|
What do Thomas Edison, Agatha Christy, Albert Einstein, and
Whoopi Goldberg all have in common? All faced a language
learning difference called dyslexia.
For more see:
Famous
People with the Gift of Dyslexia
Dyslexia
dĭs-lĕk´sēə:
Noun: A learning disorder marked
by impairment of the ability to recognize and
comprehend written words. Etymology: New Latin :
dys– + Greek lexis, speech (from legein to
speak). (American
Heritage Dictionary)
Dyslexia is a specific
learning disability that is neurological 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.
Adopted by the IDA Board,
November 2002 and by the National Institutes of
Health, 2002.
|
It is estimated that as much as 20% of the general population
struggle with some form of reading disability. While some cases
are mild and only cause occasional issues in school, others can
be severe. Children may find themselves unable to read at grade
level, struggling with each syllable they read and having little
or no comprehension what they are reading.
But there can be a positive side to dyslexia. Dyslexic children often
grow up to be surgeons, artists, architects, paleontologists, engineers,
actors, statesmen, athletes and even writers. Despite their
frustrations, our children are often persistent, curious, insightful,
and creative. They exhibit an intuitive awareness of the
environment as well as the feelings of others. Most of all, they
desire the opportunity to show what they can do.
Common Characteristics of Dyslexia include:
- Often gifted and creative
- Difficulty rhyming words and sounds
- Poor sequencing of numbers (12 for 21) and words (was for saw)
- Poor spelling
- Avoids reading aloud
- Difficulty organizing ideas to speak or write
- Avoids writing tasks
- Left/right confusion
- Slow to memorize alphabet and math facts
- Reading comprehension difficulties
- Trouble following oral instructions
- Appearing restless or easily distracted
For more see:
Dyslexia FAQs by the International Dyslexia Association
When reading aloud, does your child reread or skip lines, have
difficulty remembering small words like the, a or for, guess similar
words that start with the same letter, leave out or substitute sounds,
complain that “I do better if I read to myself,” or complain that
younger children read better than they do? If so, you should
discuss your observations with your child’s teacher, school counselor or
doctor and determine whether to seek testing. |
