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Parent asks: My son has dyslexia but he also has trouble making friends. Is there a connection?
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In Topics:
Learning disabilities, Dyslexia, Friendships and peer relationships
> 60 days ago
What the Expert Says:
Additional Answers (2)
Children with dyslexia not only have learning problems but often carry with them other areas of weakness and difficulties. Academic and social ramifications exist with dyslexia. Because a dyslexic has difficulties reading, sometimes this will carry into specific school problems such as the inability to complete reading assignments and difficulties comprehending written material. The social ramifications of this disorder will include the inability to read newspapers, directions, maps, movie subtitles, menus, brochures, and so forth. This can cause so much embarrassment and frustration to a dyslexic, causing them to withdraw and not become outspoken. There is nothing worse than looking "dumb" in front of your friends. On another side though, I know a lot of dyslexics who are incredibly outgoing, popular, and have a gigantic social agenda. The bottom line is that every child is different. Every child carries their unique talents and strengths with them. The trick is to find out what your child's strengths are and then focus on that. Never focus on the weaknesses.
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> 60 days ago
Yes, there can be a connection. Any failure or insecurity will undermine a boy's self-confidence.
But, first, the most important thing is to be sure what the problem is exactly. Schools over-use the term dyslexia every time a child doesn't respond to the prevailing methods and dogmas in a school. Many so-called dyslexics are actually normal kids. As Dr. Samuel Blumenfeld puts it: "Some children give up even before the fourth grade level. Those children become known as ‘dyslexic’--a fancy medical term coined especially to describe the perfectly normal, intelligent youngster who can't learn how to read by the whole-word method." (The New Illiterates, 1971).
Also see video.
But, first, the most important thing is to be sure what the problem is exactly. Schools over-use the term dyslexia every time a child doesn't respond to the prevailing methods and dogmas in a school. Many so-called dyslexics are actually normal kids. As Dr. Samuel Blumenfeld puts it: "Some children give up even before the fourth grade level. Those children become known as ‘dyslexic’--a fancy medical term coined especially to describe the perfectly normal, intelligent youngster who can't learn how to read by the whole-word method." (The New Illiterates, 1971).
Also see video.
Resources:
> 60 days ago
