An Overview Of Dyslexia Treatments

By Marci Glover


Dyslexia is a learning disorder characterized by difficulties in learning to read and write. It occurs in individuals with normal vision, hearing, and intelligence. There's no cure and the condition persists into adulthood. Adults with dyslexia have trouble spelling, summarizing, memorizing, and reading aloud. With specialized dyslexia treatments, dyslexics can succeed in school and at work.

When undiagnosed, intelligent students are frustrated by their inability to learn to read. Early diagnosis saves child and parents from years of worry and frustration. Early signs are difficulty learning to read, spell, and sound out words. Writing efforts show frequent letter reversal and mirror writing. Other signs are difficulties learning left from right, poor rhyming skills, and difficulties comprehending written material.

Specialized learning strategies include a variety of multisensory techniques. Wooden alphabet letters painted to identify the correct side can help students "feel" the correct form of letters. Tracing letters and creating letters out of clay may help the student feel the difference between similar letters. Similar letters like "d" and "b" are formed differently in cursive so often this style of writing is easier for dyslexics to read and write. Oral spelling may be easier for some. An alphabet card can help dyslexics master writing skills.

Testing includes reading, writing, spelling. Telltale signs of dyslexia include mirror writing, letter reversal, reversing and transposing words and letters, pulling words from different lines, and changing, adding, and dropping words. Testing identifies the problem skills. An educational specialist reviews the test to develop a teaching plan with strategies and goals.

Schools in the U. S. Are required by law to provide specialized instruction for learning disabled students. An Individualized Educational Plan sets strategies and goals. Dyslexic students can request audiobooks to assist with learning. They may be excused from the classroom to take tests in a quiet area, and may be given extra time to compensate for their difficulties in reading and comprehension. Severe dyslexics may be offered testing on a laptop or may be tested orally.

Some of the specialized programs used in schools include Corrective Reading, Failure Free Reading Program, Lindamood-Bell Program, PALS Reading, and the Wilson Reading System. Since every dyslexics learning style and learning disabilities are different, it's best to consult an educational specialist for assessment, tutoring, and program recommendations. Daily practice is essential. Age is no barrier to treatment. The brain is able to reorganize and develop new neural pathways throughout our lives.

Severe dyslexics may never be fluent readers. The dyslexics struggle to read often leads to difficulties in comprehension. Still they can succeed in the marketplace with the right tools. Dyslexics can be fluent writers with a laptop and spellcheck. Text to audio software can be helpful, as can taped lessons. Other coping strategies include color coding important information, recording notes for audio feedback, using a GPS for navigation.

This learning disability runs in families. It's not associated with physical disabilities or any limits on intelligence. Many successful personalities from many different walks of life have struggled with this neural processing disorder. Some of these include Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Mohammad Ali, John Lennon, and Tom Cruise.




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