LEARNING DIFFERENCES AND MENTAL HEALTH
Overcoming adversity may lead to one having tenacity and grit. However, for those with dyslexia who already may be predisposed to greater emotional reactivity, that same level of adversity may also lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and more.
"Having dyslexia doesn’t 'pre-wire' kids to be anxious. But in many cases, the more stress kids face, the more sensitive to stress they become. This, and genetics, can contribute to a chronic anxiety disorder."
- Dyslexia and anxiety: What you need to know, www.understood.org.
"Children diagnosed with dyslexia show greater emotional reactivity than children without dyslexia, according to a new collaborative study by UC San Francisco neuroscientists with the UCSF Dyslexia Center and UCSF Memory and Aging Center." Read the complete article here.
"Like any handicapping condition, dyslexia has a tremendous impact on the child's family. However, because dyslexia is an invisible handicap, these effects are often overlooked.
Dyslexia affects the family in a variety of ways. One of the most obvious is sibling rivalry. Non–dyslexic children often feel jealous of the dyslexic child, who gets the majority of the parents' attention, time, and money. Ironically, the dyslexic child does not want this attention. This increases the chances that he or she will act negatively against the achieving children in the family."
-Social and Emotional Problems Related to Dyslexia, http://www.ldonline.org/.
PARENTS, STAY ALERT
"When kids learn and think differently, it can impact their emotions. In some cases, there’s a greater chance they’ll experience anxiety or depression. Use this information to get to know the signs of anxiety and depression at different ages. Look for patterns and take notes on what you’re seeing. And be sure to reach out to your child’s doctor if you have concerns."
-Dyslexia and anxiety: What you need to know, www.understood.com.
Know with what anxiety and depression look like in different grades by reading here.
HOW CAN INDIVIDUALS WITH DYSLEXIA MOVE FROM DISTRESS TO DE-STRESS?
Yoga, mindfulness activities, meditation, biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication and exercise are among the many ways that individuals (with and without dyslexia) can conquer excessive or debilitating stress.
Read the complete article from the International Dyslexia Association here.