October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month! Do you know 1 in 10 people have symptoms of dyslexia? Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia can make learning to read difficult; however, with the right instruction, almost all students with dyslexia can learn to read. Many people with dyslexia have successful and accomplished lives, such as Thomas Edison, Stephen Spielberg, and Charles Schwab to name a few. Being diagnosed with dyslexia can be very traumatic; however, learning the right strategies is the key to having a successful and accomplished life.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a condition that affects the way the brain processes the written and spoken language. It is associated with having difficulty reading, writing, and spelling. Dyslexia is a neurological condition caused by the wiring of the brain. Dyslexia does not have any effect on general intelligence. Students who are diagnosed with dyslexia would benefit from a reading program that is structured, multi-sensory in approach, and explicit in instruction in understanding the language structure, such as phonics.
What are the warning signs?
Difficulty learning to speak
Trouble learning letters and their sounds
Difficulty organizing written and spoken language
Trouble memorizing number facts
Difficulty reading fluently enough to comprehend
Trouble with comprehending longer reading assignments
Difficulty with spelling
Trouble learning a foreign language
Difficulty doing math operations accurately
If you suspect your child has dyslexia or a language-based disability, you should consult your child’s teacher, guidance counselor, school administrator or pediatrician as soon as you can. The sooner the appropriate intervention is implemented, the quicker he or she will be successful with his learning.
Would your child benefit from a personalized reading program? Our reading tutors tailor the reading program to fit your child’s needs and strengths. Our research-based, multi-sensory reading programs are designed to help students with dyslexia. They are taught in a systematic and explicit manner. Learn more about our reading programs.
For more information on determining if your child has a reading challenge, contact one of our educational specialists today.