Dyslexia

Dyslexia: General Information

Dyslexia is a learning disability characterized by difficulties with language. This can include reading, writing, spelling, and pronouncing words, but the symptoms vary from person to person. Its causes are not yet fully understood, but there is evidence to suggest that it may be at least partly genetic. Dyslexic people have the normal range of intelligences but learn differently than their peers. Dyslexia is often accompanied by strong visual-spatial skills. It is estimated that 15-20% of the population has some form of language-based learning disability, but the only way to be sure that someone has dyslexia is to get them tested by a professional evaluator. This can be done by asking your child’s principal to get testing done, but if the principal is unwilling or the school has no money to get testing done, consider getting your child tested privately. If your child is dyslexic, it is recommended to have them checked for dysgraphia [link], dyscalculia [link] and ADHD [link], all of which are common co-morbid disorders. 

Dyslexia Indicators

• Sore eyes, headaches or stomach-aches when reading

• Visual distortions including words or letters moving on the page or reversing

• Skipping words or lines when reading

• Unintentionally rereading lines

• Vertical white lines ("lightning bolts" or "rivers") between the words

• Letter reversals when writing (for students older than 7)

• Over-reliance on phonetic spelling

How Does Dyslexia Affect Children?

Dyslexic children find school extremely frustrating; those in whom dyslexia manifests itself in speech difficulties can find their social progress as well as their academic progress impeded. Even children whose problems are limited to written language are often bullied or made to feel stupid, which can lead to behavioral problems and low self-esteem. Possibly because of these social and emotional issues, learning disabilities in general have been linked to a higher prevalence in depression [link] and anxiety-related disorders [link], especially in girls.

Dyslexia in the Classroom

There are two main categories of strategies to help dyslexic students in the classroom:

Accommodation: Providing alternatives to reading and writing or changing expectations to reflect dyslexic students’ capabilities. Examples include:

• Oral presentations

• Visual projects such as dioramas or videos

• Speech-to-text and text-to-speech conversion software

• Recorded lectures or notes

• Extended time on written assignments or tests

• Opportunities to use word processors and spell-check software

• Reduced emphasis on spelling and neatness when grading

• Encouraging the use of abbreviations in note-taking situations

• Use of fill-in-the-blank templates for notes, written assignments, etc.

• Use of graphic organizers for written assignments

• Use of dyslexic-friendly typefaces in classroom material

Remediation: Helping students improve their reading skills. Examples include:         

• Use of an "internal narrator" while reading

• Create and trace letters in play-dough or other 3D mediums

• Vocalisation of letters and letter sounds while writing

• Constant drilling of vowel and consonant blends

• Simultaneous use of audiobooks and printed books, pointing to each word as it goes by

Other programs and methods have been developed to aid children with dyslexia. Some of the more prominent ones include:

• Irlen method: This method involves the use of coloured glasses, overlays, or paper to minimize visual distortions (http://irlen.com/ or http://readingandwriting.ab.ca)

•  Davis method: This method uses visual and kinesthetic modalities and reorientation methods to reduce distortions (http://www.dyslexia.com/)

Teachers can mix and match these methods in the classroom to fit individual students. Early intervention (kindergarten and grade one) using these methods has been proven to significantly aid children in learning to read at grade level later on in school.

 
Dyslexia Resources

LDAA: Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta

http://www.ldalberta.ca

International Dyslexia Association

http://www.interdys.org/

LD Online

http://www.ldonline.org/