Understanding Mental Health Concerns among Children with Reading Difficulties

Abstract

Children with dyslexia are at elevated risk of internalising (e.g., anxiety) and externalising (e.g., conduct problems) mental health concerns; the reasons why are largely unknown. I took a neurodiversity lens to explore this question, employed both qualitative and quantitative design, and prioritised the voices of both children and parents. Families reported feeling isolated due to dyslexia being widely misunderstood and stigmatised. Furthermore, dyslexia was associated with anxiety, depression, and conduct problems via poor school-connectedness.