Dyslexia Treatment For Adults Improves The Quality Of Life

By Marci Glover


People count on computers to analyze input in a reliable fashion, delivering results with accuracy and dependability. Human brains differ because they are as unique as fingerprints, and may have problems processing visual symbols. In the past, children with trouble learning to recognize words or numbers, spell, or read were sometimes categorized as being unteachable or slow. Dyslexia treatment for adults can help resolve that issue.

When speakers transpose letters or words, they sometimes make a joke about being dyslexic to cover the error. In real life, this most common learning disability is not a laughing matter. It is often characterized by a lack of reading skills at appropriate levels. Although the problem is most visible in language-related abilities, it is totally unconnected to mental capacity, intelligence, or the potential to succeed in life.

Untreated adult sufferers face the same types of problems as schoolchildren. Common issues include problems with reversing numbers or letters, recognizing correct spelling and letter combinations, chronic poor concentration, and even decreased physical coordination. Although this disability can be genetically transmitted, it is not considered a disease, but rather is defined as a difference in brain function that can make everyday life more difficult.

Because they may have been incorrectly labeled as slow or even unintelligent since childhood, there are additional emotional and social issues for adults to overcome. There is no magic pill that alters the way individual brains process input, but there are learned techniques that can make the issue less intrusive and debilitating. Conquering the problem with the right help can open doors, and increase overall quality of life.

One key for adults is re-learning how to read by emphasizing the relationship of symbols and sounds. Letter combinations and their phonetic signatures become associated with their written appearance, and soon become linked more closely with common language. While this process requires personal commitment, the results have proven positive, often with increased electrical activity in parts of the brain that have previously remained silent.

Also helpful is the deliberate re-reading of books for meaning rather than rote repetition, sometimes in association with digital audio versions. For someone that associates reading with discomfort this may sound unpleasant, but the results are often surprisingly quick and beneficial. When the connection is made between the sounds and symbols on paper, writing also improves, making communications easier.

Getting around these problems associated with recognizing letters and symbols sometimes requires adopting strategies that help compensate. Examples include using GPS when understanding directions are a problem, or using software that changes writing to speech, or the opposite. Software programs of many varieties routinely include spell check. Some people also use sound-associations to conquer troublesome word combinations, or use color codes to symbolize directions.

While people may be individually successful in fighting dyslexia, many benefit from the help of professionals who have knowledge of the latest techniques and tools. The result is not only an increase in personal productivity, but in greater self-confidence and well-being. Resources and programs can be individually tailored to make targeted improvements in those areas causing the most problems for adults in the workplace.




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