Dyslexia is a highly misunderstood word. It is often confused and misinterpreted as autism and other learning disabilities. Dyslexic students are at a major disadvantage in a normal class environment. The international Dyslexia Organization characterizes Dyslexia as having difficulties with accurate recognition, decoding and poor spelling ability.

How can Dyslexic students be helped in a regular classroom?

• Reading deficits must be identified and analyzed as early as kindergarten. Linguistics can aid children to improve their reading levels. Teachers must be extremely patient and implement structured and multisensory ways to help dyslexic students.
• Teachers can motivate students by identifying their other talents. Students must be encouraged to pursue what makes them feel confident and self-dependent. The range of interest may vary from mathematics to sports or art.
• Peer-acceptance is a vital aspect to thrive in a school environment. Teachers must be wary of bullying and rejection that can snuff out the interest of going to school.
• Dyslexic students must be handled with more sensitivity. Removing time limits for exams and taking away marks for spelling mistakes can be overlooked.
• The success or failure of a Dyslexic student depends entirely on the school and the environment. Creating awareness for teachers and others who handle dyslexic students is absolutely imperative.