Dyslexia: Warning Signs and the Importance
of Early Intervention

by Bella Curran

In the United States, dyslexia affects an estimated 1 in 5 individuals, making it the most common learning difference nationwide. Dyslexia can pose challenges in reading and language comprehension, but there’s a silver lining: early identification and intervention can make a world of difference, especially for children who may be at risk.

In fact, a study published by the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students at risk for dyslexia who received intervention in the first and second grade made substantial academic gains compared to those who didn’t receive intervention until the third grade.

Additionally, early intervention supports not only academics but the social-emotional wellbeing of students. Self-esteem and motivation can decrease when a struggling student notices their peers do not need to put in the same amount of effort and time when it comes to reading and writing tasks. The earlier we can intervene, the better.

Read the full article on Baltimore's Child.

Bella Curran is a reading specialist and the Assistant Lower School Head at The Odyssey School.