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Self Esteem And The Dyslexic Child

Laura Cassidy • Nov 15, 2017

Self esteem is a confidence and a belief in, one’s own value. Children spend most of their days in school and this environment shapes a sense of worth for many children. School can quickly wreck the self esteem of a dyslexic child.

We know that the achievement gap between dyslexic and nondyslexic children is present in the first grade. Nondyslexic children are rapidly improving their reading skills while the dyslexic child is struggling to read simple words or learn the alphabet. Since most parents and teachers equate reading skills with intelligence the dyslexic child often feels inadequate at school. These bright students do not read at a level that matches their intelligence and they are often called lazy or dumb.


from David Boies at the US Senate Help Co Hearing:

“The debilitating effect that dyslexia can have on a child’s confidence and sense of self-worth is aggravated by the fact that the very time reading and input most dominate reasoning and judgment in conventional test results, is the very time children are at their most vulnerable.

Recognizing that the difficulty in reading dyslexia causes can be mitigated by training, that alternate ways of acquiring information can be emphasized, and that dyslexia does not imply anything about a person’s ability to reason, analyze, or communicate can give students the patience to continue to work and achieve, and give their teachers and parents the patience to help and support them.”


It is important to screen in kindergarten and first grade for dyslexia so those with dyslexia are identified and given evidence based instruction and the assurance of their self worth.

Episode 5: Legal Rights of Dyslexic Students

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Episode 4: Navigating the Education System for Dyslexia Parents

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How To Advocate For Your Dyslexic Child

By Nicole Armstrong • 20 Apr, 2024
Empowering Your Dyslexic Child: A Guide to Effective Advocacy Do you suspect that your child may be struggling with dyslexia? As a parent, advocating for your dyslexic child is crucial to ensuring they receive the support and resources they need to thrive in school and beyond. Understanding the challenges your child faces and knowing how to navigate the educational system can make a significant difference in their academic journey.

Episode 3: Dyslexia Testing using the Shaywitz DyslexiaScreen™️

By Nicole Armstrong • 15 Apr, 2024
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Episode 2: Dyslexia Explored: Myths, Facts, and Resources with Dr Laura Cassidy

By Nicole Armstrong • 08 Apr, 2024
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A Call To Volunteers And Workers In Schools

By Nicole Armstrong • 06 Apr, 2024
Empowering Struggling Readers: A Call to Action for Educators and Volunteers If you volunteer or work in a school setting and encounter students who are struggling with reading, you possess a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their lives. It's essential to ask critical questions and explore personalized interventions for those who need extra support in reading. By tailoring instruction to address their specific needs, you can help struggling readers build confidence, improve their skills, and unlock a world of knowledge and possibilities. Whether it's through one-on-one tutoring, guided reading sessions, or targeted interventions, your commitment and dedication can truly transform the trajectory of these students' lives.

Episode 1: Fireside Chat with the Dyslexia Resource Center

By Nicole Armstrong • 01 Apr, 2024
Fireside Chat with the Dyslexia Resource Center

A Failing System For Children With Dyslexia

By Laura Cassidy • 19 Mar, 2024
The Complexity of Reading Acquisition: Understanding Dyslexia Beyond Assumptions Reading is often seen as a natural skill that develops effortlessly with exposure to text. However, this assumption overlooks the complexities of reading acquisition, especially for individuals with dyslexia. Contrary to popular belief, exposure to higher-level text does not automatically improve reading skills, particularly for those struggling with dyslexia. The Overlooked Findings of the National Reading Panel: A Debate on Reading Instruction The National Reading Panel's landmark report in 2000 outlined the fundamental principles of effective reading instruction. Unfortunately, these findings have often been overlooked, leading to ongoing debates between proponents of phonics instruction and advocates of whole language or balanced literacy approaches. Dyslexia: More Than Just Reading Difficulty To truly understand dyslexia, it is crucial to recognize that it extends beyond mere difficulty in reading. Dyslexia affects how individuals process language, making it challenging to break down words into their constituent sounds and match them to written symbols. This process, known as decoding, is essential for fluent reading and comprehension. Early intervention is key in addressing dyslexia. In kindergarten, children lay the groundwork for reading through activities that develop phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and early literacy skills. By screening for dyslexia risk factors by the end of kindergarten, we can ensure early identification and intervention for those in need. Identifying and addressing foundational reading skills is essential to prevent dyslexic students from falling behind their peers. Dyslexic students require specialized instruction that caters to their unique learning needs. This includes explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, decoding strategies, and vocabulary development. According to the National Reading Panel, 90 minute sessions of targeted instruction are recommended, ideally in small groups of six or fewer students. This allows for maximum individualized support and engagement.

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Does My Child Have Dyslexia?

By Nicole Armstrong • 22 Feb, 2024
Navigating Dyslexia: Understanding Diagnosis and Pathways to Support If you suspect that your child may have dyslexia, it's natural to have questions about the diagnosis process. While functional MRI scans provide insights into the neurosignature of dyslexia, they are not used for diagnosis. Instead, clinical assessment is the typical approach, involving a thorough history and evaluation of various signs, symptoms, and tests. When considering dyslexia, medical professionals often look for specific indicators in a child's developmental history. These may include speech delays, difficulties learning and recalling the alphabet, and a lack of interest or proficiency in rhyming. Additionally, challenges with word retrieval, especially in social settings or under pressure, may be observed.
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