Understanding Through Simulation: The Impact of Dyslexia on School-Aged Children and How Parents Can Gain Insight

By Ekaterina Konovalova

​Recently, I had the privilege of attending a dyslexia simulation at one of America’s leading specialized schools for dyslexia, Provident Charter School, which has two locations in Pennsylvania.
 
Dyslexia, a common learning difference that is commonly labeled as “disability” that affects reading, writing, and spelling skills, presents significant challenges for children in educational environments. Traditional classroom settings, often structured around reading-heavy activities, can inadvertently create stumbling blocks for students with dyslexia, leading to frustration and a lack of confidence.

The magic of dyslexia simulation is that it provides an opportunity for non-dyslexic parents, educators, and other stakeholders to understand the struggles and frustrations dyslexic kids experience firsthand. It was an extremely eye-opening experience; it helped attendees develop more empathy for dyslexic kids and even left some parents in tears. I heard people saying, “Wow, I didn’t know it was so hard for my kid,” “I just gave up because I couldn’t keep up with the assignment,” “I was afraid to look stupid,” and “I want to deflect attention from my inability to understand and complete the task; I would rather be the class clown than be labeled as stupid.”
 
My Experience of Going Through the Dyslexia Simulation
​The dyslexia simulation is designed to mimic the experience of having dyslexia, allowing parents, teachers, and peers to "walk in the shoes" of someone with this condition. Initially, all attendees heard an informative presentation about dyslexia myths, brain function in typical versus dyslexic individuals, and some heart-breaking statistics about the state of support for dyslexic students in the United States. I also learned that dyslexia is highly correlated with ADHD—25% to 40% of individuals with ADHD also have dyslexia, which makes learning in a traditional school environment even harder.

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​After hearing a presentation by the school's CEO, our large group was split into three smaller groups, and we rotated among three classrooms, completing different school tasks like reading, writing, and spelling. The texts were encoded in a sort of gibberish language, there was a massive noise distraction, we underwent timed reading tasks under pressure, and attempted to write letters and numbers that were altered and encoded. Sometimes, we were not allowed to use our dominant hand. It was really hard! By the end of the second hour, our brains were fried. We were exhausted—just like your dyslexic child who spends over seven hours at school each day and then has to do homework.

​How Dyslexia Impacts Kids at School
 
The academic challenges that dyslexic kids face in typical schools often spill over into social and emotional realms. Students with dyslexia might feel isolated, misunderstood, or less capable than their peers. The stress of coping with their learning difficulties can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and in some cases, reluctance to participate in class activities.
 
What was also interesting to learn is that people with dyslexia typically have average or above-average intelligence levels. In fact, many gifted individuals at the tops of their fields are dyslexic. They might be slow readers, but they compensate with fast, creative thinking, often seeing “the big picture” and coming up with non-standard ideas to solve problems. I love that Provident Charter Schools celebrate kids with dyslexia and display photos of geniuses and celebrities to remind their students that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. There is a lot of understanding, compassion, and accommodation for kids at Provident, from daily Wilson reading instruction to helping kids with emotional regulation and sensory issues.

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If you are a parent of a dyslexic child, please check out the International Dyslexia Association and its local chapters. For example, if you are based in Pennsylvania, check out the local PA chapter to find parent support groups and events PA Branch of the International Dyslexia Association.
 
Benefits of Dyslexia Simulations
 
Increased Empathy and Understanding: By experiencing firsthand the challenges of dyslexia, parents and teachers can develop greater empathy for children who struggle with it. This understanding is crucial in fostering a supportive environment both at home and in the classroom.
 
Tailored Teaching Strategies: Educators who understand the specific struggles of dyslexic students are better equipped to adapt their teaching methods. Techniques such as multisensory learning, where lessons are taught using visual, auditory, and tactile methods, can be incredibly effective.

​Advocacy and Awareness: Simulations can serve as powerful tools for advocacy, raising awareness among those who might not recognize the pervasive challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia. Increased awareness can lead to better funding and resources for programs tailored to dyslexic students.
 
Parental Engagement: For parents, these simulations are often revelatory, highlighting not just the academic hurdles but also the emotional toll that dyslexia can take on their children. This can lead to more engaged parenting, characterized by patience and a better understanding of their child's needs.

Conclusion
 
Dyslexia simulations are more than just educational tools; they are bridges to deeper comprehension and empathy. While they do not completely replicate the daily experiences of someone with dyslexia, they do provide a valuable glimpse into the challenges faced by these individuals. For parents and educators, this can be the key to unlocking a more supportive and effective approach to helping children with dyslexia navigate the world of learning. It was definitely an eye-opening experience for me, and I hope other parents will attend similar simulations to better understand and support our kids.

To learn more about dyslexia simulation, check out the video below.