'How can I tell my parents I am dyslexic?'
|
Q: I am dyslexic but afraid to tell my family. I have lived with this all my life but want to explain to my parents. How can I tell them? I feel inferior because of it. |
our online advisors reply:
Dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. It certainly does not mean you are inferior in any way. In fact, many people with dyslexia are better at lateral thinking and problem solving than a lot of people who do not have dyslexia.
Basically, dyslexia means that you have some problems with processing language. Being dyslexic does not mean you are less intelligent than anyone else, just that you see things a little differently.
I know it is easier said than done, but it will help if you have confidence in yourself. You could arm yourself with enough information to answer any questions your parents may have. There is plenty of information about dyslexia available on the web. It might be a good idea to print some of it out to show to your parents.
As well as the British Dyslexia Association site, you could take a look at the Channel 4 dyslexia site. These pages have been specially designed to be easier for people with dyslexia to read.
It sounds like you are alone with this. Do you think it would help to have a chat with someone on the phone before you decide what to do about telling your parents? Talking it through could help you work out how to approach the subject with your parents. The British Dyslexia Association has lots of local groups, and most of them have a helpline run by volunteers. There is a link to a list of local dyslexia associations on the website.
I am sure your parents will not think any less of you if you tell them about your dyslexia. In fact, they may even be very proud that you have coped so well without any support. Bear in mind, though, that talking to them about it could raise lots of emotions for them – and you.
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites.
