The stigma surrounding Dyslexia- Chinmayee Shukla

Dyslexia is a term for disorders that involve difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols, but that do not affect general intelligence. People with dyslexia, appear to be bright, highly intelligent, and articulate but are unable to read, write, or spell at grade level. Unfortunately, they get labelled as lazy, dumb, careless, immature, “not trying hard enough,” or “having a behavioral problem.” But, once they are out of school, they often excel much more than others in the fields which they truly flourish and shine in! Unfortunately, only a small percentage of dyslexics get the right assistance and the care they truly deserve! This is so sad! Diagnoses is very important as it gets frustrating for a person with dyslexia to keep trying to do the same work as other people and despite the effort they put into, the work still lacks quality. This can result in low self esteem and an inferiority complex, also, it’s critical and very important for one to learn about their disability as they are better prepared to take on the world and would be better prepared for the society’s reactions. Many famous people in the world were dyslexic. Society did not make an effort to understand the difficulties these people faced. The teachers seemed to not have time to pay attention to a student who required more help. Albert Einstein, one of the most influential, important and recognized scientists, never received the care and help he needed from his teacher and school. His teachers said, “that he was mentally slow, unsociable and adrift in his foolish dreams” (The British Dyslexia Association). This shows how the teacher never paid any personal attention towards him to understand he needed special help in learning. He, the boy who was told that he was mentally slow, turned out to be a Nobel Prize winner. In earlier times, awareness about mental disorders like these was almost non existent. There was more of stigma associated with dyslexia than it is now. Schools did not have special help available for students with dyslexia. Teachers were not specially educated to help, instruct and train dyslexic students. As times are changing, percentage of dyslexic students is increasing hence the awareness has increased. The parents are pushing the schooling system to be more considerate towards their dyslexic child and that the school should be able to help the student learn and grow. Parents want the teachers to give their dyslexic child the personal attention the child needs and not be ignorant of the disability. If teachers choose to be ignorant of the disability, it is hard on the child to learn, as the child is constantly de-motivated by harsh comments from the teacher, school and peers. People with dyslexia face so many difficulties daily and yet emerge to be stronger! Disorders, disability or differences aren’t barriers which stop you from who you want to become. They are a sign of potential and not a disadvantage. They are gifts which can strengthen you and make you much stronger than other individuals.

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