One common behavioral result of dyslexia that I have seen during my years of dyslexia tutoring is frustration. A dyslexic student who has not received dyslexia treatment and tutoring will often feel stunted, and feel that they are unable to realize the potential which they know that they have. A dyslexic child may see the difficulty that they have with reading and spelling, and think that it is a sign that they are not “smart”. The begin to feel frustrated; not only academically, but personally as well, as the difficulties that they have begin to make any dreams for the future seem impossible. Dyslexic children may give up on academics entirely; some finding other areas where they feel that they can achieve something (sports, visual arts, etc.), while others may give up on aspirations and dreams entirely.
As a dyslexia tutor, I have seen a lot of frustration in new students when I begin to work with them. One of the first obstacles to helping these students is to convince them that they are intelligent, and just as capable of succeeding in life as their peers. It is important to emphasize to them that their difficulties are not the result of them being “dumb”, but rather, simply a result of them needing an alternate method of learning to read and spell than they have previously experienced. These encouraging words help, but what even helps more is the confidence that they gain as they begin to see progress! A little progress can make a huge difference, and as my students begin to see the progress that they are making, they become committed to furthering that progress and helping themselves excel. Many of my students work very hard during their tutoring sessions, but most of them never complain, because they are excited by the possibilites and opportunities that are opening up to them. They go from a place of discouragement and lost motivation, to a place of aspiration for themselves and hope for the future.
If you know an individual who is in need of dyslexia treatment and tutoring, check out our “online tutoring” page, and feel free to contact us with any questions that you might have.
Peter
