Living with Dyslexia: How It Affects Children’s School Performance 

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability. Individuals with this medical condition have difficulty in the areas of language processing (Public Broadcasting Service). In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 15% of the population has dyslexia (Dyslexia Center of Utah). Referred to as a “brain difference”, dyslexic children only use the right side of their brain to process language. On the other hand, a non-dyslexic child uses three areas of the left side of their brain for language processes. Dyslexia may range from a mild case to one that’s more severe. It is often characterised as a disability to process linguistic and symbolic codes, the difficulty to comprehend numbers and understand the alphabet that represents different sounds. 

Children with dyslexia are most likely to perform less than their peers in school. Their struggle to recognize sound in language makes it extra hard for them to follow certain instructions, solve simple problems, and express their feelings in words and in a way that’s easily understood by the educator or parent. Dyslexics do not “see” words backwards. The “b-d” letter reversal for example is mainly caused by deficits in interpreting left and right (Dyslexia Center of Utah.) As the child begins to read and write, dyslexia becomes more evident in their performance and output in school. 

Dyslexic children often struggle to read, comprehend what they read, and also have difficulty writing and spelling words. In addition, children with dyslexia have trouble understanding words that are new to them. Therefore, a dyslexic child would most probably have a hard time in their academics, achieve low grades, have poor comprehension, and perform less than their peers in academics-which may lead to low self-esteem and worst cases, depression. 

Living with Dyslexia: Role of Audiobooks in Helping Children with Dyslexia Read 

Dyslexia is not a disease so there is no cure. It’s a learning disability that includes difficulty in the use/processing of linguistic and symbolic codes, alphabetic letters representing speech sounds or numbers and quantities (Dyslexia Center of Utah.) Dyslexia is a brain difference, there is still no cure for it, however, there are methods, practices, and tools developed by professionals and speech therapists to help children with dyslexia cope with their learning setbacks. Keep in mind that Dyslexia does not reflect an overall defect in language, but a localized weakness within the phonologic module of the brain (where sounds of language are put together to form words or break words down into sounds). (Dyslexia Center of Utah). The Dyslexia Center of Utah also noted in a study they conducted that dyslexics are often more creative and have a higher level of intelligence. The main problem is that children with Dyslexia struggle to comprehend written words. In an effort to find a way for dyslexic children to enjoy reading, several studies have looked into the role of audiobooks in helping children with dyslexia read and understand stories through listening. Listening to audiobooks helps dyslexic children better comprehend and appreciate the story instead of forcing them to read the words which they have a tough time doing.

A personalised audiobook is even better. Unlike a regular audiobook, a personalised one mentions the name of the child as the hero of the story. This innovation in audiobooks is even more exciting and engaging for the children because they’ll be able to hear their names being called in a story that makes them the hero! It is empowering for the child to hear their name being mentioned in a story they are listening to. Moreover, children enjoy a personalised book and audiobook better because of the sense of ownership that they get from these stories. The personalised audiobook is a special feature of a personalised storybook. It’s accessible by scanning the unique QR code at the back of the book using your smartphone, perfect for reluctant readers and especially children with dyslexia! The book also uses a cursive font, a font style that’s recommended to help make reading easier for dyslexic children. 

Although there is still no developed cure for Dyslexia, the mentioned methods suggested by language therapists are your best option to help children with dyslexia live happier lives. Dyslexia is not a disease, nor will it make your child any less than their peers. Overcoming the stigma brought by this brain difference can be a challenge to the child and their family. But, a loving home and a supportive environment that understands what the dyslexic child needs is what will help them overcome this life hurdle.