Children have a natural curiosity that drives them to explore the world. As parents and educators, it’s our role to nurture that curiosity, helping children develop the skills and confidence to share their unique perspectives.
For the one in five children with dyslexia, however, their potential can be overshadowed by challenges in an educational system not designed for their way of thinking. In New Mexico, these bright, creative, and capable children are too often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or overlooked. Let’s explore how we can support them.
Understanding Dyslexia: Dispelling the Myths
Dyslexia is a neurobiological condition that affects how the brain processes written language. It’s not about poor vision, low intelligence, or lack of effort. Children with dyslexia often have average or above-average intelligence and may work harder than their peers to keep up with reading, writing, or spelling. According to the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity, dyslexia affects about 20% of the population; in a classroom of 25 students, around five may be navigating these challenges. Because dyslexia varies in severity, many cases go undiagnosed as students develop coping strategies to manage.
Let’s address some common misconceptions:
“Dyslexia is reading backward.”
While letter reversals can occur, dyslexia primarily involves difficulties with phonemic awareness (hearing and manipulating sounds), spelling, handwriting, and reading fluency.
“Kids will outgrow it.”
Dyslexia doesn’t fade on its own. Without structured, evidence-based instruction, children may face increasing frustration.
“Bilingualism worsens dyslexia.”
Research shows bilingual children with dyslexia face the same core challenges as monolingual peers. In New Mexico, where many children grow up speaking Spanish, English, or Native languages, bilingualism can enhance executive function and language awareness, supporting both learning and cultural identity.
“Dyslexia indicates low intelligence.”
Far from it. Historical figures like Albert Einstein, Agatha Christie, and Steve Jobs exhibited dyslexic traits, showcasing the brilliance often found in dyslexic minds.
A Historical Perspective
Reading is a relatively recent human skill. While spoken language has existed for tens of thousands of years, widespread literacy emerged only in the last few centuries. In New Mexico, many Native languages were historically oral, relying on storytelling, songs, and poetry. After statehood in 1912, schools prioritized English literacy, sometimes sidelining these oral traditions. For dyslexic learners, who often excel in oral expression, combining their strengths with targeted phonics instruction can build strong readers in English, Spanish, or Native languages.
Reading requires the brain to connect visual, linguistic, and memory systems—a complex process that’s not “natural” for anyone. For dyslexic children, whose brains are wired differently, assuming reading comes easily can create unnecessary obstacles.
The Strengths of a Dyslexic Mind
Dyslexic brains process information uniquely, often excelling in big-picture thinking, spatial reasoning, and creative problem-solving. Brain imaging reveals that dyslexic readers rely more on areas tied to visualization and pattern recognition than typical decoding regions. This can make reading labor-intensive but fosters strengths in areas like design, engineering, art, and innovation—skills highly valued in today’s world.
Historically, societies prized oral storytelling, memory, and navigation, areas where dyslexic thinkers often thrived. As technology automates routine tasks, the creativity, adaptability, and insight of dyslexic minds are increasingly essential.
Resources for New Mexico Families
Fortunately, New Mexico offers growing support for dyslexic learners:
- Southwest International Dyslexia Association (SWIDA): Provides education, advocacy, a provider list for dyslexia therapy, and workshops for families and educators.
- The Reading League NM: Offers resources and training on evidence-based reading instruction.
- The May Center for Learning: Located in Santa Fe, offers a full-time school that provides individualized instruction and professional development using the Orton-Gillingham approach, a proven method for dyslexic learners. May Center also offers summer programs for dyslexia learners in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Lastly, they offer a national certification in dyslexia speciality for educators.
Public schools are improving dyslexia screening and intervention programs. Pediatricians can guide families toward testing, and some insurance plans cover evaluations. Organizations like SWIDA and The Reading League NM offer additional support for families seeking answers.
Reframing Dyslexia, Building Community
Viewing dyslexia as a difference rather than a deficit empowers children to thrive. With the right tools and support, dyslexic learners can excel academically and beyond. Across New Mexico, a growing network of parents, educators, and advocates is working to ensure equitable opportunities and celebrate these students’ strengths.
Our children deserve to be seen for their brilliance and potential. By understanding dyslexia, rejecting myths, and providing tailored support, we can ensure every learner in New Mexico has the tools to succeed. Let’s work together to help our kids shine.
About Our Guest Writer: Megan Rosker is a proud mom of four and stepmom to four who believes family is at the heart of everything she does. She is the Director of Outreach and Admissions at the May Center for Learning and President of the Southwest International Dyslexia Association. A former teacher and Head of School, Megan began her career on the Navajo Nation with Teach for America. Recognized nationally for her advocacy with a Point of Light Award, she is passionate about helping children with learning differences thrive. When she’s not working, Megan loves cheering on her kids at baseball games and tennis matches, walking in New Mexico’s beautiful outdoors, and building community with other moms.
