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 Facts 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.