Silent struggle: Undiagnosed dyslexia in a child in rural area of Indonesia

This case report highlights the silent struggle of undiagnosed dyslexia among children in rural Indonesia, a specific learning difficulty affecting reading, writing, and spelling skills. The study reveals a significant gap in dyslexia diagnosis and intervention in these areas, with factors such as limited awareness among parents and educators, insufficient access to diagnostic services, and misconceptions about learning difficulties contributing to under-diagnosis. The consequences of undiagnosed dyslexia are severe, often resulting in academic struggles, low self-esteem, and increased risk of mental health issues. Through a comprehensive literature review and case study, the report emphasizes the urgent need for increased awareness, improved diagnostic services, and targeted interventions to address these challenges. The findings underscore the importance of early identification and appropriate support to ensure better educational outcomes and overall well-being for affected children in rural Indonesian communities. • Dyslexia is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting reading and writing, with a strong genetic component and neuroanatomical differences in language processing brain regions. • Diagnosis can be challenging, with some cases identified late (around Grade 3), raising questions about late-emerging or late-identified dyslexia. • Severe cases may present with atypical symptoms, including strange behaviors, tics, or physical manifestations like eye blinking, often as coping mechanisms for reading difficulties. • Treatment approaches are becoming more comprehensive, combining educational interventions, psychological support, and in some cases, carefully monitored pharmacological treatment. • Early identification and intervention are crucial, involving multifaceted strategies to address not only literacy skills but also emotional and behavioral challenges associated with dyslexia.