Fatima* (name changed upon request) and Salman* are new immigrants to the United States. They have a son Idris, in fourth grade, who is having a difficult time in school. His teacher, during the parent-teacher meeting, pointed out that he has difficulty reading aloud, has slow belabored reading, is poor with spelling, and is finding it hard to learn in school. She told the parents that she suspects Idris may be dyslexic and has asked them to seek professional help. Idris also dislikes going to school. Fatima and Salman are confused and worried about him and have approached us seeking help with his problem as they have never heard of it before. Dr. Manoj Sharma, a Professor of Social and Behavioral Health and Internal Medicine, answers queries on Dyslexia.
Q: What is wrong with Idris?
Dr. Sharma: There is nothing “wrong” with Idris. He may just be suffering from a reading disability condition called dyslexia. Dyslexia is a learning disorder that is characterized by difficulty in reading because of the inability to identify sounds and being able to relate those to letters. It has nothing to do with intelligence, hearing defects, or vision defects though these must be tested to rule out any other issues. Most children with this condition can do well in school and life.
Q: Was it something we did wrong in his upbringing that caused this condition?
Dr. Sharma: Absolutely not! It is not your fault or anyone else’s fault or the fault of Idris in having this condition. This is a relatively common condition resulting from some differences in parts of the brain that interpret reading. It is believed to be genetically linked. In this condition, the brain is unable to appropriately process reading and language. According to some estimates, this condition affects about 20% of the population.
Q: Idris has developed a fear of school. How can we help him?
Dr. Sharma: One of the problems of this condition, if left untreated, is that it may lead to low self-esteem, behavior problems, anxiety, social withdrawal, aggression, and fear of school. Studies have also shown its relationship with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Another problem is difficulty in learning which may lead to Idris being at a disadvantage in his class and being unable to keep up with peers. Since you have just migrated to the United States, the education system may be different and that can be a bit challenging for him. Your unconditional love and emotional support are vital for Idris to combat this condition. You must also seek professional assistance to help him thrive and grow as a successful adult.
Q: What professional help should we seek?
Dr. Sharma: Seeking professional help from a licensed healthcare provider is very important. You cannot handle it alone and must take such help. The earlier Idris gets treatment, the less will be the chances of complications due to his condition. You can start by consulting your primary care provider or your school, and they can refer Idris to specialized services as needed. Specialized services could include tutoring, therapy or an expert-driven learning program. There are no medical or pharmacological treatments for this condition. The Orton–Gillingham Educational Method that helps the child connect sounds with letters is among the best approaches to enhance comprehension for children with this condition.
Q: Is there anything that we as parents can do to help Idris with this condition?
Dr. Sharma: Yes, there are several things that you can do besides providing unconditional love and support. You can buy audiobooks as an alternative to reading for him. You can help him type on a computer instead of writing. You can buy apps on the phone that make learning fun through games. One of the simple methods to help with reading is to use a ruler under the line that he is reading. That can help him read in a straight line and this would help him focus better. Also breaking down lessons into smaller parts and slowing down the pace of teaching a lesson would help Idris grasp the subject matter better.
Q: Is there anything in Ayurveda that can help Idris with this condition?
Dr. Sharma: Ayurveda is not a panacea for all ailments and cannot be a substitute for educational interventions in dyslexia. Some small-scale studies have claimed that Ayurvedic drugs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Guduchi, Jatamansi, Jyotishmati, Madhuyashti, Mandookaparni, and Shankhapushpi can potentially improve children suffering from dyslexia when used alongside remedial educational interventions. However, more research is definitely needed in this area. You can consult an Ayurveda practitioner if available in your area.
Q: Could you refer me to some resources for dyslexia?
Dr. Sharma: Here are some resources from where you can find more information:
- British Dyslexia Association website about signs of dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/signs-of-dyslexia
- International Dyslexia Association website: https://dyslexiaida.org/
- Mayo Clinic’s website on dyslexia: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dyslexia/
- Similarities, differences, and associations between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dyslexia-and-adhd
If you have questions, reach out to Dr. Sharma at editor@indiacurrents.com
*Names changed on request.
