and encourage them.

Regarding taunting and bullying, it is an unfortunate fact that children may be taunted for any number of reasons at school. For a child with dyslexia, having a good understanding of dyslexia will help them overcome taunting if it does occur. Once they are getting the dyslexia treatment and tutoring that they need, their confidence will increase, and any taunting that occurs will affect them less and less.

Finally, by accurately using the term "dyslexic", you will open up a wealth of resources that are available on the subject. There are dyslexia tutoring and treatement programs to help your dyslexic child make progress, books written on the subject to help you and your child understand dyslexia, and helpful seminars and support groups that you can attend.

In conclusion, using the term "dyslexia", when it is appropriate, is very beneficial.

Peter Groth
CEO
Dyslexia Connect Online Tutoring