Children taking part in a convoy ride around Kuala Lumpur to promote World Dyslexia Awareness Month with members of Mercedes Benz W204 Club and Mercedes Benz W219 Club.
Early intervention can go a long way in helping those identified as dyslexic.
To raise awareness of the importance of early detection and early intervention of the learning condition, Dyslexia Genius Malaysia (DGM) organised a carnival featuring a convoy with Mercedes Benz W204 Club and Mercedes Benz W219 Club members around Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with World Dyslexia Awareness Month.
The carnival was attended by Kuala Lumpur police’s traffic investigation and enforcement head Asst Comm Sarifudin Mohd Salleh.
“Dyslexic children must be given the same opportunity and attention as any other student so they too can be an asset to the country,” said ACP Sarifudin in his speech.
Carnival organiser Bulan Ayu said many parents were unaware that their child was dyslexic and they tended to ignore symptoms.
“When parents reach out to us for help, we don’t only focus on the child but also on parents, by providing counselling and explaining to them about dyslexia because they play a very big part in these children’s lives,” said Bulan.
DGM advisor Sariah Amirin said those who were dyslexic should be proud as there was nothing to be ashamed of.
“Dyslexic children are not unintelligent,” said Sariah who developed the Dyslexia Intensive Technique and Guidance Programme.
There are nearly 500 students enrolled in the programme.
Sariah said one in every 20 children could be dyslexic.
“Dyslexic students need special attention because they are not able to cope within the normal education system.
“The most important thing is the technique of teaching.
“Three subjects – Bahasa Melayu, English and Maths – are taught at DGM and we have 14 full-time teachers,” she said.
Despite being dyslexic and having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Melvin Tan, a graduate in digital and data marketing, and Nur Afrina Shahirah Azman, a second year chartered accountant student, are proof that dyslexic individuals can pursue tertiary education and secure good jobs.
Both Tan and Nur Afrina found out during their tertiary years that they were dyslexic.
“Just because you’re dyslexic, it doesn’t stop you from achieving.
“I am very grateful to DGM for the help given to me,” said Tan.
Nur Afrina said it was hard in the beginning because not many people understood dyslexia.
“To me, the words were covered with ‘little ants’ that kept moving and it slowed down my reading.
“Parents just have to keep supporting their children academically to help them succeed,” she added.
