Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disability, with as many as 15-20% of school-aged children showing signs of it and only 5-10% actually receiving a diagnosis, according to the International Dyslexia Association.
As scores and diagnostics improve and an understanding of how it can appear in children of different ages develops, the tests for the learning condition are being administered with higher success among children of lower ages. This progress highlights the importance of Diagnosing Dyslexia early and accurately.
This begs the question: are there any benefits of being successfully diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age?
Academic Improvements
There are lots of issues that can occur if dyslexia is not diagnosed. Children may fall behind in their learning, have trouble keeping up with their peers, or give up on trying to learn altogether.
By using a properly administered dyslexia test, teachers, students, and their parents can work together to come up with a plan to help improve the students’ academic engagement, which, according to a study by the University of Texas in 2020, was found to improve academic performance long-term.
Improved Self-Esteem
Children who have undiagnosed dyslexia are more likely to suffer from poor self-esteem and to experience mental health issues, according to research in PubMed in 2020. The reason for this is thought to be due to internalising failure and a belief that they are flawed in some way.
By undertaking a diagnostic test for dyslexia, a child will learn that they simply need assistance or tailored support with their learning, that they are intelligent, and that they can achieve their goals. All of this helps to build confidence, especially if it is implemented early.
Legal Protections
Even though this is about early diagnosis, Diagnosing Dyslexia later in an academic career can still be valuable, as such diagnostics can be used to access legal accommodations in testing and exams.
For example, many university-aged students who are taking essay-based degrees are legally allowed to have a scribe in their exams and extra time to finish papers.
At many universities, before a student with dyslexia can access support, they will need to undertake evaluations with an educational psychologist, who can assess their current needs to get the most from their degree.
Improvement in Reading and Writing
Early intervention can open a system of support in schools and academic institutions that will enable children to improve their reading and writing skills.
According to the Council for Learning Disabilities, early intervention for children with dyslexia was found to improve reading and writing skills throughout their educational career.
Social Improvements
Social inclusion has often been an issue for children diagnosed later in life with dyslexia. Such children have higher levels of anxiety at school, which prevents them from socializing with others, slowing the development of social groups.
With earlier diagnosis, children receive the support that they need in the classroom, reducing anxieties about school.
Diagnosing Dyslexia Early: Benefits, Tests, and Support
Early identification of learning differences can make a significant impact on a child’s education. When challenges are recognized at the right time, teachers and parents can provide the right support to build confidence and skills.
This proactive approach not only improves learning outcomes but also reduces stress for children in the classroom.
Diagnosing dyslexia early can help improve academic performance, build self-esteem, and reduce anxiety about classroom activities.
In the longer term, it can provide a solid base for children to get additional help in exams, which will help them fully reach their academic potential.
Professionals use different assessments and strategies to identify dyslexia, but a comprehensive test like the Tests of Dyslexia (TOD®) can provide a helpful battery of information.
