What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is the most common learning difference among children, but many Nigerian parents in the UK may not fully understand it—or may confuse it with laziness or poor discipline. That’s not the case. Dyslexia is a condition where a child struggles with reading, writing, spelling, and sometimes speaking—despite being intelligent and willing to learn.
It’s not caused by poor parenting, bad teachers, or spiritual attacks. It’s a neurological issue, often inherited, that affects how the brain processes written and spoken language.
Key Signs of Dyslexia in Children
You might notice your child:
- Mixes up letters like b and d or p and q
- Struggles to read aloud or spell simple words
- Finds it hard to rhyme words
- Reads slowly or skips words when reading
- Confuses similar-looking words (was and saw)
- Struggles to follow instructions or organise thoughts
- Has trouble remembering what was just read
- Is behind classmates in reading despite effort
If your child continues showing these signs beyond age 6 or 7, it’s worth speaking to their teacher or GP.
Is Dyslexia a “White People’s” Condition?
No, it affects children of all races—including Nigerian children. Back home, it may be misunderstood or labelled as stubbornness or dullness. But here in the UK, there are systems in place to support children with dyslexia—once it’s properly diagnosed.
Diagnosis and Support
There’s no single test for dyslexia. Diagnosis involves a range of assessments by educational psychologists, speech therapists, or learning specialists. Your child’s school can help guide you through this process. It’s important to speak up early if you notice signs—early support can make a big difference.
What You Can Do as a Parent
- Don’t panic or blame yourself. Many successful people (including entrepreneurs, doctors, and creatives) have dyslexia.
- Talk to your child’s teacher. Schools can provide extra reading support, and in some cases, additional time during tests.
- Ask for a learning assessment. You can do this through the school or your GP.
- Support at home. Use audiobooks, flashcards, and spelling apps. Be patient, praise effort, and don’t compare your child to others.
Can Dyslexia Be Cured?
Dyslexia isn’t something that just goes away—but with the right support, children can thrive in school and in life. The earlier it’s diagnosed and managed, the better.
Final Words to Naija Parents
As African parents, we often carry high academic expectations—but remember: every child is different. Don’t wait until your child is constantly in trouble at school or losing confidence before taking action. Being aware, informed, and involved makes all the difference.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
Stay updated on the latest UK news, including education, health, job openings, and more for those living in the UK!
Join here: Naija UK Channel
Also, follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and discussions:
- Twitter: @NaijaUKConnect
- Facebook: Naija UK Connect
- Instagram: @naijaukconnect
