Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that impacts a person’s ability to learn how to read, write and spell at a level you would expect based on their overall functioning. In other words, dyslexia is not correlated with intelligence. Most dyslexics are average in intelligence but, due to how their brain is wired, struggle with literacy skills.
The key point here is that many decades of research have confirmed that dyslexia is a language-based issue. Many different components of language processing are involved and we’re going to discuss each one of them in this program.
As you can imagine, dyslexia can make it very hard to succeed in school in the usual educational environment. Students with dyslexia required specialized instructional approaches in order for them to become proficient readers. In some parts of the world there are laws and statues that govern the types of special education support services that should be available to those who have been properly identified through valid and reliable screening and formal evaluations.
Here are some common signs that could suggest dyslexia. However, other learning issues may be causing these learning problems so we have to be careful. It is important to fully screen and evaluate a person specifically for dyslexia in order to be sure about the correct diagnosis.
*Learning to speak
*Learning letters and their sounds
*Trouble with quickly naming colors, objects, letters
*Organizing written and spoken language
*Memorizing number facts
*Reading quickly enough to comprehend
*Persisting with and comprehending longer reading assignments
*Spelling
*Learning a foreign language
*Correctly doing math operations
Actually, everyone’s dyslexia is unique. In general, some people can be considered mile, moderate or severe overall. But for all sorts of reasons each individual has their own unique profile. Many dyslexic people, with proper intervention, become sufficient readers while many will struggle with spelling especially in English. More on that later!
No. A very common myth is that dyslexia is something that you grow out of. In truth, dyslexia is a lifelong issue that can impact you differently depending on the environment you are in. During your school years, having dyslexia can be very difficult since the environment is really emphasizing skill-building in areas directly related to your weaknesses. During your adult years, dyslexia will often still impact your life but, again, it really depends on your environment. If you are a visual artist it will likely impact you very differently than if you are a lawyer. The key takeaway is that dyslexia can be a challenge throughout your whole life.
Research indicates that up to 20% of the population suffer to some degree with dyslexia many of whom will NOT qualify for special education…but they will struggle with academics and will benefit from early identification and instruction that is intensive, systematic and explicit.
Supporting the foundational skills through early intervention and intensive instruction will ultimately improve comprehension in the regular classroom.
The research thus far strongly suggests that dyslexia is hereditary although some researchers are still saying that they are not completely sure. We do have brain studies that have identified certain structures and neural pathways that differentiate dyslexics from non-dyslexics.
“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.” (International Dyslexia Association (IDA), 2002)
Are you ready to continue your learning in the Dyslexia Training Program?
In Dyslexia Training Module 2: Crossing the Chasm: Explaining an Odd Dilemma in Dyslexia – Dr. Hart explores the needs for proper educator support and training during and after formal education. Dr. Hart dives into the global landscape of dyslexia intervention in schools, using the successes and challenges of the United States as a relevant example. Participants will be informed on the latest research in India and best practices being used in early intervention and early screening.