What is Dyslexia?
What are the signs of dyslexia in kids? What kinds of support do kids with dyslexia need? How does dyslexia relate to other learning disabilities like ADHD?
For children with dyslexia, speech therapy is one treatment strategy that can help them thrive in the classroom and beyond. Read on to learn more about this condition, common symptoms and how speech therapy builds the skills necessary to thrive at home, in school and beyond.
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What Are Cleft Lips & Palettes?
Cleft means split — so, a cleft lip is a split in a child’s lip, while a cleft palette is a split in the roof of the mouth, often the bony front palette. These clefts form early in pregnancy. Their exact cause is unknown, though risk factors include genetic factors, smoking and the use of alcohol. Often, cleft lip and palette can be addressed via surgical intervention paired with dental and orthodontic care.
A speech therapist is able to help kids with cleft lip and palate to address common speech difficulties that often result from these conditions. They can also help with any difficulties resulting from feeding and swallowing. Treatment may involve strengthening muscles, adjusting feeding positions or trying various textures.
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What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning disability that impacts a child’s ability to read printed words. It is characterized by difficulty identifying how sounds come together to make words. It has nothing to do with intelligence— and the percentage of those with dyslexia varies wildly by study, with estimates ranging from 5-17%.
Signs & Symptoms
What are the symptoms of dyslexia? Dyslexia can present itself in different ways, for different individuals. A few common indicators include:
- Mispronunciation of words
- Difficulty with spelling and writing.
- Quickly forgetting names of people and places.
- Struggling to learn nursery rhymes or rhyming song lyrics.
- Feeling tired after reading.
Through consistent treatment and a personalized care plan, a speech therapist can help your child to improve their phonological awareness— drawing the connection between letters and sounds.
Wondering About Developmental Milestones?
Have questions about your child’s development, or wondering if a certain diagnosis may be a fit? Try out our developmental screening tool— it’s a fast, free way to get a snapshot of your child’s progress on his or her developmental milestones.