"Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." - Albert Einstein
As a parent, finding out that your child has dyslexia can be a daunting experience. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. However, with the right resources and support, it's possible for your child to thrive academically.
My journey with my daughter, who has dyslexia, started when she was in kindergarten. Her teacher had mentioned to me that she was struggling with some basic skills. However, at the time, I didn't fully understand what that meant.
It wasn't until she reached grade 3 that her teacher called me and informed me that my daughter had dyslexia. I was taken aback, but deep down, I knew that this wasn't entirely unexpected. I should have taken action sooner, but I didn't know where to start.
After seeking advice from her teacher, we went through assessments and examinations to understand her needs better. We also enrolled her in learning support and the Dyslexia Association of Singapore. It was here that we discovered the tools and resources that would help her succeed.
The school provided a reader who would attend to her needs every 2-3 days during her reading time. We also had access to tools like the cc pen and text-to-speech software to help her with her reading. Additionally, we enrolled her in after-school English reading lessons and started dyslexia card lessons at home to further improve her reading skills. And the benefit of going through the learning disability assessment, my daughter receives an extra 15 to 30 min time during examinations.
Of course, the journey hasn't been easy. There have been days where my daughter has been frustrated and discouraged. As a parent, it's heartbreaking to see your child struggle. However, we've learned to take it one day at a time and focus on the progress she's making, no matter how small.
One of the most significant changes we've noticed is her confidence. Before, she would shy away from reading aloud or even attempting to read in front of others. Now, she's willing to try and has even read aloud in class a few times. Her anxiety is still there, but slowly and with more practice, she is improving.
As we continue this journey, I've learned that dyslexia doesn't define my daughter. Instead, it's a challenge that we can overcome together. By providing her with the resources and support she needs, she has the potential to excel academically and in life.
If you're a parent going through a similar journey, I encourage you to seek out resources and support. Remember that you're not alone and that with the right tools and mindset, your child can thrive.
TRUTH: Despite my daughter's learning disabilities, I fully accept and appreciate her for who she is, and I wouldn't change a thing. Her dyslexia is a part of her unique beauty, and how her mind works is simply beautiful.
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