- Know that along with reading, dyslexics often struggle with writing because they have difficulty identifying sounds, and thus spelling words
To write we need knowledge of our language
Johnson & Myklebust (1967) discussed the connections between writing and oral language and noted that “a child who cannot read cannot write” (p. 197). Given that dyslexia is a language-based learning disability, many dyslexics have a great difficulty with (and subsequent dislike for) writing. We know that dyslexics often have difficulty identifying the sounds (phonemes) in words and this underlies one’s ability to spell, and therefore, writing the words can be difficult.
Likewise, difficulties in word finding can affect one’s ability to think of the words when writing. Many times we have heard dyslexics say, “I know what I want to say, but I just can’t write it down.”
Writing is a very complex process. It requires the ability to hear the sounds in a word & know the corresponding letter or letter combinations to spell (write) the word. It requires a flexible and in-depth vocabulary and knowledge of word origins. It requires knowing grammar and syntax (word order). It requires knowledge of words that properly connect your thoughts, or transition words. It requires knowledge of punctuation. It requires knowing different types (e.g., narrative, expository, persuasive) and genres (e.g., fiction, analytical report, news) of writing. It is a complicated process that requires planning, drafting, editing, and revising until one has a finished product.
Many times people who struggle with writing think that good writers naturally write well with little effort, which is simply not the case. The challenges of writing need to be made clear to the struggling writer. The conventions and the process of writing need to be taught explicitly. With good instruction, dyslexics can enjoy writing and become confident, prolific writers.
More to come about writing!