People are talking more and more openly about learning disorders: dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD and so on are even the focus of a 2023-2027 national strategy. However, these difficulties remain hard to explain to the children who experience them, as well as to those around them. Fortunately, wonderful initiatives are emerging to help children understand DYS disorders, such as illustrated books or radio programmes designed for children.
Books written for children with DYS
While diagnosing a DYS disorder is an important step, both for those affected and for those around them, many wave this label around as a justification without fully understanding it.
For example, simply saying “I have dysphasia“ is often enough to explain their situation: their learning difficulties are then understood and recognised at school. Students can therefore identify with their disorder, but that doesn’t mean they understand its implications or know how to manage it day to day.
To address this gap, books are appearing that are aimed at children with DYS disorders, such as “J’ai des troubles DYS, et alors ?” (“I Have DYS Disorders, So What?”) by Catherine Viès Duffau. This book sheds light on dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysorthographia, dysphasia and dysgraphia, using formats children relate to, such as illustrations, but also quizzes, exercises, and downloadable toolkits.
In a different vein, “La dyspraxie racontée aux enfants” (“Dyspraxia Explained to Children”) by Gabryel and Karine Bouchard, is an illustrated story with many concrete examples highlighting the difficulties children face both at school and in daily life. And so readers aren’t left without answers, the authors also suggest ways to adapt.
A Franceinfo junior programme for all students
In February 2024, Franceinfo Junior aired a programme on the theme of DYS disorders: students from Collège Pierre Blanquie discussed these questions with a speech and language therapist, Carole Varin, from Bicêtre Hospital, who works at the centre for neurological rehabilitation and learning disorders.
“What is the most common and most disabling disorder in the population?” “Is it hard, day to day, for people who haven’t been diagnosed with a DYS disorder?” “Can it be treated?” “Are there systems in place to help students in class?”
The 7-minute podcast answers a range of questions that help improve understanding of these disorders, both for affected students and for their classmates. This kind of initiative encourages inclusion and reduces the risk of bullying, which is often fuelled by a lack of understanding of the difficulties involved.
Beyond diagnosing the DYS disorder, it’s important to make sure your child truly understands the nature of their difficulty, and its implications both at school and in everyday life. To help with this, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals on the Ora-Visio platform, who specialise in these issues.
