Sharing my experience of overcoming difficulties with reading, writing, and spelling caused by dyslexia.

Dyslexia is a learning disorder characterized by difficulties in reading, writing, and spelling despite having normal intelligence and sensory abilities. It occurs due to functional differences in the brain's language processing areas, primarily affecting the ability to recognize characters or connect sounds. Early diagnosis, appropriate support, and strategies can help overcome or improve these challenges.

Dyslexia is generally regarded not as an acquired condition, but as a congenital trait related to genetic factors or the brain's language processing methods.

However, external factors or environmental stress can affect learning and reading abilities, potentially worsening symptoms similar to dyslexia.

 

Reasons why one develops dyslexia

 

1. Genetic factors: Dyslexia is closely related to family history.

If a parent or sibling has dyslexia, there is a high likelihood of experiencing similar difficulties.

2. Differences in brain development: When the neural connections related to language processing in the brain, especially in the left temporal lobe, develop differently from those in typical individuals, dyslexia symptoms may appear.

3. Environmental factors: Dyslexia symptoms may be more pronounced in individuals who lacked linguistic stimulation during childhood or grew up in highly stressful environments.

4. Complications: Conditions such as hypoxia at birth or neurological damage can increase the likelihood of dyslexia.

 

 

The first time I realized I had dyslexia was during my early elementary school years.

My peers could read books effortlessly and keep up, but I took a long time to read the characters and had difficulty understanding the meaning of sentences. In particular, I often flipped the characters or couldn't remember words accurately, which led to frequent scoldings from my teachers and parents.

At first, I thought it was simply because I was neglecting my studies, but as time went on and I didn't improve, I started to find it strange.

 

As I entered middle school, I experienced greater difficulty with English spelling and grammar, and my academic performance declined, which increased my stress. At that time, I was advised by the school counselor to undergo a professional assessment, and I was diagnosed with dyslexia for the first time.

 

When I first experienced dyslexia, reading was very difficult for me, and I felt behind in communication with others. Especially at school, it took a long time to read and understand texts, which greatly lowered my self-esteem.

I felt like I had found the answer to the question, "Why am I different from others?" but at the same time, I was afraid that future learning would become more difficult.

 

However, since understanding dyslexia, my perspective on myself has gradually begun to change.

I have come to understand that dyslexia is not my weakness, but rather a characteristic of how I learn a little differently.

Dyslexia is not a concept of complete cure, but with appropriate support and practice, it can be improved in many areas.

The voice support feature and text conversion tools were very helpful.

Reading the text aloud or practicing repeatedly in short segments was effective.

I have developed my own learning strategies through specialized dyslexia therapists or educational programs.

 

I believe that dyslexia is not a disadvantage but rather a different way of understanding the world.

There were many difficult moments, but as I overcame them, my problem-solving skills and creative thinking improved.

I was able to gain positive developmental experiences. Additionally, I was able to empathize with people who face similar difficulties and form deeper bonds.

 

As a result of persistent effort to overcome dyslexia, my reading speed is still slow, but my comprehension has gradually improved.

Above all, I have come to realize that dyslexia does not hinder creative thinking or problem-solving abilities at all. Now, I accept myself and have come to see dyslexia as a unique part of my identity.

I want to let others who face the same difficulties as I do know that by accepting my dyslexia at any time and moving forward at my own pace, I can definitely grow. Thank you.