(Photo: submitted)
Dyslexia is a condition that makes it difficult to read, write or spell.
One in five children in Canada are diagnosed with it. October is Dyslexia Awareness Month.
Both of Tracy Wilson’s sons struggle with dyslexia, “Aidan was diagnosed the end of grade 5 and Tyler was never diagnosed, he just told me he has it as well. Every year he was in resource, both of them.”
She says the sooner a parent can get a diagnosis, the better.
“If you child is struggling and the teachers put them in resource and it is still not helping, I would advise you to get a private evaluation rather than put their name on the school list, because you will be waiting and waiting. It makes the child suffer longer when they should get the diagnosis right away. The younger they are, the better it is for them,” Wilson says.
Dyslexia changes the way the brain processes information, and they learn differently.
Wilson says, “Without help, they struggle, and it’s very hard on their self-confidence and self-esteem”
Her son Aidan has been receiving tutoring through the Scottish Rite Learning Association in Riverview. They offer services for free, but there is a long list of people needing services and few tutors.
Wilson also recommends the Learning Disabilities Association of New Brunswick and Riverbend Community School.
This week, communities across the province will Mark It Read, lighting up in red in support of Dyslexia Awareness Month.
In Fredericton, the New Brunswick Legislature will glow red on Monday.
Saint John, Rothesay, Quispamsis, Grand Bay-Westfield, Hampton and Sussex are just a few of the other communities who will also Mark it Read.
