Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia
refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties
with specific language skills, particularly reading.
Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with
other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words.
Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however,
its impact can change at different stages in a person's life. It is referred to
as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a
student to succeed academically in the classroom environment, and in its more
severe forms, will qualify a student for special education, special provisions
or accommodations, or extra support services.
What are the signs of dyslexia?
The problems
displayed by individuals with dyslexia involve difficulties in acquiring and
using written language. It is a myth that dyslexic individuals "read
backwards," although spelling can look quite jumbled at times because
students have trouble remembering letter symbols for sounds and forming
memories for words.
Other problems
experienced by dyslexics include the following:
Learning to speak
Consistently inaccurate
pronunciation of some sounds, for example ‘free' instead of ‘three' when
speaking
Difficulty putting thoughts
into words - they might stumble over words or get the ‘story' all jumbled
up so it doesn't make sense
‘Random' statements and not
staying with the subject currently under discussion
Can be articulate and bright,
but struggling at school
Learning letters and their
sounds
Not remembering the sight
words when reading
Difficulty reading well enough
to comprehend
Changing words around, for example, saying ‘for' when reading
‘of' or ‘saw' instead of ‘was'
Organizing written and spoken
language
Phonetic spelling, for
example, ‘poot' instead of ‘put'; or ‘fier' instead of ‘fire'
Poor pencil grip, gripping
the pencil too tightly or pressing really hard on the paper
Daydreaming in the classroom
and missing what the teacher is saying.
The child then does not complete class work because they are always
trying to ‘catch-up' by copying what the other children are doing
Memorizing number facts
Continuing to reverse written
numbers after age 8
Uncertainty about counting
backwards
Correctly doing math
operations - confusing addition for multiplication
Lots of difficulty
understanding maths ‘word problems'
Struggles to read an analogue
clock
Frequently tripping over when
walking or walking into object, including you!
Lack of co-ordination or
‘unco'
Unusual or awkward running
style
Extremely sensitive
emotionally
A stickler for ‘rules' or a
strong sense of right and wrong
Can't tie shoelaces, or took
a long time to learn
Not all children who
have difficulties with these skills are dyslexic, but if you have said ‘yes' to
several of the above, then it is a possibility and you may want to get a formal
diagnosis to be certain. Formal
testing is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of suspected dyslexia, however,
if your child has already been seen by the school counsellor or a psychologist
and received one of the ‘learning disability' labels, call me to arrange a
consultation.
A mis-reading
exercise
To get an idea of how dyslexics see
the written word, try to read the paragraph below:
Now move your mouse cursor over the
image! We hid all the "sight words" that cause confusion. To a
dyslexic, they often seem to disappear from the page!
(NOTE: if your browser is not
javascript enabled, you will not be able to use the exercise above.)
Talk to your child about
learning disabilities
Children with learning difficulties must be assured that they
are not dumb or lazy.
They are intelligent people who have trouble learning because
their minds process words or information differently.
It is not easy to talk with your child about a difficulty that
you do not fully understand, so be informed.
It is important to be honest and optimistic - explain to your child that
they struggle with learning, but that they can
learn. Tell them you are confident that
with the right help, they will be able to meet the challenge and succeed!
How is dyslexia treated?
Dyslexia is a life-long
condition. With appropriate help, many
people with dyslexia can learn to read and write well. Early identification and
treatment helps dyslexics achieve in school and in life. Most people with dyslexia need help from a
person specially trained in using a multisensory, structured language approach.
It is important for dyslexics to be taught by a systematic and explicit method
that involves several senses (hearing, seeing, touching) at the same time. Many
individuals with dyslexia need one-on-one help so that they can move forward at
their own pace.
Solutions...not labels
Professional services
described as DavisTM,Davis Dyslexia Correction®, Davis Symbol Mastery®, Davis
Orientation Counseling®, and Davis Math Mastery® may only be provided by
persons who are employed by a licensed Davis Specialist, or who are trained and
licensed as Davis Facilitators by Davis Dyslexia Association International.
