October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. Our daughter was diagnosed with Dyslexia in fist grade. We felt lost and unsure of what her school life would look like going forward. As I began researching Dyslexia and what that diagnosis meant, I stumbled upon Louisiana Key Academy which is a charter school here in Baton Rouge that specializes in educating children with Dyslexia. Our daughter started there five years ago!
Five years later, we now know what early intervention can do. Our daughter is now reading on grade level, she uses her critical thinking skills to complete complex word problems in math, and she believes in herself again. Our daughter will never be cured of Dyslexia; however, she has and continues to learn strategies to help her. She knows she is smart and capable of learning new things.
For us, the biggest change that has happened in the past five years is our daughter’s confidence. In first grade she told me that she hated being called on in class because everyone thought she was stupid. Now, she talks CONSTANTLY and is always up to answer questions in class. So much so, her teachers may need her to quiet down a bit so other students can get a word in. As all parents do, we just wanted what was best for our daughter. For us, this included a specialized school as well as working with tutors and specialists outside of school.
If you child is struggling in reading at a young age, reach out to resources to see if it is possibly Dyslexia. Early intervention is so helpful not only academically but also in how your child will view themselves and have the confidence that all of us parents need.
I am no expert, but I am always here to chat and support. Reach out if you or a parent you know has questions.
