Dyslexia Left Undiagnosed: The Hidden Cost to Children's Futures

The High Cost of Missed Diagnoses: How Early Dyslexia Identification Can Change Lives A recent CBS Sunday Morning segment highlighted the devastating consequences of not identifying dyslexia in children, with two striking examples illustrating the importance of early diagnosis. A dyslexic professor at MIT and an incarcerated dyslexic high school dropout shared their stories, underscoring the need for schools to recognize and address this learning difference. According to Laura Cassidy, founder of Louisiana Key Academy schools, "The consequences of not identifying dyslexia can be catastrophic." She notes that early identification and proper education can change lives. "When we provide students with the right support and accommodations, they thrive," she said in an interview. Cassidy's school has seen firsthand the impact of early dyslexia identification. Two students, Emma and Olivia, were struggling to read due to undiagnosed dyslexia. After receiving proper instruction and accommodations, they began to excel academically and develop a love for reading. "It's amazing to see these young women grow and flourish," Cassidy said. The CBS Sunday Morning segment featured Dr. Sally Shaywitz, a renowned expert on dyslexia, who emphasized the importance of early identification. "Dyslexia is not a learning disability; it's a difference in how we process information," she explained. "When we recognize this difference and provide the right support, students can succeed." The segment also highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with undiagnosed dyslexia. A 2019 report by the National Center for Learning Disabilities found that approximately 1 in 5 children in the United States have a learning disability, including dyslexia. Without proper identification and support, these students are at risk of falling behind their peers, struggling academically, and experiencing social isolation. The conversation around neurodiversity has gained momentum in recent years, with many professionals advocating for acceptance and understanding. However, the issue remains largely unaddressed in schools, where early identification and support can make a significant difference. Cassidy's work at Louisiana Key Academy is part of a growing movement to prioritize dyslexia awareness and education. Her school has developed innovative programs to identify and support students with dyslexia, with promising results. "We're not just teaching reading; we're teaching confidence," she said. As the conversation around neurodiversity continues to evolve, it's essential to address the specific needs of students with dyslexia in schools. By prioritizing early identification and proper education, educators can empower these young individuals to reach their full potential. Background: Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects approximately 15% of the population. It's characterized by difficulties with reading, writing, and spelling due to differences in brain processing. Early identification and support are critical for students with dyslexia to succeed academically and socially. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Shaywitz emphasizes the importance of early identification, saying, "The earlier we identify dyslexia, the better equipped we are to provide the right support." Cassidy adds, "We need to shift our focus from labeling students as 'disabled' to recognizing their unique strengths and abilities." Current Status and Next Developments: Louisiana Key Academy continues to develop innovative programs to address dyslexia awareness and education. Cassidy is working with educators and policymakers to prioritize early identification and support for students with dyslexia. As the conversation around neurodiversity evolves, it's essential to address the specific needs of students with dyslexia in schools. Sources: CBS Sunday Morning segment (2023) National Center for Learning Disabilities report (2019) Interview with Laura Cassidy, founder of Louisiana Key Academy schools Interview with Dr. Sally Shaywitz, renowned expert on dyslexia *Reporting by Forbes.*