Many students struggle with learning disabilities and disorders, now in 2022 awareness and knowledge of those disabilities are expanding, especially Dyslexia.

Dyslexia is an umbrella term, because there are seven types of disorders you can have under four different categories under Dyslexia. The four categories are phonological dyslexia, surface dyslexia, rapid naming deficit, and double deficit dyslexia. In 1877, Adolph Kussmaul, a German Professor of Medicine, coined the term ‘Dyslexia’ after observing the behaviors and characteristics of people with difficulties with reading, writing and spelling. 

While many people think dyslexia only pertains to reading and writing, it applies to everything. Dyslexia is a learning disorder, which means even learning how to cook can be a difficult process. Dyslexia is easy to work around once you learn how you process information differently, either visually, auditory, hands on learning and reading.

Emilio Herrera, a junior at Lakeland was diagnosed with Dyslexia. “I can’t read to save my life, the words get mixed around.” 

He said driving, school, and anything else that requires reading is a struggle for him. Like which roads to turn onto and what Google directs him.“Reading more than two to three words is difficult.” 

He said that he has spoken with the school district and has certain accommodations, “it’s hard sometimes, I just talk to teachers when I need help or ask my friends” he said that he has grown accustomed to it, and figures out different ways to complete assignments. 

“I know for the state of Idaho, dyslexia doesn’t count as a disability or Special Ed. I don’t get a lot of help or an IEP.” He said he wasn’t able to count for the IEP because he was thought to be too smart, despite the fact that an IEP can help. 

In terms of what schools can do to help students combat Dyslexia, he said a lot of video watching or audio and hands-on projects would be helpful. 

“It can be very helpful for someone like me.” 

He added that people should understand that it’s more than just saying “I can’t read” and that it is an actual difficulty and being more open to changing assignments can really help the student and their struggles.

I struggle with dyslexia and all of its counterparts, I was diagnosed around the age of 13. I have struggled with it throughout my life and continue to struggle to this day. My whole life I was dubbed as dyslexic, before I was even diagnosed with it. 

When I was finally diagnosed, it helped me get assistance in school that I needed by using certain programs, apps and even having an IEP to help me. 

In my earlier years of school, I struggled with reading and writing but when I was pulled out to be homeschooled, I learned grammar and spelling, and I often still do make mistakes just not as often as I did. 

My main struggle is math. I have what is called Dyscalculia, I tend to have a hard time learning equations, multiplication, and division. It takes me a minute to count change back to customers, and it’s hard for me to retain phone numbers. 

It is always important to ask for help when we struggle.