The doctor spoke about the signs and prevention of dyslexia in children

People with dyslexia have difficulties with reading and writing: it is difficult for them to learn to read and write, as well as to do it fluently, without mistakes. According to various sources, 10-20% of people in the world have dyslexia, Anna Levin, speech therapist at the Fantasy Children's Clinic, told Izvestia on March 16.

"Usually, parents and teachers begin to suspect a child's dyslexia around the second grade of school. They notice that the child does not keep up with the school curriculum because he still reads syllables, does not understand the text, writes "like a chicken with a paw" or even in a mirror image. But the symptoms of dyslexia can be detected earlier — at 5-6 years old," she said.

According to Levin, already at this age, a speech therapist can diagnose a violation of the formation of writing and reading in a child according to certain signs.

"These include, for example, the inability to show where the right, left, top and bottom are, and a lack of understanding of what the first and last are. Also, the child may incorrectly use prepositions indicating the position of the object, and he may have poorly developed coordination and fine motor skills," the specialist said.

Prevention of dyslexia is primarily a timely diagnosis, she stressed. According to her, it must be conducted a year before admission to school without fail.

On March 10, Elena Petryaikina, Professor, MD, Director of the Russian Children's Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, chief freelance specialist, pediatric endocrinologist for the Central Federal District of the Ministry of Health of Russia, told Izvestia about the rules for observing Lent by children. The restrictions for them should not be harsh, she noted. It is important to include in the child's diet during this period foods rich in vegetable protein, such as lentils, peas, beans, and nuts, the expert added.