Overcoming the Stigma of Dyslexia
Overcoming stigma of dyslexia
It’s easy to focus on the academic impact of dyslexia, however, there is a significant emotional and social burden that can also be experienced by those living with it. For instance, if dyslexia is undiagnosed or misunderstood it can result in feelings of frustration, anxiety and low self-esteem. Likewise, if parents and teachers have unrealistic expectations of students with dyslexia then this can lead to conflict in family relationships. These feelings can exacerbate over time, leaving individuals feeling isolated and unsupported.
Moreover, the stereotypes that are attached to dyslexia (such as seeing letters backwards) can also have a negative impact on people living with it. These misconceptions can cause people to avoid certain social situations, leading to feelings of loneliness and alienation. This can be particularly pronounced amongst children with dyslexia, who may be excluded from peer groups because of their reading and writing difficulties.
This is why it’s so important for people to embrace their differences and share their own experiences of dyslexia. By opening up structured literacy for dyslexia and talking about their journey, they can inspire others to see beyond the label. For example, by highlighting positive representations of dyslexic individuals in the media or sharing their own success stories, people can challenge negative stereotypes and create a more inclusive learning environment.
Educators can help to reduce the stigma surrounding dyslexia by ensuring they are fully aware of how it affects different students. This will allow them to provide tailored support that is specific to each student, helping to promote positive outcomes and improve their overall well-being.