As Nigeria joins the world to mark Dyslexia Day 2024 today, experts have called for early detection and intervention to address dyslexia, a reading disorder affecting children worldwide.
The event was organised by Women Foundation for Improved Living Standards with Nwafor Orizu College’s Primary School in Anambra State,
Sub-Dean of Faculty of Arts at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof Ifeoma Udoye, emphasised early detection and scientific strategies to tackle the condition.
Udoye outlined methods in identifying children at risk, including monitoring difficulties in pronunciation and rhyming, observing challenges in recognising letters, family history, as dyslexia can be inherited.
Prof. Udoye said dyslexia is not a disease but a learning difficulty that impairs a child’s ability to recognise and manipulate linguistic sounds, impacting their reading and comprehension skills.
She noted one in every five children has dyslexia, and 80-90 per cent with learning disabilities are dyslexic. Without proper diagnosis, many carry the condition into adulthood.
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The sub-dean explained dyslexia is often undiagnosed, with academic struggles misattributed to low intelligence, lack of effort, or environmental factors. This misdiagnosis can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
Prof. Udoye stressed early detection and intervention are crucial, noting research shows 70 per cent of dyslexic children who receive support in kindergarten or first grade become proficient and often excel.
The don urged government bodies, policymakers, parents, and teachers to collaborate and address dyslexia nationwide.
Senior Special Assistant to Anambra State governor, Obiora Nwachukwu, hailed the organisers and noted importance of awareness campaigns to combat the stigma associated with dyslexia.
He assured attendees that government would address dyslexia in schools.
Another speaker, Ezenwanne Obinna, noted prevalence of dyslexia in Nigeria, saying 32 million are affected, with a 30-50 per cent chance of the condition being inherited.