--- title: 'Video: Dyslexia and the fear of reading' description: We all have a natural fight-or-flight response when fear kicks in. But what happens when that fear is of reading? Watch as an expert explains. slug: video-dyslexia-and-the-fear-factor-in-the-brain author: The Understood Team published: '2019-08-05T15:50:27.626Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/C1A6BAB78C49444A8F7AC8B687C121A2/7be45c7d54ce27af481020da50a998cd/073118_Video_Dyslexia_and_the_Fear_Factor_in_the_Brain.jpg source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/video-dyslexia-and-the-fear-factor-in-the-brain lang: en --- # Video: Dyslexia and the fear of reading [![Video](https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/C1A6BAB78C49444A8F7AC8B687C121A2/7be45c7d54ce27af481020da50a998cd/073118_Video_Dyslexia_and_the_Fear_Factor_in_the_Brain.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/embed/5SGqM7YK5GQ) We all have a natural fight-or-flight response that kicks in when fear strikes. Our heart speeds up. Our breathing speeds up. Sometimes, we just want to run. But what happens when that fear is of reading? For people with [dyslexia](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-dyslexia), that fear factor can kick in when they’re simply handed a piece of paper and asked to read. Hear from Jerry Schultz, PhD, on how brain chemistry can cause this reaction. Plus, learn how you can work with your child’s teacher to help your child get more confident about reading. --- ## Explore related topics and articles - [What if I think my child might have dyslexia?](https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/parenting-behavior/what-if-i-think-my-child-might-have-dyslexia) - Learn the basics of dyslexia, how to identify it, and tips on what to do if you feel overwhelmed. Is your child having difficulties with reading? Do they struggle to recognize letters, understand what they read, or sound out words on a page? In this episode of Parenting Behavior, host Dr. Andy Kahn - [7 secret fears about dyslexia](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/7-secret-fears-about-dyslexia) - When people talk about dyslexia, they tend to focus on the practical challenges: spelling tests, chapter books, standardized tests. But its the secret fears about how a childs dyslexia will play out that can trouble parents the most. Ive written in the past about how parents of dyslexic kids can avo - [Videos about dyslexia](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/videos-about-dyslexia) - Are you looking for basic information about dyslexia? Or maybe an inspiring story? Youll find both in this collection of dyslexia videos. Learn about dyslexia from leading experts in the field. Or hear from parents, kids, and famous people whove experienced this reading issue firsthand. --- ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/video-dyslexia-and-the-fear-factor-in-the-brain#webpage","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/video-dyslexia-and-the-fear-factor-in-the-brain","description":"We all have a natural fight-or-flight response when fear kicks in. But what happens when that fear is of reading? Watch as an expert explains."},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/video-dyslexia-and-the-fear-factor-in-the-brain","name":"Video: Dyslexia and the fear of reading"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Article","datePublished":"2019-08-05T15:50:27.626Z","description":"We all have a natural fight-or-flight response when fear kicks in. But what happens when that fear is of reading? Watch as an expert explains.","headline":"Video: Dyslexia and the fear of reading","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/video-dyslexia-and-the-fear-factor-in-the-brain","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.understood.org/#organization","name":"Understood for All Inc","logo":"https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/307jFAYQevghG8nQMCjh89/ccdbbec895765824db43f6d30b496e83/logo_lockup_navy.jpg"}}] ```