Dyslexia and Anxiety

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Dyslexia and Anxiety

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Supporting a child with learning differences involves more than just academic interventions. Emotional well-being plays a crucial role in their overall development and success as dyslexia and anxiety go hand in hand. As a parent, you have the power to create a supportive environment that addresses their emotional challenges and empowers them to thrive. In this article, we will explore practical strategies to manage anxiety, teach coping mechanisms, and foster a growth mindset.

Addressing Dyslexia and Anxiety

Validate their feelings:

Recognize and acknowledge the frustrations and challenges your child may experience. Let them know that their emotions are valid, and they are not alone in their struggles. In our experience, children do not want to be right, they want to be heard. 

Below are some examples of ways you can approach a conversation about reading struggles:

  1. You’re right. Reading can be really hard. There are a lot of rules to learn.
  2. I completely understand why you feel that way. One in every four people struggle with reading.

Focus on growth:

No one is harder on you, than you. Children are the same way. They hyperfocus on their shortcomings but minimize their growth. This creates an opportunity for parents to remind children how far they have come. We must teach them to revisit obstacles and celebrate their resilience. Focus on the fact setbacks are temporary and just a stepping stone to success.

For example, think of a time when your child persevered through a challenge and can now easily do that task. The challenge does not need to relate to reading. Did they find it hard to hit a ball and now they can do it easily? Remind them of this! Remind them of any time you can think of when they overcame obstacles and are on the other side of it.

This is such a powerful tool because:

  1. It directly relates to your child.
  2. It provides evidence that your child can do hard things. 
mom daughter talking
Open lines of communication:

Encourage your child to express their feelings and concerns openly. 

Below are some ideas on how to create a safe space where they can share their emotions without judgment:

    1. Create a dedicated time to check in with your child each day or week. This will give them a consistent opportunity to share with you. It also allows you to be proactive about their mental health instead of being reactive. You’ll learn about their feelings as they are processing them instead of after your child has reached their limit. These conversations can be as general as asking how they are feeling or you can ask specifically about a certain topic. Do whatever you think works best for your child.
    2. Does your child feel more comfortable talking to a trusted adult? Facilitate communication between them. Try your best to encourage communication with people you and your child trust. The goal is for them to have an outlet to express themselves in a productive way.
Break tasks into manageable steps:

Help your child tackle tasks by breaking them down into smaller, more achievable steps. This approach reduces feeling overwhelmed and promotes a sense of accomplishment.

Any task can be broken down into smaller steps, but your child might need some help seeing what those steps are. It might also be helpful to create a check list for them. 

Talk about the why:

There is always a “why” behind any goal. Why is it important that your child work toward accomplishing this goal? Involve them in the conversation about the why and allow them to add in their motivations. Students are more likely to work through difficulties if they are aligned with the end result. 

For example, we talk about the importance of learning to read with our dyslexic students. We talk about how it’s a necessary skill to learn to drive, play a new video game, or pursue a career when they get older. We even turn our why’s into google slides and paste pictures to remind ourselves when we have hard days.

mom daughter meditating

Teaching Coping Strategies and Relaxation Techniques:

Read books that foster a growth mindset-
  • I Got This– This book is perfect for children 4-8 years old. It helps children think about how to handle issues with a “can-do” mindset.
  • I Can’t Do That Yet– This is a book series catered to young readers, ages 6-11, and is the first story in the Growth Mindset children’s picture book series. The goal of the book is to rework negative patterns in children and promote perseverance.
  • A Little Spot of Confidence: This book is aimed at children ages 6-11. It is a story that uses an orange spot to help students visualize their confidence spot growing or shrinking. It shows a child real world situations on how they can grow their confidence spot. It is part of a series of books aimed at helping children manage their emotions.
  • The Power of Yet– This book is perfect for teenagers who need some help adopting a growth mindset. It is a fictional chapter book that focuses on a character who overcomes a fear of public speaking and touches on financial literacy. 
Promote journaling:
  • Big Life Journal– Big Life Journal offers science-based journals for kids to help them grow their confidence and resilience. They have created growth mindset journals and bundles for different ages, from young children to teens. Their journals feature engaging activities, inspiring stories, and colorful illustrations meant to wire your kids’ brains for resilience, gratitude, and self-love.
  • Journaling can happen on any piece of paper. Encourage your child to journal their feelings.  Expressing feelings is cathartic and can help them process their emotions. You can even provide them with prompts if they need some assistance. 
Use mindfulness apps:
  • Visit this list of 15 mindfulness and relaxation apps: Technology can be such a helpful tool to introduce mindfulness activities such as meditation or guided imagery. They help your child become aware of their thoughts and emotions in the present moment and can effectively reduce stress and promote a calm state of mind. The list we linked is a great resource. It includes free and paid options and a short description of what each app offers.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q. What is the connection between dyslexia and anxiety?

Dyslexia and anxiety often go hand in hand. The challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia, such as reading difficulties, spelling, and writing struggles, can lead to feelings of frustration and inadequacy. Over time, these negative experiences can contribute to anxiety surrounding academic tasks and social situations related to learning.

Q. How can I recognize anxiety in my child with dyslexia? 

Recognizing anxiety in a child with dyslexia may involve observing changes in behavior, such as increased irritability, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, or avoidance of schoolwork. They might also express feelings of fear or reluctance to participate in reading-related activities. Pay attention to any physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches, as these can also be signs of anxiety.

Q. Should I inform my child’s school about their anxiety? 

Yes, it’s essential to inform your child’s school about their anxiety related to dyslexia. By doing so, you can work collaboratively with teachers and other school staff to provide the necessary support and accommodations. The school can also implement strategies to reduce anxiety triggers and promote a positive learning experience for your child.

Q. Are there specific reading strategies that can help reduce anxiety in dyslexic children? 

Yes, there are several reading strategies that can help reduce anxiety in dyslexic children. Implementing multisensory teaching techniques, such as Take Flight, can build their confidence and reading skills. Using assistive technologies, like text-to-speech software, can make reading tasks more accessible. Additionally, providing opportunities for reading in a relaxed and enjoyable manner, such as through audiobooks or engaging stories, can help them view reading more positively.

Q. Can anxiety affect my child’s overall academic performance?

Yes, anxiety can significantly impact a child’s overall academic performance. High levels of stress and worry can hinder their ability to concentrate, retain information, and perform to their full potential. Addressing anxiety is crucial for creating a conducive learning environment and allowing your child to thrive academically.

Have more questions? Reach out via our connect page or leave it in the comments!

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