Dyslexia is a reading and writing disability. So how can occupational therapy help you ask? Since we all have different strengths and weaknesses, your occupational therapist specializes in developing an individualized plan focusing on each person’s needs.
Working on skills like fine motor control, motor coordination, visual tracking and executive functioning skills (self control, working memory, and flexible thinking) are all important skills we use in our daily life.
Early intervention is key, here are some indicators to look for:
- Difficulty learning to recognize written words
- Difficulty rhyming words
- Difficulty writing (letter reversal can be common until 2nd grade)
- Family history
Studies show that most people who are dyslexic have a normal or high IQ
OTFC – Dyslexia
Some skills that an OT can help develop in children or adults with dyslexia:
- Handwriting
- Organizational skills
- Hand-eye coordination (very important for reading and writing)
- Spacial awareness
- Visual memory
- Visual discrimination
- Self regulation
Helpful links
Mayo Clinic – Dyslexia symptoms
Written by: Sheri Nowicki, BA, COTAL