7/30/2019 Dyslexia Doesnt Exist

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Thoughts to Ponder in Speaking with a Non-BelieverBy D.Rafferty

Have you ever met anyone that thought Dyslexia didn't exist? Who were they? Teachers?

Administrators? Psychologists? Have you ever met anyone that thought it was just a reading 'issue'?

In my quest for learning more about Dyslexia, I happened to meet and converse with a local researcher

and professor that did not believe in Dyslexia. We had a few phone conversations and formal meetings,

approximately a total of 4 hours.

His stance was alarming, considering the abundance of present day research. I have often heard that we

know as much about Dyslexia as we know about Cancer. Yet, meaningful progress is lacking for so many

children in the public school setting. I still find my conversations with Professor X confusing, especially

his persistence stance on the following:

- His 'distaste' for any teaching method labeled as multisensory. Why you ask? I am not exactly sure; he

could not accurately describe why it would not be helpful to learn something in many different modalities.

In his defense, possibly it is based on the 'vagueness' of what multisensory could mean. For example, he

mentioned that multisensory could be jumping up and down, with your eyes closed. I agree, publishing

companies have taken broad usage of this verbiage (along with research based programs, but I digress andwill save that for another post).

- He could not explain scenarios on why children (particularly my own child) saw significant improvement

utilizing a multisensory, research based program (in my sons case, Orton Gillingham and Alphabetic

Phonics). In reviewing my last notes of the meeting, he equated his growth to potential maturity.

- His staff addressed the duress teachers and schools are under. I wholeheartedly agree. This is true

and I believe we will lose some amazing, gifted and well-meaning educators unless positive reform is

underway. But, what shall we say to that child flailing in school - "Dear child - please be patient,

reform is under way. We know we aren't teaching you appropriately but ... have hope." No, we cannot

patiently wait for reform that does not shows any sight of improvements.

Was it worthwhile spending my time talking with someone that thought Dyslexia doesn't exist? YES. I

need to hear their point of view. I need to hear WHY? Knowledge is everything. Yet, I often play back

the conversation in my mind and wonder why he was so adamant in his claims that Dyslexia doesnt exist.

I fear there are more professors and professionals that believe the same. There are too many children

that need to be taught appropriately and thoughts of a non-believer can cause much harm.

Primum non nocere. PLEASE DO NO HARM!