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I was in the fourth grade when my parents were told I should be tested for dyslexia. By this time I was failing math and struggling with English, which I was very upset about. Many people are surprised when I say I have dyslexia. It sometimes feels that to have dyslexia is to be labeled as stupid or just too lazy to learn like the other “normal” students. I can remember a teacher making me cry because I used my figures to do "simple" math problems. I jump ahead of myself while writing long paragraphs or a short sentence. I am constantly checking and re-checking my work even now at the age of 24. While in grade school I was told I was taking to long to do, once again, “simple” tasks. I always read at my appropriate reading level, but when asked to read aloud in class I became easily confused by words I knew that I KNEW! Instead of paying attention to what was being read in class I was trying to predict when I would have to read so I could jump ahead to prepare myself before I had to read it to the class. Before I taught myself what to look for I became very good at fooling those around me into thinking I didn't have any problems in class. For the most part I have it under control, but occasionally my symptoms will pop-up unexpectedly. For parents with dyslexic children or teachers who have students with dyslexia the best piece of advice I can offer is patience. I know that at times it can be hard, but just remember as frustrating as it is for you, it is twice as frustrating for the child. Dyslexia is something that with time, practice, and patience can be overcome or at least controlled; I am proof of that. While in college I was on the Dean's List multiple times, won several writing awards, and was a member of the National Honor Society. To reiterate, dyslexia does not mean stupid, lazy, or any other negative label people associate with a learning disability; it just means those children need a little extra time and need to be in an environment where they are encouraged to do their best and are not expected to live up to the expectations of the “smart, normal” students.

My 10 year old son has SO much trouble spelling even though he is SO smart. We're already working with him for his Sensory Integration Disorder (Concerned Oldie - your description sounds exactly like my son) and ADHD. Both of those challenges have really come under control with Occupational Therapy and Concerta. I'm still so puzzled with his spelling, dysgraphia and he also has a mild speech problem (mostly R combos) and confusing words. He says Barnes and Normal instead of Barnes and Noble or Occasional Therapy instead of Occupational Therapy. I was almost in tears when I read the part in this article about using similar sounding words! I know there isn't a cure for it but just knowing what we are dealing with makes it easier! We live in an area now that doesn't have Occupational Therapy for kids and the speech therapy at the school is HORRIBLE. I am going to call his doctor tomorrow about getting him on a more aggressive program! Thanks for the great information!

I'm 32 years old and was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age. As a child, the treatment seemed mainly to focus on my reading, writing, etc. Unfortunately, my dyslexia is primarily auditory, and this can be very frustrating for me and others. When given quick instructions that I need to act on, I usually will do the opposite. I have trouble expressing myself using words, and I have an extremely difficult time remembering exactly what people say. I only remember the concepts of discussions. My friends don't understand when I try to explain to them; they think I just don't pay attention.

With my dyslexia, I spell words correctly, just in reverse. I also have difficulty discerning the difference between “d” and “b.”

With my dyslexia, I often say words I did not intend to say. For example, I'll mentally mean to have said "I went walking yesterday" when I meant today. Or I'll say "have you fed the cat?" when I meant to say "dog." This has been happening for more than 10 years (I am 45). The numerical confusion has been with me for longer, dating back to childhood. Needless to say, I was no good with arithmetic as a youngster, and although I am numerical now, I live in fear of making mathematical errors in my calculations.

My son has always had difficulties in reading and writing since Pre-K. I had taken him to his doctor for possibly having ADD. She had determined that my son did not have any problems. As the years went by my son still struggles with reading/comprehension and writing. My son is now in the 3rd grade and after speaking with his teacher my son is again struggling in writing his thought on paper. When reading he is adding words that are not there or making up his own words while reading. He still has problems with writing his "b" and "d". As well as "p" and "q". He changes the words "the" to "and" and "from or for" to "of". I have my son enrolled in Tutoring for reading and writing but still he is performing below grade level. His teacher is going to also help tutor him before school. I do not want to over whelm my son but I want to help him improve.