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Dyslexia - PTSD Connection



Dyslexia and Dyscalculia are often connected with a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or (PTSD), because a constant fight or flight stage, can run havoc on the development of children.


Silke, the owner of Connective Wellbeing, was diagnosed with Legasthenie (Dyslexia) at about seven years of age.

Children back then were starting to be diagnosed, however there was absolutely no system in place offering support or intervention.

What made matters worse for her was, that she received no curve whatsoever in her proficiency and was given the same evaluation of performance as everyone else.

This added to her personal stress level in her school years. She was basically told by the educational system and by the society at large, at this young age “Go fend for yourself”.

What she knows today is, that during the vital periods of her childhood, when the brain should have had the opportunity to safely learn and process, like that of most of her pears and classmates, her's was busy surviving.


The roots of her circumstances and that of many others, however have begun at an earlier age and it should be considered that the symptoms are a sensory processing dysfunction. Better yet it should be seen as a stress related injury of the nervous system.

For those with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia the messages of what they see, as well as in many cases also what they hear, can be confused because it is simply difficult for the brain to work out what is going on. It leads to difficulty in reading and processing sounds.


To understand this we have to look at the Interoceptive Sense.


This is the sense that helps us to connect our internal state to our emotions.

It also allows us to determine adequately for instance, if we feel hungry, full, hot, cold, thirsty, need to take a break or use the restroom.

Our pliability under consisted artificial stressors and or socially accepted and pushed stressors, can quickly and directly disrupt normal limits of improved tolerance and turn them into fear based feelings.


Fear is in most cases than accompanied and expressed also in the form of frustration and anger, through potential provoked anxiety. Interestingly our first reflex in 5th week in utero, is the Fear Paralysis Reflex. This Reflex is meant to be used or activated as needed in “life threatening situations” in order to give us extra speed, hight and means of escape, etc. For many it is now unnecessarily and perpetually active theses days, due to artificially introduced stressors of modern living.

For those with learning challenges it means, most live in a constant state of unnecessary stress. They have most likely been exposed to high levels of stress at a very young age or possibly in utero. For many it becomes in the end a vicious cycle, that the nervous system has a hard time escaping from, in order to form the right connections.


Children that are categorized with Dyslexia or Dyscalculia and other learning challenges, are also often overlooked as well and this does not help their internal stress level.


They often will not speak up for themselves and in many cases instead, can feel trapped internally due to the added stressors of non acceptance in society. This can cause feelings of self-condemnation, anxiety, shame, etc., that can potentially last for a lifetime.


For many the often stressful experiences of functioning differently in society, can feel like being behind a thick layer of glass where you can see people but not really hear them, and they in turn cannot really see you or hear any of your cries, or sometimes even screams for help. A Post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD )

The conformity of mainstream education and the demands placed on teachers will not allow adequate time for these children. The lack of education and depth of understanding in early/childhood development, with more focus given to human development and pushing education verses making sure the brain is mature enough to receive the information, is not helping either.


In today's society medication is often widespread and an easy way out, as other aspects such as depression, ADD, ADHD, etc. can be part of the overall picture for these children.


Ignorance, even to the fact that the degrees of Dyslexia or Dyscalculia and other learning challenges varies, is wide spread as well. Ridiculing these individuals is unfortunately often still norm in todays society.


What is missed is that our differences in "the way we tick",

can actually have many positives.

Those with Dyslexia or Dyscalculia and other learning challenges in most cases have,

  • Superior Problem Solving Skill

  • Inquiring Minds

  • Talent Finding Different Ways Of Doing Things

  • "Think Outside the Box" Thinking & See The Big Picture

  • Good 3-D Construction Vision

  • Good Insight

  • Excellent Ability To Analyze Situations

  • Often Superior Organizational Skills

  • Valuable Leadership Skills Often Early In Life

Google "List of famous Dyslexics".


There is not anything that should hold anyone back ever, from using the gifts that they have been graced with!



Silke has volunteered her time and has been listed in 2020 as the narrator of the German Aschenputtel version, a production by the Beaverton Civic Theatre called "Cinderella: Celebrating Culture As Good Triumphs Over Evil".


The production premiered on September 20th, 2020 and it was a wonderful experience and much fun next to an honor for Silke, to have been chosen as the Narrator of Aschenputtel and part of the Translation Team.


2020 proofed to give for many opportunities to explore unfamiliar territory. Remaining to be innovative in difficult times and circumstances, can always open doors to new opportunities, previously not considered. It is always best to look up and forward!


This type of a production was a new experience for everyone involved. Due to the COVID-19 epidemic and the restrictive nature of 2020, all close contact was avoided during this production. The entire production came therefore together with a minimum interaction of the production team and non of the performers ever being together in on room.




Know that at Connective Wellbeing we provide a keen understanding and deep compassion for those coming through our doors.


Dyslexia or Dyscalculia and other learning challenges are simply processing dysfunction.

They are as mentioned above injuries to the nervous system function and directly linked to reflex and sensory integration needs and vagal health.


It is said that there is no cure for Dyslexia or Dyscalculia, we don't agree with that. We should rather work with the individual person in finding the best strategy that helps them process information and start to understand that we are all different and

have something we can improve upon.


Taking the stress out of the equation for anyone, with applied social expectancy of being different in processing, would be an excellent start!

Our sophisticated movement methodologies at Connective Wellbeing, next to all other services are in direct support of proper development at any age or ability.

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From the young to the elder, it's never to late to improve on multiple levels in your life. Truthfully the beauty of it is, no matter how you see these levels, they are all connected and your progress can have a most delightful ripple effect on your overall health and wellbeing.

When it comes to reflex and sensory integration, the further you are away from the natural developmental process of your childhood, the more effort and consistency, along with diligence it will take for us to work together as a team.

This should not scare you nor stop you, from entering the road of the many improvements possible in your life.

The one question you have to ask yourself is, are you ready to get started? If you are, we're ready to embark on the journey with you!


Get in contact with us today and learn to pick up the reins of your health and wellbeing and let’s get going with a free consultation TODAY!



Silke De Oca, owner of Connective Wellbeing


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Health & Healing


At Connective Wellbeing, we encourage you to always remember, you are indeed designed to be RESILIENT and BOUNCE BACK


Get in contact with us today and learn to pick up the reins of your health and wellbeing and let’s get going with a free consultation TODAY!


Get to know us more HERE


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