David Rockefeller, Thomas Edison, Keira Knightly, Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Winston Churchill… What do all of these famous names have in common?According to the National Institute for Learning Development dyslexia, “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.”
And, it is estimated that approximately 20% of the total population struggles with the symptoms of dyslexia.
When should a child be evaluated?
According to the International Dyslexia Association, before second grade is the best time for evaluation. “It is possible to identify potential reading problems in young children even before the problems turn into reading failure. Screening tests, such as Predictive Assessment of Reading (PAR); Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS); Texas Primary Reading Inventory (TPRI); and AIMSweb screening assessments, developed by researchers for those purposes should be used with all children in a school, beginning in kindergarten, to locate those students who are “at risk” for reading difficulty.
Preventive intervention should begin immediately, even if dyslexia is suspected. How the child responds to supplementary instruction will help determine if special education services are justified and necessary.”
How do the experts identify dyslexia?
Dyslexia can be genetic, and ranges on a continuum of mild to severe. It is important to keep in mind that children with dyslexia are not lacking in motivation or intelligence. In fact, they are typically average to above average in intelligence.
Diagnosis needs to be made by competent psychologists who understand the processing deficits that are linked with the struggles associated with dyslexia. And, most dyslexics will exhibit traits and behaviors in: Vision, Reading, and Spelling, Hearing and Speech, Writing and Motor Skills, Math and Time Management, Memory and Cognition, and Behavior, Health, Development and Personality.
For a comprehensive list of 37 traits, visit Dyslexia.com.
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