Understanding Dyslexia: Challenges and Perspectives

Running head: DYSLEXIA
DYSLEXIA
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1DYSLEXIA
Introduction:
According to a report published by the Australian Dyslexia Association (2019), it has
been mentioned that a total of 10% of the Australian population suffers from Dyslexia. In other
words, mild to severe Dyslexia is said to affect 1 out of every 5 children in Australia (Australian
Dyslexia Association, 2019). Dyslexia is Australia is treated as a condition of disability that
interferes with the ability of individuals to read, write or spell with convenience (Shaywitz &
Shaywitz, 2017). Within the Australian territory the terms LD (learning difficulty) or SLD
(specific learning difficulty) are invariably used to refer to the challenges faced by Dyslexic
children in the learning process. This assignment intends to present an empathy statement based
upon the video. In addition to this, the second part of the assignment would comprise of a
reflection about Dyslexia and the learning environment.
Empathy:
The term dyslexia is defined as a learning disorder that includes difficulties while reading
due to issues while identifying speech sounds as well as learning how relating with letter and
words is possible. Dyslexia is also associated with reading disabilities since it affects the area of
human brain which is associated with processing language. Individuals suffering from dyslexia
are found to possess normal intelligence as well as vision. Majority of the children suffering
from dyslexia possess the potential to gain success in education if proper tutoring is provided to
them along specialized education program. Along with the academic support, emotional support
from family, friends, educators as well as the society also plays crucial part when it comes to
dealing with Dyslexia. In this report, I will reflect on the video, ‘Reflections of Dyslexia’ in
order to understand the perspective of people suffering from the evil disease.

2DYSLEXIA
The story of each of the interviewees discussed in the video not only helped me to
understand their perspective but also helped me to discard all of my prejudice associated with it.
The video contains experiences associated with dyslexia faced by four adults of different age
range, namely, Rick, Jane, Ross and Gemma. All the participants have discussed their emotional
issues behind dyslexia and how the disease has influenced their behavior, opportunities as well
as success. The stories shared by the interviewees helped me to review my opinion about
learning disabilities. For instance, before watching the video I had the assumption that if a
individual is suffering from dyslexia, he or she can automatically be able to understand the issue
in the initial stage. However, after going through a story of Rick who stated that he was able to
detect the issue after his son was detected with dyslexia, this misconception of mine got
discarded. I was also not aware of the fact that dyslexia gets genetically transferred through
generations. Rick’s story of life did really enhance my knowledge about dyslexia (Messurier,
2012). One of the interviewees, Gemma was suffering from complex learning as well as social
difficulties resulting due to dyslexia. Her story was really saddening since she has been expelled
from school several times due to the problem she was suffering. As per my opinion, it is highly
crucial to motivate students suffering from dyslexia to read and write by their own instead of
throwing them out of the school. Schools possess the responsibility to eliminate the evil disease.
Unethical rustications from school often lead to depression and social isolation (Tamboer et al.,
2016). Prolonged depression, anxiety and social isolation possess the potential to result in
physiological issues in students.
I also learned that people suffering from dyslexia faces several social issues in their day
to day life. This video made me aware of the frequent adverse experiences that are being faced
by people with dyslexia. It enables me to understand how difficult it is for an individual with