Dyslexia Support South: Where hope meets learning
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Should I label my child dyslexic?

Chris Cole, Dyslexia Campaigner and Advisor for Learning Differences Aotearoa Trust explores this question.

In my work I am asked (less frequently now, I must admit) should a child be labelled dyslexic, isn’t that a bad thing?

I don’t think so and here is why.

1. The child realises it’s not “them”

When my boys were assessed as dyslexic their first comment was “I’m not dumb” and they felt relief. You cannot be diagnosed as a dyslexic unless you have normal to above normal intelligence. This is an important message for any dyslexic as they do not feel intelligent when they are struggling with their learning.

2. Self esteem

I recently came across some information where the person said

“When a person doesn’t understand their dyslexia, their success therefore feels out of control. It doesn’t matter what you do, this belief will sabotage everything”

This is referring to self -esteem. Low self-esteem is definitely connected with learning difficulties. It has a huge impact on that person and how they feel about themselves and how they go about tackling new tasks.

If the child understands what dyslexia is and how they think and process information they can start to feel some control over what is happening for them in a learning environment.

This feeling of control is important. It means they are less likely to become overwhelmed when learning.

3. It’s a starting point

This is for the parents, whanau and schools as well as the child. We now know what has to happen to help this young dyslexic learn.

We know they will have

  • weak short term memory
  • weak sequencing and ordering ability
  • hard for them to hear the sounds that make up words
  • hard to follow verbal information.

We know they have normal to above normal intelligence.

We also know they have strengths

  • They can see the big picture
  • They can connect information together to get a unique solution
  • They understand how others feel
  • They are visual learners.

4. They belong to a unique group of people.

Knowing there are others like them in the world and they are not alone with their dyslexia. Seeing older children who are dyslexic and how they have coped, seeing Mum or Dad as dyslexic and how they have coped, seeing others in the class and how they struggle with the same parts as them all helps them to know they are not alone with their dyslexia.

5. Increasing awareness

10% of the population has dyslexia.

In Southland (based on the last available census figures) that is nearly 10,000 people

For children aged 5 -18 years that is just under 1,800.

This equates to 63 classrooms.

We have to help others understand that dyslexia is a learning difference. It’s another way of thinking and processing information. It has strengths as well as areas that are harder. The more we talk about it the more people learn about it and understand this.

It also means people will know how hard the dyslexic child works at school, that they are not lazy and why when they get home from school they can have meltdowns. This understanding of those around them helps them feel supported.

I work with children, their families, and adults. Knowing they are dyslexic and understanding what that means gives that person the chance to start taking control of their learning.

Our workshop Growing Stars for children aged 6 -12 years does a lot of work helping a child understand their learning difference and what they can do to help themselves.

We have an Adult Dyslexia Support Group – we belong to a tribe. It’s a wonderful environment where you do not have to explain anything because we all know what it’s like.

We also have Dyslexia Support South, Dyslexia Support Eastern Southland and Dyslexia Support Central Otago. These groups all provide free, unbiased, professional and up to date advice to help you support your child as best you can. You are your child’s best advocate. Get in if there is something you want to know.

In this section

  • Types of learning differences
    • Dyslexia
    • Dyscalculia
    • Dysgraphia
    • Dyspraxia
    • Visual stress
    • Auditory Processing Disorder
    • Slower processing abilities
      • Slower processing at school and in the home
      • Slower processing and social relationships
  • Interventions available in Southland
  • Support in the Otago Region
  • Emotional impact
    • How parents can support their dyslexic child.
    • Anxiety
    • Low self esteem
    • Growth Mindset
    • Support agencies
    • Should I label my child dyslexic?
    • How can I help my child?
    • Strengths of Dyslexia
    • Increasing dyslexia awareness
    • Wellbeing support programmes
  • Assessment options in Southland and Otago
    • Dyslexia
    • Auditory Processing Disorder
    • Irlen Syndrome
  • School information
    • Choosing and transitioning to a new school
    • Study tips
    • Special Assessment Conditions
      • Special Assessment Conditions for NCEA
      • Assessment tools in Primary Schools
    • Funding and scholarships
    • Assistive technology
    • Who do I speak to at school?
    • Talking with your child’s school
    • Home learning tips
  • Resources
    • Download our printable flyers
    • “The Big Picture” DVD Hire
      • Our printable flyers
    • Books to read
      • Books for pre-teens and teens.
      • Books for parents
      • Books for children
      • Graphic Novels
    • The Value of Games
    • Tips for around the home
    • Decodable books
    • Assistive Technology
    • Ministry of Education dyslexia resource
    • Mind mapping
    • Working with dyslexic strengths
    • Be a ‘Strengths Detective’ - Learn how you can shine a light on your child’s dyslexic strengths to build self-awareness and resilience.
    • Executive Functioning
    • Dyslexia Friendly Invercargill City Library
  • Personal stories
    • Speech on Dyslexia by Milo Henry
    • A Mum’s Perspective
    • Diet and Nutrition for Learning & Behaviour - Our Experience

Dyslexia Support South and Growing Stars are programmes run by Learning Differences Aotearoa Trust.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is designed to assist parents, caregivers and educators by providing helpful information on the topics represented. It does not replace information provided by a qualified professional. Parents, caregivers and educators are encouraged to do their own research on programmes mentioned. Dyslexia Support South does not endorse or support any particular product or business.

© Dyslexia Support South 2023

Website by RS

  • Home
  • Parent Toolkit
    • Types of learning differences
      • Dyslexia
      • Dyscalculia
      • Dysgraphia
      • Dyspraxia
      • Visual stress
      • Auditory Processing Disorder
      • Slower processing abilities
        • Slower processing at school and in the home
        • Slower processing and social relationships
    • Interventions available in Southland
    • Support in the Otago Region
    • Emotional impact
      • How parents can support their dyslexic child.
      • Anxiety
      • Low self esteem
      • Growth Mindset
      • Support agencies
      • Should I label my child dyslexic?
      • How can I help my child?
      • Strengths of Dyslexia
      • Increasing dyslexia awareness
      • Wellbeing support programmes
    • Assessment options in Southland and Otago
      • Dyslexia
      • Auditory Processing Disorder
      • Irlen Syndrome
    • School information
      • Choosing and transitioning to a new school
      • Study tips
      • Special Assessment Conditions
        • Special Assessment Conditions for NCEA
        • Assessment tools in Primary Schools
      • Funding and scholarships
      • Assistive technology
      • Who do I speak to at school?
      • Talking with your child’s school
      • Home learning tips
    • Resources
      • Download our printable flyers
      • “The Big Picture” DVD Hire
        • Our printable flyers
      • Books to read
        • Books for pre-teens and teens.
        • Books for parents
        • Books for children
        • Graphic Novels
      • The Value of Games
      • Tips for around the home
      • Decodable books
      • Assistive Technology
      • Ministry of Education dyslexia resource
      • Mind mapping
      • Working with dyslexic strengths
      • Be a ‘Strengths Detective’ - Learn how you can shine a light on your child’s dyslexic strengths to build self-awareness and resilience.
      • Executive Functioning
      • Dyslexia Friendly Invercargill City Library
    • Personal stories
      • Speech on Dyslexia by Milo Henry
      • A Mum’s Perspective
      • Diet and Nutrition for Learning & Behaviour - Our Experience
  • School Toolkit
    • Catering for different types of learners
    • Creating a dyslexia-friendly classroom
      • Tips for the classroom
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        • 4D for schools
        • Universal Design for Learning
    • Specific learning difficulties and processing disorders
      • Dyslexia
      • Dyscalculia
      • Dysgraphia
      • Dyspraxia
      • Irlen Syndrome
      • Auditory Processing Disorder
        • Classroom accommodations for Auditory Processing Disorder
      • Slower processing abilities
    • Supporting SENCOs
    • Parent information evenings for your school community
    • Accommodations in the classroom
    • Decodable books
    • Information for teachers: Neil MacKay
    • Supporting home learning
    • Executive functioning in the classroom
    • NZQA National Qualifications for Specific Learning Differences
  • Growing Stars®
    • What Growing Stars covers
    • Our Facilitators
    • Upcoming Workshops
    • Growing Stars resources for sale
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    • Support available from other agencies
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