Providing a platform for children with dyslexia to exhibit talent

At an exhibition organised on Saturday by the Madras Dyslexia Association’s Hydra, a Multiple Intelligences centre, Jason, along with 29 other children, displayed their projects – which included a clay model of a food cart, a pot filled with flowers made from paper quilling, various science projects and the like - which they created independently as part of the centre’s programme to help the children identify their skills. 

Stressing on the need to focus on a child’s skills and abilities, G Mrudula, a parent of a dyslexic child, said, “While dyslexia affects the reading abilities of those affected by it, focussing on that alone will not help. These are children who are capable of a lot more things at their age. Working on the concept of Multiple Intelligence helps to realise their potential. This process will help them to identify their own interests.” While 10-year-old Sai Akshit built a car track, made of thermocol sheets and plastic bottles – revealing his interest in cars, nineyear-old Balaji S expressed his interest in handicrafts through the paper envelopes and cards that he made. Eleven-year-old N Tanushree came up with an ingenious idea. The bold young girl used golden colour safety pins with beads to make a beautiful neck piece. 

“While each child possesses a unique combination of intelligences, it is important to lay the foundation for self-esteem and confidence. This will help them realise their skills and be confident in whatever they believe they are good at,” said Irene P, a psychiatrist.