Have you ever heard of “stealth dyslexia/resilient dyslexia”? I hadn’t heard about it until a few weeks ago.
Colton did so well in first grade.
Read more about Colton here.
I had some concerns as he had to work very hard on spelling. I couldn’t figure out how a child who could “read” words wasn’t able to sound out his spelling words. When I asked him to sound out a word he would sound out every possible phonogram but he couldn’t decode the word. He was able to memorize his spelling words and the words in his books and test just fine,
but something about it didn’t sit right with me.
He was screened for possible learning disabilities but there were never any red flags.
He passed his accelerated reader tests and got good grades, but I couldn’t shake the fact that he appeared to have major issues decoding words. So, I took it upon myself to sign him up for some private tutoring. The establishment did an assessment and while they did not give an official diagnosis, he “fits” into the “stealth dyslexia” mold.
Stealth dyslexia often goes unnoticed until middle school/high school. The reason is these children are super smart, have a high vocabulary, great logic and reasoning skills and stellar memories.
They are able to use these talents to overcompensate and make up for what they don’t know while flying under the radar. I’m so thankful we figured it out before high school. Generally, once it’s discovered in an older child “everything comes crashing down” because the child can no longer overcompensate and memorize all the things.
Never in a million years did I realize that when I was given this book 2 weeks ago that
I would be navigating life with a brilliant child who is possibly neurodivergent.
I’m only a few chapters in and I’m already taking steps and making a list on how to advocate for my child. I’ve contacted the pediatrician and my child’s school, and both have been informative and willing to give my son what he needs, and I have to say-wow!
I know the battle won’t be easy, but I have confidence in our team and if our team starts cutting corners this mama is prepared to fight all the battles.
In the meantime, we are continuing private tutoring so that he can learn word decoding in a way his brain can understand.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a child who has been diagnosed with dyslexia or ADHD or has an issue that just doesn’t feel right, please grab this book!
Most importantly trust that mama gut!
Interested in reading more about Colton? Check out the Conversations with Colton blog here!