Dysorthographia and Sport

For many children with dysorthographia, sport is a breath of fresh air. Away from written work and dictations, they can experience success there, let off steam and make friends. Sport does not cure dysorthographia, but it contributes enormously to a child’s well-being. Here is why, and how to choose. When well chosen, sport becomes a true pillar of their balance.

A Space for Success

Sport is an area where written work has almost no place. A child with dysorthographia can excel there, be recognised for their skills and feel the pride of making progress. The way others look at them also changes when they succeed in a field.

These successes count enormously for a child who often experiences failure at school. They help rebalance the image they have of themselves.

See self-esteem. They show them that effort can pay off.

Releasing Tension

The school day demands a great deal of effort from a dys child. Sport helps to release the nervous fatigue, stress and frustration that build up. Running, jumping and swimming free up accumulated energy.

Regular physical activity can also improve sleep and mood. A child who sleeps better is more available to learn.

See dysorthographia and fatigue and outbursts of anger. Sport is also an excellent way to prevent angry outbursts.

Benefits for Concentration

Physical activity promotes concentration and readiness to learn. Moving about before homework, or taking an active break, can help. A few minutes of movement is sometimes enough to revive attention.

Some sports also train attention, the memorising of sequences and planning, skills that are useful at school. Memorising a routine in gymnastics or dance also exercises the memory.

Sport does not replace remedial therapy, but it complements it well. The two approaches complement each other without replacing one another.

Search for Dys professionals near you

The only online directory dedicated to professionals working with Dys disorders

Choosing an Activity

The best sport is the one your child enjoys. Let them try several activities and choose the one they feel like doing. An imposed sport risks becoming one more constraint.

Team sports foster team spirit and friendships, while individual sports allow progress at their own pace: each option has its advantages. What matters is that they have fun and feel at ease.

If your child also has coordination difficulties, choose a gentle activity. Martial arts, swimming or climbing are often appreciated. See dysorthographia or dyspraxia.

Should the Coach Be Told?

This is generally not necessary, since sport makes little use of written language. However, if your child has difficulty memorising instructions or is very anxious, some information may help. A well-informed coach can repeat instructions or demonstrate them.

Discuss it with your child beforehand. They will know whether they would prefer their coach to be aware.

See leisure centre. Most of the time, the child is simply a sportsperson like any other.

Finding the Right Balance

Be careful not to overload the timetable. Between school, homework, speech and language therapy and sport, the child must keep free time. An overly full timetable increases fatigue instead of reducing it.

One or two activities a week are often enough. It is better to have one activity they enjoy than several they endure.

See extracurricular activities. Free time and play are also important for their development.

Sport at School

PE is often a subject in which a child with dysorthographia can shine. Celebrating their successes in this subject also matters. School competitions can also be a source of pride.

School sports associations are a good way to take part in sport and make friends. Sport is an excellent means of building bonds with other children.

See dysorthographia and friendships. Team spirit strengthens their sense of belonging.

Exchange with parents of dys children

A space for exchange, listening and support dedicated to parents of children with DYS disorders

Questions that keep coming up

Does Sport Help a Child with Dysorthographia? ?

Yes, it brings success, releases tension and promotes concentration, even though it does not replace remedial therapy. Sport rebalances the image they have of themselves.