The Connection Between Dyslexia and Mental Health

A diverse group of adults and children smile and high-five each other. Text overlay reads: How Dyslexia Treatment Can Improve Your Child’s Mental Health.

Currently, there is a spotlight on mental health and its importance – and for good reason. The mental health of children and young adults is especially concerning. According to the CDC, poor mental health is a prevalent problem for adolescents. When it comes to working with students with dyslexia, seeking treatment for their specific learning disability not only helps to improve academic skills, it can also have great benefits for mental health. Improved mental health for students can promote their learning and achievement as well as their overall happiness and mood. Read on to learn how dyslexia treatment can benefit your child’s mental health.

How Dyslexia Impacts a Child’s Emotional Well-being

Living with a learning difference like dyslexia can present challenges both inside and outside the classroom. There are a few different issues that can be affected by dyslexia. Some of these include:

Academic Anxiety and Stress in the Classroom

Anxiety is an emotional symptom that many students with dyslexia experience. Constant frustration or confusion with academics can lead students to anticipate failure. In addition, classroom situations that require reading and writing can lead to a student’s anxiety in relation to embarrassment or criticism. This can lead to a student’s hesitancy to participate in academic activities.

The Correlation Between Dyslexia and Low Self-Esteem

Struggling to keep up with peers in an academic setting can lead to frustration, embarrassment, and in turn, low self-esteem for a child. Fighting these feelings of inferiority can be challenging for students with dyslexia.

Executive Function and Time Management Stress

Students with dyslexia can have difficulty with time management due to comorbid attention or executive function challenges. Living with their learning disability means that they require extra time to complete routine reading and writing assignments. This issue with time can cause stress for students who need to meet deadlines and finish work.

Emotional Benefits of Specialized Intervention

There are many options for helping students with dyslexia to manage their symptoms and improve their reading and writing skills. Some of these methods include tutoring, classroom accommodations, assistive technology, and dyslexia therapy. It is essential to understand that dyslexia is a lifelong condition, but adding the proper support and intervention can help dyslexic students to thrive in both their academic and their personal lives. Dyslexia therapy has the power to help students to improve in so many ways.

Reducing Stress Through Improved Literacy Skills

Dyslexia therapy can help to reduce anxiety and stress by providing students with strategies to build their skills. Students who experience improvement through dyslexia therapy can feel more relaxed and at ease in academic situations. Working to improve reading and writing skills can boost a student’s confidence and self-esteem. As students begin to improve and excel in their academic abilities, they are likely to feel more positive about themselves in academic and school settings.

Building Social Confidence and Better Relationships

An added benefit of improving academic skills like reading and writing is the improvement of communication skills. These improved social interactions can have a positive impact on students’ relationships with family, friends, classmates, and teachers. Becoming a better communicator can help a student with dyslexia to feel more connected to others, which is essential to good mental health.

Improving Quality of Life and Academic Self-Image

Of course, one of the main goals of dyslexia therapy is improvement in the classroom. Success in academics can lead to overall positive feelings, which is why the right dyslexia treatment is so important for students. As students become better readers and writers, these enhanced skills can lead to improvements in all subjects that involve reading and writing.

Building skills and confidence can have a tremendous impact on a student’s overall quality of life. Experiencing success in the classroom can lead to greater satisfaction and happiness all around.

Supporting the Whole Child at Dyslexia on Demand

The experts at Dyslexia on Demand are passionate about changing the lives and self-image of students with dyslexia. Developing better academic skills can lead to more confidence and success. Dyslexia on Demand’s mission is to make dyslexia tutoring and therapy accessible to students who need it by offering one-on-one therapy with Certified Academic Language Therapists. Dyslexia therapy guides students with dyslexia through multisensory programs for reading and spelling. All of this help and instruction can lead to both academic and mental health benefits.

Would your child benefit from dyslexia tutoring and therapy? Contact Dyslexia on Demand to learn more about the therapies we utilize or reach out by phone at 888-292-3906.

Tags:

    Comments are closed

    Posted by
    Megan Pinchback
    info@dyslexiaondemand.com
    Megan Pinchback is the founder and owner of Dyslexia on Demand and a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT). She is also the co-host of the Don't Call on Me Podcast, a national speaker on dyslexia, social media educator and advocate, mom of five, and grandma to one. Through her work, she is passionate about helping families better understand dyslexia, access evidence-based support, and feel less alone in the journey.
    Real People. Real Results. Real Progress.

    What Our Families & Partners Are Saying

    Excellent
    Dyslexia On Demand5.0
    Based on 80 reviews
    Richard cuffle
    6 days ago
    We absolutely love Miss Mary and everyone at Dyslexia on Demand. ❤️ Issabella has grown so much, not only in her reading, but in her confidence, her faith in herself, and her willingness to keep pushing through challenges. Miss Mary has played such a huge role in helping her believe in herself again, and that means more to our family than words can express.
    Richard Cuffle
    6 days ago
    recommends
    We absolutely love Miss Mary and everyone at Dyslexia on Demand. ❤️ Issabella has grown so much, not only in her reading, but in her confidence, her faith in herself, and her willingness to keep pushing through challenges. Miss Mary has played such a huge role in helping her believe in herself again, and that means more to our family than words can express.
    The BEST thing we have ever done is to put our hope and trust with Dyslexia On Demand. Communication with parents is speedy and supportive. The love and patience give to our son is top notch!! They are part of our success story and can never thank them enough!
    Ashley Novosad
    2 months ago
    recommends
    We have had an incredible experience with Dyslexia on Demand! My daughter, Bella, absolutely loves her teacher, Miss Mary. ❤️ Issabella participates in the daily one hour intervention sessions, and she actually loves jumping on the calls every single day. In just a very short amount of time, we have seen tremendous growth. Her reading skills have improved significantly, but the biggest transformation is her confidence. You can truly see how much more confident she has become in her abilities. We are so grateful for Miss Mary and the amazing program at Dyslexia on Demand. I highly recommend them to any family looking for effective, engaging, and life-changing reading support!
    Jennifer Carl
    3 months ago
    I cannot speak highly enough about Dyslexia on Demand and the impact it has had on our son, Tripp. I want to share our story because I believe it’s proof of what’s possible when the right people come alongside your child. This past spring, during a parent-teacher conference following his IOWA test results, I sat in a room with administrators and faculty as they explained—quite frankly—how much of a “problem” Tripp was perceived to be. At the time, he was being bullied by the principal’s son, and I had voiced strong concerns about the lack of structure, discipline, curriculum issues, and troubling social dynamics. I could see Tripp declining emotionally, mentally, and academically. Things had reached a point where, one day in the carpool line, he jumped out of the car and ran down the street screaming that he wasn’t going back to school. The campus police officer and school counselor became involved—but even then, the school still labeled him as the problem. I left that spring meeting with a heavy heart and a clear conviction: it was time to pull both of our children out of the school. We didn’t have a plan yet, but I knew in my gut that I could give them better than what they were receiving at the so-called “best” private school in our small town. I remember crying in the car afterward and sending Megan an emotional, long-winded email—much like this one—feeling like I had somehow failed my son. Fast forward to today, and I want to share something that still gives me chills: Tripp’s test results from Liberty University Online Academy now show that not only is he working at grade level—he is at the very top of his class. His confidence is unmistakable, and his light is back. From the deepest place in my mama heart, thank you. Partnering with Dyslexia on Demand, and with Mrs. Suzanne specifically, has been one of the greatest blessings on this journey. Their work is truly changing lives—and I have the proof, right here in my thriving boy.
    sara corder
    4 months ago
    Amity is amazing at keeping our 3rd grader engaged in the program and is always accommodating when needed. It has been refreshing to feel supported and not judged during times when our daughter is experiencing cognitive overload from school testing and then comes home to do more work. Amity clearly understands neurodivergent children and students with disabilities, and how their brains work. I especially appreciate her warm and gentle demeanor when our child is off task and needs redirection. There have even been times when I started to step in to encourage my child to participate, only to realize that Amity already had it handled. That level of confidence, patience, and skill is something our previous provider was lacking. I am so excited that my child can participate in therapy four times a week for an hour each session. This would have been beyond unmanageable previously. Amity is a fabulous fit, and so is your program. Everything flows so nicely.
    Abril Perea
    4 months ago
    “Watching Joseph grow through Dyslexia On Demand has been nothing short of life changing for our family. What once felt overwhelming now feels full of possibility because of the support and guidance they provide. They have helped my son build confidence, strength, and belief in himself as a learner. As parents, we are deeply grateful for the difference Dyslexia Online has made in Joseph’s life.” Thank you Abril 😀
    recommends
    We are only 2.5 months into my daughter’s Dyslexia on Demand program, and we are already seeing improvements. We opted for the group therapy lessons, and they have been great. She absolutely loves her sweet teacher, Ms. Heather, and looks forward to seeing her each week. We’ve noticed she is gaining much more confidence in her reading and is starting to truly enjoy it. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her as she continues with the program.
    Janell Weaver
    6 months ago
    My learner never had access to structured literacy before. Dyslexia on Demand is literally changing the trajectory of their life by helping them become a reader. Edited to add- Dyslexia on Demand and our therapist Elizabeth are amazing. My son needs fairly significant support. I imagine it could be easy to feel that he is too difficult to serve given his struggles with language and attention. But Elizabeth has never wavered. I sense she's just as committed to his success as I am, and it feels like such a relief to finally have that kind of partner. She has had a tremendous impact on our family by giving us greater hope for our son's future. My appreciation for her could never be overstated.
    Janell Weaver
    6 months ago
    recommends
    Dyslexia on Demand and our therapist Elizabeth are amazing. My son needs fairly significant support. I imagine it could be easy to feel that he is too difficult to serve given his struggles with language and attention. But Elizabeth has never wavered. I sense she's just as committed to his success as I am, and it feels like such a relief to finally have that kind of partner. She has had a tremendous impact on our family by giving us greater hope for our son's future. My appreciation for her could never be overstated.
    Torrie Guerrero
    10 months ago
    Our daughter,Emersyn, has been with Dyslexia on Demand for a couple years now! We are so pleased with all the services they provide! She has had two therapists and both have been knowledgeable,patient,helpful,and kind. They see her! The curriculum is very comprehensive! Emersyn has gained so much confidence in reading and spelling! We look forward to her future progress with Dyslexia on Demand! Thank you Dyslexia on Demand!
    Nicole Hendricks
    10 months ago
    Two of my children receive therapy from Dyslexia on Demand. Both are thriving and making incredible progress! My son has been working with Brooke for less than a year and has grown in his reading skills and his confidence! His change of heart towards reading and learning has been a beautiful transition to watch and has brought me peace of mind and relief watching him get on the right track and receive the support he needed. Most extraordinarily though, my 11 year old daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia at age 7 and has struggled so much through the years. She has undergone intensive therapies and even attended a dyslexic private school for a few years, where she received specialized instruction and one-on-one therapy daily. Even after years of therapy and specialized education, she started 5th grade, last year, with a 3.2 reading level. A year later, her STAR testing showed she was starting 6th grade with a 7.8 reading level! Dyslexia on Demand and her provider, Kim, have so much to do with her progress, confidence and success. To watch that gap finally close and to witness my child read confidently is a joy I can’t describe and has been worth every investment of time and resources! I can not adequately describe the impact Dyslexia on Demand has had on our lives, but to put it simply, I am so genuinely impressed, grateful and thankful!
    Beth Thomas
    11 months ago
    I can't speak highly enough of Dyslexia On Demand - from my first conversation with Megan I felt an understanding of everything we had been dealing with through the years. She was able to quickly help me understand what my child needed and what we needed to do. My daughter is in high school and at first didn't want to think about therapy, but she loves her therapist, Suzanne. She is always ready for her session which I think speaks volumes and is continuing to build her confidence. We are excited to see her continued growth through the program.
    Tyler Watt
    11 months ago
    Dyslexia on Demand has been such a blessing for our little girl! Since starting this 2yr course which she will be finishing in a year in half- we went from not remembering site words or barely remembering sounds of letters and decoding to reading past a 3rd grade level! This has been such a treat to watch! Are therapist is like being part of our little family
    Jinni Henry
    11 months ago
    Dyslexia on Demand has been absolutely life-changing for my daughter. Before we found them, reading felt overwhelming and discouraging for her, but now she is growing in confidence every week. The one-on-one support and specialized approach have truly made all the difference. Her tutor is patient, encouraging, and really understands how to meet her where she is. Not only has her reading improved, but her overall confidence.
    Stephanie Garrido
    11 months ago
    My 9 year old daughter started Dyselxia on Demand in June 2 and this is the only intervention we have constantly seen growth with since being diagnosed with dyslexia. We immediately saw growth in fluency, ability to access curriculum and writing. Her confidence is building and we are finding her reading for pleasure which has been so heartweraring. A CALT, using a research based program is exactly what she needed. This was the answer to our prayers and we are excited to see her continue to grow! We have worked with 2 CALT's and they have both been engaging, positive, caring and great communicators.
    Hun Epps
    11 months ago
    My friend, whose SIL works for DOD, recommended the company. And I'm so grateful! Reasonably priced and my daughter's reading has astronomically improved - she's reading much better than I had ever expected after having started this past summer! She loves her therapist and she's spontaneously reading on her own with significantly improved fluency. I'm no longer worried about her confidence; her spelling as improved. I'm hoping to continue past her therapy so her reading continues to strengthen to its fullest capacity.
    Heather Adams
    11 months ago
    We’ve had such a wonderful experience with Dyslexia on Demand. My son has struggled with reading for years, but since starting with his instructor, his reading skills have improved dramatically. Even more importantly, his confidence has grown so much. He no longer gets discouraged when reading and is actually starting to enjoy it. The patience, knowledge, and encouragement provided have made all the difference. I am so grateful for the support they’ve given our family and highly recommend them to anyone whose child is struggling with reading or dyslexia.
    Kristin Hasty
    11 months ago
    Having a child with a learning difference can sometimes be difficult to navigate! Unfortunately kids don't come with a manual and definitely not children that learn "outside of the norm". Our son went to a school for kids with learning differences and after 5 years we weren't convinced he would ever read on grade level, so by the time we found DoD we were desperate. We met with Megan and she settled our mind that there was a therapist that could meet our teenage son where he was and with time and effort he would read! She paired us with a therapist that had experience working with older, maybe a little more resistant children. We love Brooke! Easton loves Brooke and he really, truly looks forward to their sessions together. Thank you so much to all of the staff at DoD and a special shoutout to our therapist, Brooke. Easons future is looking bright!
    Alisha Brown
    11 months ago
    This dyslexia program is the best of the best! We love our CALT, Lauren B.! My daughter was slow going then it clicked about 9 months in (so keep at it, trust the process)! I highly recommend Dyslexia on Demand!!
    Alisha Brown
    11 months ago
    recommends
    This program is the best of the best! We love our CALT, Lauren! My daughter was slow going then it clicked about 9 months in (so keep at it, trust the process)! I highly recommend Dyslexia on Demand!!
    Holly Moore
    11 months ago
    My daughter has had a tutor through Dyslexia on Demand for over 2 years and it was the best decision we ever made. Lisa, her tutor, is patient, accommodating to our schedule and really wants to see my daughter succeed. AMAZING COMPANY!
    Dimple Amin
    11 months ago
    My son has been doing the DOD program for 4 months now. I am impressed by how thorough the program is. The whole team is dedicated to informing and supporting both parents and their children. Our tutor is awesome! She has over 30 years of experience and is great with my son. She is also flexible with our schedule. The whole program takes a couple years on average, but for the support it offers children who would otherwise spend their school years struggling, it is well worth it. I have already seen more confidence in my son. I am glad this program offers highly qualified dyslexia tutors that we would otherwise not have access to in our area.
    We have been using Dyslexia on Demand since March of this year (it is now September) and my son's spelling has improved dramatically. Not only is he better able to articulate the spelling rules, but he is increasingly more confident in attempting to spell while writing, dramatically improving his writing abilities. Our tutor has been amazing, dealing with low confidence, occasional tricky behaviors, all the while maintaining a positive, bright attitude and making sessions engaging and fun. I'm so glad I found Dyslexia on Demand!
    recommends
    We HIGHLY recommend DOD! Megan and her team are absolutely a joy to work with! They listen and truly want what is best for your child which is all us parents want at the end of the day! Thank you DOD!
    Logo with a silhouette of a head containing lightning bolts and a USB cord as the neck. Text reads “Dyslexia On Demand, CALT Therapy,” with “On Demand” and “CALT Therapy” in blue.Outline of a head with lightning bolts in the brain area, a USB cord at the neck, and the text “Dyslexia On Demand. Therapy Reimagined” to the right in large, light blue and white letters.
    We believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn to be academically successful regardless of learning style or academic challenges.