From the moment they are born, our descendants become an integral part of our thoughts. Every day we ask ourselves how to provide them with a better life, education, health and security. Despite our efforts, however, we are not always able to predict everything and protect them from problems because we ourselves may not be ready to accept them. Dyslexia can be one of them. It is reading disorder, characterized by trouble with reading and writing despite normal intelligence. We should not consider it a disease, but rather a different way of perceiving the world. Symptoms can be different for different people. We met Christina Kostova who has created a special font that could help people with this problem read more easily. We asked her why children with dyslexia often experience isolation.

“I think, because teachers are not well informed and see it as lower intelligence. To diagnose something like this takes time and specialists. It is not necessary for a teacher to be able to diagnose a child but they should rather be able to tell parents where they could find help from experts. Attention must be paid to some early symptoms without viewing them as a signal for impaired development.”

The most recognizable symptoms can be found through dictations at school.  In them one can see children mix the letters of words they hear.

When reading such children usually utter words that are visually similar to those that are actually written. They should not be shamed for thinking differently because they are more advanced in imaging, not verbal thinking. If we focus on the fact that they are different, this could aggravate the problem and children may refuse to deal with it. To work with such children great deal of patience is certainly needed, as well as understanding and tolerance but these are qualities that not every teacher has. To some extent this is understandable, since their work is hard, poorly paid and they often have to deal with arrogance and disrespect. However, this should not affects their attitude towards others.

Cristina has created the site http://adysfont.com/bg/, where one can download the font and install it on a PC or tablet. She would soon start working on an English version too:

“Currently, in addition to the font I have been working on a site where I gather tips. They are useful for designers and parents, as well as for teachers and dyslexics. There are design tips that could facilitate reading. One can download a font to use for their e-books or download a program converting a text file into audio.”

The desire to help someone is always an occasion to thank yourself that you have not forgotten what it is to be human. It is worth trying to be a better and more compassionate person and to support ideas that will bring a smile to someone, just like helping someone read that someone loves them.

English: Alexander Markov