Developmental Dyslexia – it's (not) a Problem

Abstract

. In the process of supporting a child's development, parents play a very important role, in creating their closest developmental environment. It is the parents who are largely responsible for the further development and achievements of the child, but they also play an important role in the process of recognizing educational difficulties and supporting the child in overcoming them. However, in order for them to be able to carry out their tasks, it is necessary for them to have knowledge. Because an increasing number of children are diagnosed with developmental dyslexia – currently, it is estimated that they constitute one-third of students at individual levels of education - but also more and more assistance programs are being created, it is necessary to educate parents in this area. The article presents theoretical assumptions concerning developmental dyslexia. The methodology of research conducted among parents of children with developmental dyslexia was presented. Due to the specific nature of the disorders, only parents whose children were diagnosed with dyslexia were included in the research sample. The selection of the sample was significant because it is these parents who are responsible for creating developmental conditions for the child. The article presents the results of research conducted among parents of primary school students in the Lubuskie Voivodeship. The research was aimed at finding out the extent of their knowledge about developmental dyslexia. Attempts were made to reconstruct parents' knowledge of common beliefs, causes, symptoms, and forms of assistance provided to students with developmental dyslexia. The presented research results are the basis for further reflection on the directions of pedagogical education of parents and indicating their role in supporting the comprehensive development of the child. Expanding parents' knowledge can bring measurable benefits for the child's development and further education.