Deficiencies in reading instruction mean that many children risk reading and writing difficulties – or receive help too late, according to a new research overview from the Karolinska Institute on behalf of the Prince Couple's Foundation.
For Matilda Davis, the difficulties began in elementary school, especially during reading aloud.
I thought it was very difficult, because I stumbled over every word and compared myself a lot to my classmates. I have always thought that I was not as good as the others. But the school supported me – without the help, I do not know how it would have gone.
She got to meet a special educator and at the age of ten or eleven, she received the diagnosis of dyslexia. After that, she was allowed to take tests orally or with extra time, and in seventh grade, she got a computer with a spell-checking program.
– I was lucky to end up in a private school that was specialized in dyslexia. But I have heard that many receive the diagnosis very late.
Did not receive help
One of them is Izabelle Hallqvist, who received her dyslexia diagnosis for the first time the summer before ninth grade – despite early difficulties.
Already in the first or second grade, the teacher noticed that something was not right, but the school silenced her. In high school, I still did not receive any help. I had to go into small classrooms and felt like a student who could not do anything.
After the diagnosis, she received more time on tests and in high school a tablet – but it was not enough.
I still felt that I did not receive the real support.
Read 40 books
Today, Izabelle Hallqvist is studying at a folk high school that is a dyslexia center – and has never received as much help as now. She has also found her way to reading.
I had never opened a book in my entire life, but last summer I read two books in less than two weeks. Now I have almost read 40 books in a year.
She wishes she had received support already in elementary school.
I think there is too little talk about dyslexia. Even if you have it, you can become what you want, but you may have to fight a little extra.
"More potential"
Matilda Davis has a university degree today. During her studies, speech-to-text, spell-checking programs, and a note-taking companion have been crucial aids.
I have been able to continue my studies without feeling that school is impossible. Some with dyslexia think that "school is nothing for me". It's okay to think so, but it feels a bit sad – they may have so much more potential.
