• What is Dyslexia? Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability and is the most common cause of difficulties in areas of reading, reading comprehension, writing and spelling. 15-20% of the United States' population has a language-based learning disability, though many will go though much of their lives before recognizing it, if they do at all. In this day and age, schools have become sensitive to these learning differences, and early-intervention has saved a great deal of frustration for many students. Children who are identified as dyslexic and who get effective remediation before 3rd grade will have significantly fewer difficulties keeping up with their classmates. However, with a proper evaluation and the right instruction, people of all ages can overcome their learning differences.

  The International Dyslexia Society offers the following definition of dyslexia:

  "Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It 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." Source: IDA Website

  The Reading ASSIST Institute put together a more detailed description, which goes into some of the traits associated with dyslexia, and also the theory behind appropriate teaching methods.
   

• The Truth About Vision Therapy Many parents' and teachers' initial reaction when a child is having difficulty in school is that there may be something wrong with his or her vision. While there are eye conditions that may affect a child's performance in school - such as lazy eye, double vision, convergence insufficiency - it is important to understand that learning disabilities do not have to do with the eyes, but rather the way in which the brain interprets the information taken in by the eyes.

  The American Academy of Ophthalmology states on its website, "Vision therapy has no place in treating learning disabilities...As effective as orthoptics, or eye exercises, can be for poor eye coordination, they are NEVER recommended in the treatment of learning disabilities. Educational remediation is the only proven solution." Click here to read a joint statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and American Academy of Ophthalmology on learning disabilities, dyslexia and vision.

   

Links

• The International Dyslexia Society Formerly known as The Orton Dyslexia Society, the IDA provides resources for parents, teachers and students of all ages on every aspect of Dyslexia. Tom Jennings, The Reading Connection's licensed psychologist, was formerly the president of the Pennsylvania Branch, serving Pennsylvania and Delware. He now serves on the Board, and is the chairman of the annual conference.

• The National Reading Panel The NRP was established in 1997 by Congress to explore the different ways children learn to read. In 2000, the NRP released "The Report of the National Reading Panel: Teaching Children to Read," providing recommendations for the best methods of teaching children to read.

• The National Institute for Child Health and Human Development The NICHD has been providing funding and support to an ongoing Yale University study looking at the brain activity of children with reading difficulties. The latest results can be seen in our In The News section.

• The National Institute for Literacy The NIFL is a federally-sponsored organization that works to improve the quality of literacy programs in the United States. Its website provides links to local programs, as well as information on learning differences in people of all ages. The Bridges to Practice program seeks to help adults who have been struggling with learning disabilities, and provides materials for teachers, employment counselors and others.

Compiled by The Reading Connection Staff