Dyslexia is a learning disability that is neurologically based. It can affect reading, spelling, speech, mathematics and writing skills. Dyslexia is not a disorder based on intelligence. People who are dyslexic are often of average intelligence or above average intelligence. MRI studies have shown that dyslexic people use a different part of their brain to read and write than people who are not dyslexic do. It is thought that the part of the brain that dyslexic people use to read and write, is not as efficient for the task.
There are several different types of dyslexia. Different organizations categorize the types differently. Basically, there are two main types of dyslexia: auditory and visual. Auditory dyslexics have trouble matching a spoken word to a written word. Visual dyslexics have have trouble reading words and learning whole words. They have problems visually discriminating letters and words and difficulty remembering the sequence of words. Visual dyslexics often reverse letters or whole words when reading or writing.
Symptoms of dyslexia can be diverse, making a diagnosis challenging. Too often, children with dyslexia slip through the cracks, are never diagnosed, and never get the help that they need. If dyslexia is suspected, the child should be tested. Some common signs of dyslexia are:
- Difficulty reading
- Spelling difficulties
- Trouble determining left from right.
- Writing letters and numbers backwards
- Reading letters backwards
- Problems following step by step directions
- Problems with sequencing skills
It is important to develop an education plan to help a dyslexic student. Before developing an education plan, have the student tested so that you can assess their needs. Choose picture filled readers to assist the child in word association skills. Multi-sensory teaching methods work well with dyslexic students. Studies have shown that a person with dyslexia learns best when multiple senses are used during instruction. Pick a reading partner for the dyslexic student. Explain to the reading partner how they can help the dyslexic student. They should not tell the dyslexic student the word unless they absolutely cannot get it themselves. Most importantly, build confidence in the dyslexic student. Dyslexic students often have a low self esteem. They may have been called stupid in the past for their inability to read and write well. Talk with them regularly and encourage them in their studies. Be sure to recognize their successes.