The Human Side of Dyslexia

Abstract

This chapter explores self-esteem and dyslexia and potential holistic interventions. Despite the increased interest from different scientific disciplines, dyslexia remains a complex construct. Moreover, dyslexia and self-esteem constitute a field of limited research. Evidence suggests that dyslexia tends to negatively affect academic self-esteem, although it may not be necessarily associated with negative global self-esteem. Research has produced mixed findings regarding factors that may affect the self-esteem of children with dyslexia, such as placement and diagnosis. Yet, it has been supported that intervention on self-esteem may improve self-perception and academic performance. In this respect, there is also strong evidence about the positive contribution in the intervention of significant others such as a supportive family, teachers, and peers. Therefore, it is important to supplement literacy instruction interventions with counselling services and socio-emotional support to promote the development of students' self-concept, self-advocacy, coping and emotional regulation skills.