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Inclusive Education
DYSLEXIA AND MENTAL HEALTH
PHYLLIS MUNYI
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty which makes it difficult for a student to learn how to read and write in the conventional classroom environment . Many of the learners with dyslexia are unable to master the basic alphabets or even write their names . This is contrary to the expectations of the society . Teachers and parents exert pressure on the student hoping that this will remedy the problem , but , oftentimes , the pressure only worsens the situation .
The learner is pushed to do something that they don ’ t have the capacity to do . Researchers have pointed out that even with poor performance , the brain of people with dyslexia work five time more than that of people without dyslexia . To make the matters worse , the person who pushes them is an authority which they trust . There is always this question in these young brains--why cant I do what everybody can do ? This kind of thoughts drain the self confidence . The learners feel abnormal , inferior , alienated and misunderstood , and to make the matter worse , the pressure does not stop . The teachers and parents push even harder . Sometimes the learners reach the breaking point .
Their sunshine of happiness stop shining . They become sad , anxious , irritated . They feel guilty and empty . They loose interest in their hobbies , and lack the ability to concentrate .
Another direct consequences of pushing the learners , against a wall that they cannot break through , is extreme behaviors . According to the American Society of Suicodology , people with dyslexia are four times more likely to have suicidal thoughts than people without dyslexia . The University of Toronto found that people with dyslexia have a 46 % chance of committing suicide than people without dyslexia .
I truly believe the only way we can create global peace is through not only educating our minds , but our hearts and our souls - Malala Yousafzai
Another common trait in the young learners who cannot read is inferiority complexes . When you cannot do what every other person can do and you are rebuked by every grownup around you , you must feel inferior to other people who can do what you cannot do . This inferiority manifests in how these students act among other people . Their initiative is broken and they learn to imitate
EdSource Quarterly | Oct-Dec l 2021