My son Raymond is 10 years old and in the 3rd grade. He’s a bright and funny kid, but he also has dyslexia and ADHD. These conditions can make it difficult for him to learn in a traditional classroom setting, but he’s not a handicap. He just has learning challenges.
Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to read, write, and spell. People with dyslexia often have difficulty decoding words, and they may also have trouble with reading comprehension. ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Raymond’s dyslexia makes it difficult for him to read and write. He often reverses letters and words, and he may have trouble sounding out words. His ADHD makes it difficult for him to focus and pay attention in class. He may also be fidgety and have trouble sitting still.
In Malaysia’s education system, Raymond would be categorized as an OKU, which stands for Orang Kurang Upaya, or “people with disabilities.” This label can be stigmatizing, and it can make it difficult for Raymond to get the support he needs.
I believe that all teachers should be equipped with a psychology course as part of their teaching degree. This would help them to better understand the needs of students with learning challenges, such as dyslexia and ADHD. It would also help them to develop more effective teaching methods for these students.
For example, teachers can use multisensory teaching methods to help students with dyslexia learn to read and write. These methods involve using different senses, such as sight, hearing, and touch, to help students learn. Teachers can also provide students with accommodations, such as extended time on tests or preferential seating, to help them succeed in school.
Raymond is doing well in school, but he still struggles with some things. He often has trouble reading and writing, and he can be easily distracted. But he’s a hard worker, and he’s always willing to try new things.
I’m proud of Raymond for how far he’s come. He’s learned to advocate for himself, and he’s not afraid to ask for help when he needs it. He’s also learned to focus his energy in positive ways. He loves to play sports, and he’s a talented artist.
I know that Raymond will continue to face challenges in school, but I’m confident that he will succeed. He’s a smart and resilient kid, and he has a loving family and community behind him.
I hope that by sharing Raymond’s story, I can help to break down the stigma associated with dyslexia and ADHD. These conditions are not a handicap. They are just learning challenges. And with the right support, students with dyslexia and ADHD can succeed in school and in life.
If you are the parent of a child with dyslexia or ADHD, I encourage you to advocate for your child’s needs. Talk to your child’s teachers and school administrators about the accommodations that your child needs. There are many resources available to help students with learning challenges, and you don’t have to go through this alone.
Together, we can create a more inclusive education system for all students, regardless of their learning challenges.
Here are some additional resources for parents and educators of children with dyslexia and ADHD:
- http://The National Center for Learning Disabilities: https://www.ncld.org/
- http://The Attention Deficit Disorder Association: https://add.org/
- http://The International Dyslexia Association: https://dyslexiaida.org/
— MalaysiaGazette
