Social and emotional problems related to dyslexia

Dyslexia is also known as developmental reading disorder, it is characterised by difficulty in learning to read fluently with accuracy despite normal intelligence. It is one of the most common learning difficulties and the most recognised reading disorder.

Most the dyslexic children are normal and well adjusted. Their emotional problems develop when their reading instruction does not match their learning style. Over the years, frustration mounts in these kids as their classmates surpass the dyslexic student in reading skills.

Research indicates that dyslexia is caused by neurological and cognitive differences, not emotional or family problems.

Social problems dyslexic child faces are:

• Children with dyslexic disorder may be physically and socially immature compared to their peers. This can result in poor-self image, lack of self confidence and less peer acceptance.
• As these children are socially immature, it makes them feel awkward in social situations.
• They face difficulties in reading social clues. They may be insensitive to other people's body language
• Dyslexia often affects oral language functioning. Children affected with this disorder may have trouble finding the right words during a social conversation. They may also stammer or may pause before answering direct questions.
• This puts them at a disadvantage as they enter adolescence, when language becomes more important to their relationships with peers.
• They may have difficulty remembering the order of events. The child may tend to reverse the sequence of events.

Emotional problems faced by a dyslexic child are:

• Anxiety is the most frequent emotional symptom reported, they can become anxious in a new situation.
• They are often confused and anxious, and that makes them hesitant to participate in activities.
• Anger is a result of frustration experienced by dyslexics in school and social situations.
• The self image of a dyslexic is extremely vulnerable to frustration and anxiety. It definitely affects their self-image
• Depression is also a frequent complication in most children with this kind of learning disability.
• They are at higher risk for intense feelings of sorrow and pain.
• This can have a huge impact on the dyslexic child's family, these kids can be often overlooked.

The performance of a dyslexic child differs from day to day, this may lead to extreme confusion to the child and also others in the environment. Both teachers and parents need to offer consistent encouragement and support to these children to find joy and success in their academics and personal relationships.