Dyslexia is a learning disorder related to reading and spellings. It is not triggered by an intellectual disability but is in fact caused by poor co-ordination between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. It has nothing to do with impaired vision, loss of hearing or inadequate or below standard instruction. A delay in learning to speak and ascertaining a dominant hand, trouble with rhyming words and a difficulty in grasping new words are signs of dyslexia. Short term memory and an inability to retain or reproduce what has been taught are other symptoms of this neurological imbalance.
Dyslexic people are individuals with varying levels of intelligence and are highly gifted. Teaching dyslexic children to read and spell requires a lot of patience and hard work on the part of the teacher, family and child himself, but is not an impossible task. In order to memorize what has been taught, constant repetition and drilling help to a large extent. Dyslexia is no longer considered to be a major educational hindrance as students diagnosed to be dyslexic are given a number of concessions which help to assess their level of understanding and knowledge rather than stress on their ability to read and write accurately.
A balanced diet ensures that the body functions efficiently as it receives all the nutrients it requires. Fish oils are considered to be a brain tonic as they contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that facilitate the efficient functioning of the cerebrum and improve memory, concentration levels and attention spans. Hence, supplementing the diet with fish oils will help a dyslexic person to focus and improve the overall functioning of the brain. Flax seeds, another time tested remedy for treating dyslexia, should be roasted, powdered and stored. Sprinkling a teaspoon of this tasteless powder on food especially fruit salad, at least thrice a week, will gradually balance out the chemical imbalance in the brain. Brain gym exercises are highly recommended as they train the brain to use both hemispheres concurrently. An example of these exercises is using both hands to do different things simultaneously like rubbing your head with one and rubbing your stomach with the other. Crossing the legs – right foot in front of the left, bending down from the waist and swinging the arms to form a cross (not together like a pendulum) for approximately 30 seconds and then repeating with the left foot in front of the right is another example of the same.