Around 6 percent of all Germans have difficulty reading and writing.
But how do dyslexics manage through training and studies?
For people with dyslexia, everyday life often turns into a hurdle race.
What most of us take for granted is particularly difficult for them: reading and writing.
Dyslexia in school: Disadvantage compensation possible
A reading and spelling disorder, as dyslexia is also known, is usually
noticeable
during
school days
.
A diagnosis is possible from the middle of the second grade - and should definitely be carried out in suspected cases.
“This is so important so that you can get the right
funding
.
In addition, one only has a
legal right to
compensation for
disadvantages
with a diagnosis
and can thus compensate for one's impairment, ”advises Annette Höinghaus from the Federal Association of Dyslexia and Dyscalculia in a report by the German Press Agency.
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How do I recognize dyslexia?
Children who learn to read and write all make mistakes in the beginning, but they usually go away quickly.
However, those who suffer from reading and spelling disorders make mistakes more often and the difficulties last longer, as the Federal Association of Dyslexia and Dyscalculia (BVL) informs.
The following signs indicate dyslexia:
Signs while reading:
Dyslexics are noticeable for having a slow reading speed.
They stop, lose the line, leave out entire words, syllables or letters, add new ones or swap them.
You also have difficulties reproducing the content of the text you have read.
If the child is to answer questions about the text, general knowledge is often reproduced instead of using the information from the text.
Signs when writing:
Children with a reading-spelling disorder make many mistakes in dictating and transcribing texts, as well as in grammar and punctuation.
In addition, the handwriting is often illegible.
Problems in other subjects:
Also
Mathematics (especially word problems) and foreign languages are problem subjects for dyslexics.
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This misconception by students reduces the chances of applying.
Recognize dyslexia in adults
Contrary to what many think, dyslexia doesn't just go away in adulthood - it lasts for a lifetime.
In adults, dyslexia can also be recognized by an
unstructured way of working
, fear of exams or failure.
Affected people are
ashamed
of their spelling and often hide notes from themselves,
avoid group work, reading aloud
or writing letters.
They are simply afraid of being convicted or even losing their jobs.
How are dyslexics supported in training and studies?
However, dyslexics should not be discouraged by their handicap when choosing a training course or studying.
After all, this weakness has nothing to do with intelligence or competence.
"There are doctors, lawyers, professors and journalists with dyslexia," explains Höinghaus
further.
In order to create equal opportunities in exam situations, not only schoolchildren, but also trainees and students receive a
legally guaranteed compensation for disadvantages
. How this should look like, however, is not regulated - and that's a good thing. Because what helps one can in turn be useless for the other. Dyslexia differs from person to person. For example, an extension of the examination time, a dictionary or software to read out the written text is conceivable. However, the technical requirements for the exam always remain the same.
The responsible chamber decides in the course of training
whether or not a disadvantage compensation is granted and what it looks like
.
Those affected should submit well-founded suggestions for the desired compensation for the disadvantages at the latest when registering for the exam.
"These recommendations may come from the specialist who also writes the report, from vocational school or training company"
,
explains
Kirsten Vollmer from the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) in the dpa report.
In addition to compensating for disadvantages, a
study assistant is also
possible during the course.
By the way: The compensation for disadvantages must not be noted on study certificates and the final certificate of a dual training.
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If you suspect dyslexia: be sure to have it tested
Those affected should not hide dyslexia, but deal with it openly in order to have the same opportunities in training and the desired career path.
While the tests at child and youth psychiatrists are covered by the health insurance company for children, adults have to bear the costs of a diagnosis of around 200 to 300 euros themselves.
An investment that is worthwhile in the long term.
(as)
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Source: Federal Association of Dyslexia and Dyscalculia (BVL), dpa, Apotheken-Umschau, PFI
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