Identifying and Supporting: How to Help Dyslexic Students

Dyslexia is a common learning disorder that affects a significant number of children worldwide. When using strict criteria for dyslexia identification, around 3 to 7 percent of individuals are affected. Estimates can be closer to 17.4 percent when using less strict identification criteria, however, most studies show that the prevalence of dyslexia is typically under 10 percent. 

Children with dyslexia often face social and educational hurdles as they navigate through school and interact with their peers. More specifically, this neurodevelopmental condition can present reading, writing and spelling challenges like struggling to read aloud, comprehension difficulties and feelings of frustration or inadequacy. 

Understanding Dyslexia and Its Impact

Dyslexia is a learning disorder characterized by difficulties in reading, writing and spelling, regardless of intelligence level or quality of instruction. As a lifelong learning disorder, it affects adults, too, though individuals do not always face the same level of difficulties throughout their lives. Additionally, dyslexia does not look the same for everyone, as there are many aspects of the disorder that some struggle with more than others. 

What Causes Dyslexia?

• While many assume that dyslexia is a vision problem, it is a neurobiological disorder related to language processing. Similar to other learning disorders, dyslexia is caused by differences in brain development and function. Brain imaging studies show that brain activity in those with dyslexia differs when reading and processing language.
• Dyslexia research studies also suggest a genetic component. The disorder can run in families, with many genetic differences linked to reading and language processing difficulties.

Dyslexia manifests in several learning situations through a variety of challenges. Aside from word reading and spelling difficulties that can also affect reading fluency and comprehension, students may have difficulty organizing thoughts cohesively when writing. These struggles can impact academic performance, self-esteem and overall well-being. By understanding dyslexia and its effects on learning, educators and support systems provide assistance and accommodations for students with dyslexia. 

Recognizing the Signs of Dyslexia

Signs of dyslexia are not always obvious before a child starts school, but once they become school-aged and learn to read, they become more apparent. A teacher might be the first to notice signs of dyslexia in a child. 

When it comes to identifying dyslexia in learners, there are several key identifiers and symptoms to look out for:

• Word reading difficulties: Dyslexic learners may have persistent issues with basic reading skills, such as matching letters to sounds, blending sounds into words, a slow reading pace and inaccurate reading that doesn't improve with practice. They may also have a hard time recognizing familiar words and relying on guessing based on word shape or context.
• Spelling and writing challenges: This is seen through frequent misspellings and failure to organize written language beyond what would be expected for the learner’s age.
• Sequencing troubles: This includes difficulties when recalling the sequence of things such as the alphabet, days of the week or multi-step instructions. 

The Importance of Early Detection and Dyslexia Support

Early detection of dyslexia is crucial for children’s well-being and academic success. The sooner children with reading problems are identified, the sooner support can be provided. Without support, ancillary difficulties such as anxiety can develop.

There are several benefits of early detection and dyslexia support:

• Mitigating academic impact: Early intervention can significantly reduce the negative effects of dyslexia on learning and academic achievement.
• Preventing secondary issues: Timely assistance can prevent the onset of emotional and social challenges, including issues like diminished self-esteem, anxiety, and school avoidance.
• Building effective learning strategies: Early identification of dyslexia enables the implementation of personalized learning strategies that harness the student's strengths.
• Empowering students and families: Prompt awareness empowers not just students with dyslexia, but also their families and educators, creating a collaborative support system.

Effective Teaching Strategies for Dyslexic Students

Implementing appropriate dyslexia teaching methods is crucial for the academic success of students with the disorder. Catering to unique learning needs and helping students overcome challenges related to reading and language improves their overall academic outcomes. 

Through tailored instruction, teachers can create inclusive and supportive educational environments. These strategies not only help students with dyslexia build essential reading and language skills but also boost their confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, a combination of evidence-based practices and individualized support enhances the learning experience for students with dyslexia and contributes to their growth and development.

There are a variety of dyslexia teaching strategies:

• Structured literacy programs: Structured literacy programs with explicit instruction in phonics, decoding and encoding skills can help students with dyslexia build a strong reading foundation. These programs also help students apply these skills to reading and understanding a variety of texts.
• Accommodations and classroom techniques: Implementing accommodations and classroom techniques tailored to the needs of students with dyslexia can create a supportive learning environment that facilitates academic progress.

Preparing to Assist Dyslexic Youth at Vanderbilt Peabody College

Understanding and effectively teaching students with or at-risk for dyslexia in the K-12 setting requires direct experience and specialized dyslexia teacher training.

Vanderbilt University Peabody College has an exceptional reputation, emphasized through the U.S. News and World Report rankings for Special Education and Best Education Schools. Plus, students enrolled in graduate or professional degree programs at Peabody College can earn an additional, professionally-focused certificate using elective credits, with one option being the Certificate in Dyslexia Studies. 

Peabody’s Certificate in Dyslexia Studies equips you with the knowledge and skills to support students with the common reading disability known as dyslexia. It is an ideal add-on for those already enrolled in an education-related master’s degree program at Peabody who aspire to work in educational settings that cater to students with dyslexia.

Outcomes of Peabody’s Certificate in Dyslexia Studies:

The curriculum integrates current research on assessment and intervention for students with dyslexia and similar learning difficulties and includes 12 credit hours of required courses:

Jeanne Wanzek, Currey-Ingram Professor of Special Education, researches effective reading instruction and intervention with a focus on prevention and remediation for students with reading difficulties and disabilities. She has published numerous articles and delivered presentations nationally and internationally on early reading, learning disabilities, response to intervention and adolescent reading intervention. Professor Wanzek also leads federally funded grant projects on reading intervention that offer students the chance to gain valuable research and practical experience.  

This certificate allows educators and clinicians to better understand the needs of school-age children and students with dyslexia in their practice.
- Jeanne Wanzek, Currey-Ingram Professor of Special Education

Are you interested in pursuing Peabody’s Certificate in Dyslexia Studies alongside a degree?? Explore our degrees in Special Education, Human Development Counseling and Child Studies—Peabody is a top-ranked special education program that will prepare you to enhance the well-being of children and young people with disabilities.