Question
How does dyslexia affect occupational participation and mental health?
Answer
Dyslexia significantly influences an individual's ability to participate in academic, social, and everyday tasks. Nearly half of all students who qualify for an IEP or 504 plan do so due to a learning disability, with 90% of those cases related to reading difficulties. This can lead to occupational deprivation, where individuals are excluded from essential activities due to their reading struggles. The inability to fully engage in tasks such as reading instructions, completing schoolwork, or even leisure activities like reading for pleasure highlights the broader impact of dyslexia on daily life.
Dyslexia is also linked to higher levels of stress and anxiety, as individuals often experience repeated failures compared to their peers. The DE-STRESS Model provides a framework for managing these challenges, emphasizing strategies such as educating individuals about dyslexia, reducing environmental stressors, and incorporating self-regulation techniques. Occupational therapy is critical in mitigating these impacts by promoting success, resilience, and emotional well-being strategies.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Dyslexia and Occupational Therapy: Understanding and Supporting Learning Challenges, presented by Magan Gramling, OTR/L, CLT, CTP, CFNIP.