Understanding the Bigger Picture: Dyslexia and Mental Health

Child with dyslexia

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a meaningful time to look beyond reading challenges and explore the whole-child experience. Dyslexia doesn’t just affect how a child reads—it can also influence how they feel, connect, and cope in daily life.

A 2023 study examined how dyslexia and mental health are linked, finding that children with dyslexia are more likely to experience emotional and behavioral challenges. These include internalizing difficulties such as anxiety and depression, as well as externalizing concerns like frustration or acting out.

Researchers identified potential contributing factors at the individual, family, and community levels, such as self-esteem, coping skills, and social relationships. However, most existing research focuses on school-aged children and relies mainly on teacher or parent reports.

The authors recommend that future studies explore social-emotional skills, coping strategies, and school connectedness to better understand how these areas influence mental health in children with dyslexia. By identifying the supports that matter most, educators, families, and therapists can more effectively meet each child’s needs.

Reference: Wilmot, A., Hasking, P., Leitão, S., Hill, E., & Boyes, M. (2023). Understanding Mental Health in Developmental Dyslexia: A Scoping Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(2), 1653. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021653