Education Station

Dyslexia is a Whole Lot More than Reading Difficulties.

Many individuals with Dyslexia work harder to manage the world of space.

Spacing out problems:

• Distinguishing right from left can persist for a long time. Kids need concrete visual reminders. Wearing an analog watch on the left hand not only orients the left hand position but allows the child to see which way numbers face. Some kids write L and R as well as lower case b/d on their hand in ink.
• Confusing spatial words such as between, over, under, above, top, bottom, on, into, etc can cause these kids problems. Use everyday activities around the house to practice hearing and doing directions involving “spacey” words…in the trash, under the sink, behind the stove, in front of sofa. Hiding an object and verbally using space words to direct the hunt can be fun and stimulate listening and make space real and concrete.
• Getting from point A to point B can muddle some dyslexic kid’s efforts to get around new places. Some high school kids who are stronger with visual information may like to have digital photos of how to locate their locker or navigate a new school setting. Looking for familiar landmarks such as the water fountain, a wall of pictures, etc. also provides them an anchoring reference. For younger kids, parents may want to alert the teacher before school starts. A buddy system is helpful to avoid having kids get “lost in space”. 

These are but a few suggestions the educators at Child and Family Development are able to offer parents who are concerned when their child seems to be lost in time and space. In depth educational analysis of how your child learns and how Dyslexia affects more than reading is available at Child and Family Development. Many students with Learning Disabilities other than Dyslexia as well as students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders find that navigating the world of space and time is tricky. Contact the educators at Child and Family Development if organizing space and managing time are problems this school year for your learner.