Jennie Sjursen 00:00
People don't really talk about the emotional side when it does to your psyche enough. I think anytime you look up anything, it's just about how to get the skills, how to get your kid to take the SATs, or who can help your kid learn XYZ, or how to help you. It's very academic, focused. I don't think anyone talks about the mental side of it enough. And I've actually looked for that. Sarah Smith.
Jennie Sjursen 00:24
I'm Jennie Sjursen, ex special educator turned dyslexia interventionist. It wasn't so long ago that I, too was overwhelmed by balanced literacy versus structured literacy education speak and everything in between. Fast Forward, after many, many hours of self driven education, and you'll see I've built a thriving dyslexia practice helping students from age six to 18.
Jennie Sjursen 00:48
My specialties working with a quote, unquote difficult almost always to a student, and breaking down the complexities of dyslexia into everyday language strategies and action steps and in Episode 41 in the middle with Sarah Smith being dyslexic and having a dyslexic Dad and son, my sister Sarah brought up the social emotional effects of dyslexia. After we stopped recording, we talked a little more about it and how, once you get the instructional help you need, the most lasting effects are the social, emotional ones. My dad frequently brings this up too, so I wanted to take the time today to focus on them once again before we get started, my classic disclaimer when talking about anything related to dyslexia, the effects of dyslexia on one's social, emotional well being vary depending on a person's environment, support systems and personal coping skills. No two Dyslexics are exactly alike.
Jennie Sjursen 01:48
So let's tackle the emotional effects first, some of the emotional effects dyslexia might have on your child include low self esteem, anxiety and stress, frustration and anger and depression. Once a child starts to realize that their friends are reading better or a higher level than they are, it can really ding their self esteem. They start to experience ongoing struggles and failures, which, in turn, starts to affect their self esteem. This can lead to a lot of anxiety and stress around anything related to reading.
Jennie Sjursen 02:19
They know they can't do what's being asked of them, and they don't want to stand out any more than they already do, which in turn, leads to frustration and anger. Wouldn't you two get frustrated and angry if you were being asked hour upon hour to do something that is just plain old, hard and exhausting. On top of that, add pressure to quote, just do it, and an overall misunderstanding about the many different ways dyslexic can manifest. A sense of hopelessness and depression can set in.
Jennie Sjursen 02:50
A dyslexic may begin to think it's just too hard. Nothing I do is working. I don't even know why I try. With the weight of all these internal thoughts, you can begin to see how dyslexia can have an effect on the social areas of a Dyslexics life. Some of these social effects could include social isolation, bullying and teasing and poor peer relationships. When a student realizes being able to read is a big deal and they can't read as well as their friends, they start to pull back and avoid situations where they might have to read in front of others.
Jennie Sjursen 03:23
A couple of adult Dyslexics have also told me this is something they avoid to this day, and the main reason a dyslexic doesn't want to read or write in public is they are afraid all of their mistakes and difficulties are going to be called out and put on display for all to see. They're afraid they're going to be picked on by their friends and others now because they are already hyper aware of their reading and are sensitive to what their friends and classmates may think or feel about their struggles.
Jennie Sjursen 03:48
Making and keeping friends can be difficult, so think about it this way, and dyslexic is already not feeling great about their reading skills. Is afraid they're going to be bullied or teased, and so now they have to hide their reading struggles from others, which makes it really hard to trust others with their quote secret, and to make and keep friends. Some of the ways we can help the Dyslexics in our lives handle the social emotional effects are to help them come up with positive coping strategies, build upon their innate strengths and talents and create strong support systems around them.
Jennie Sjursen 04:21
For example, a great coping strategy would be integrating voice to text into their everyday life. When they write, create lists or send text messages, finding and building a strength or a talent. Think about how many actors we know are dyslexic can help them build their self esteem and competence. It won't take away their reading difficulties, but it'll help balance out the overall bad and good in their lives.
Jennie Sjursen 04:47
And I'm a believer that everybody, not just Dyslexics, need good support systems around them for a young dyslexic, think supportive family members, understanding and patient teachers or even a counselor or youth group. Leader, a little support, understanding and patience can go a long way. And finally, if you and your child are really struggling to manage the social emotional effects of dyslexia, consider working with a therapist or clinical social worker.
Jennie Sjursen 05:15
There are some amazing therapists and clinical social workers out there whose support can not only help you and your child but the entire family. If you have any further questions about dyslexia, please feel free to sneak into my inbox. I'd also love your input. What would you like to hear from me in the future?
Jennie Sjursen 05:31
Is there a topic I haven't covered yet you really want to learn more about or do you have a pressing need and you're not really sure how to handle it or move forward? Send me a DM on Instagram or drop me an email at Jennie At literacy untangled.com that's j, e, n, n, i e at literacy untangled.com I can't wait to hear from you until next time bye, bye. I hope you enjoyed this episode of Literacy Untangled.
Jennie Sjursen 05:56
If you loved this episode as much as I did, head on over and rate and subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you want to continue the conversation or share your takeaways, head on over to our Instagram at Literacy Untangled and comment on your favorite part. I can't wait to hang out with you again soon. Bye. You
