1 in 4 Nigerian Children Dyslexic

Reading an interview with the founder of Dyslexia Foundation, Nigeria, I was shocked to read that as far back as 1994, a survey was carried out and it was discovered that 1 in 4 Nigerian children were dyslexic. For a problem that is so prevalent, why isn’t there more awareness about it? Most people I’ve asked don’t even know what dyslexia is. (If you don’t have time to read, scroll to the bottom and watch the short video.)

What is Dyslexia?

It is a learning disability that affects the ability to read. So a child could be having difficulty reading and it’s not because that child is dull or slow, but because the brain is interpreting the symbols and letters differently.

According to the interview, there are two main causes of dyslexia:

i. It is hereditary and so inherited through a parent, or

ii. Caused by some traumatic accident or event.

This is why this habit of beating children to learn or to read can be so destructive. Our teachers need to learn how to spot the possibility of dyslexia in a child and how to handle it. Most importantly, parents need to know about this too so that we do not end up frustrating a child who is naturally intelligent. And by the way, dyslexic children often have higher intelligence than the average child.

What are the Signs that a Child Might be Dyslexic?

According to the article:

• speech delay – inability to talk at the appropriate age;
• inability to read at a particular age compared to age mates;
• inability to write legibly;
• inability to comprehend or read a piece to answer questions – always having their exam questions read to them or written for them as they talk;
• taking too long on assignments and home work, including any expected academic work;
• taking too long to carry out or deliver a task in the workplace;
• and overtly active and display of an above average level of intelligence

You might be interested in this: How Much Do You Know About Autism

What Should You Do Next?

Dyslexia can be managed. It SHOULD be managed. If it isn’t the child could get discouraged and drop out of school or find it impossible to achieve his or her full potential because of frustration.

The first thing to do is get expert advice. There are tests that can be done to ascertain this. Once it is discovered, it should be effectively managed. It can be corrected and the Dyslexia Foundation is hoping to get more people aware of this.

Something to Note…

“Most dyslexics have gifts in areas controlled by the right hemisphere of the brain such as artistic skills, athletics, music, mechanical activities, vivid imagination, intuitive, creative global thinking, and curiosity. Dyslexics can excel anywhere but best at architecture, interior design, marketing and sales (they are excellent orators and that’s why they can easily hide their disability), culinary arts, wood working, carpentry, athletics, music, scientific research, engineering, computers, electronics, mechanics, graphic art, performing art and photograph. Dyslexics are also known to be very successful entrepreneurs.”

Find out what you need to know about Dyslexia from the Dyslexia Foundation.

The video below is one I have watched several times and each time it does not fail to bring tears to my eyes. This is the best way to explain dyslexia. Watch it!