http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/dyslexia.shtml

http://www.learning-inside-out.com/dyslexia-statistics.html

Dyslexia and Reading Problems

Alma Ruiz-Hernandez

June 8, 2010

Ways to Help a Child with Dyslexia

•Simplify tasks so only one new discrimination is made at a time. •Make each simple discrimination automatic before the next one is introduced. Overteach 'b", then overteach 'd", before presenting both together. •Each discrimination that causes repeated errors should be worked with by itself until the problem is overcome. •Trace, then write, the confused letter or word and pronounce it as written. •Use short frequent practice periods. Lengthen the time between practice sessions as the material is retained. •If the child is confused about his own left/right, use a ring, watch, ribbon or band on his writing arm. Color cue side of desk or paper or word as a starting place. •Gradually increase the difficulty of material to discriminate. If errors are made, go back to simpler practice.

Did You know….?

•The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)* found that approximately 38% of fourth grade students have "below basic" reading skills. •Less than 1/3 of the children with reading disabilities are receiving school services for their reading disability. •Of people with poor reading skills, 70-80% are likely dyslexic.•One in five students, or 15-20% of the population, has a language based learning disability. Dyslexia is probably the most common of the language based learning disabilities.

Symptoms

Children may have one or more of these symptoms:

•Letter or word reversals when reading. (Such as was/saw, b/d, p/q). •Letter or word reversals when writing. •Difficulty repeating what is said to them. •Poor handwriting or printing ability. •Poor drawing ability. •Reversing letters or words when spelling words that are presented orally. •Difficulty comprehending written or spoken directions. •Difficulty with right - left directionality. •Difficulty understanding or remembering what is said to them. •Difficulty understanding or remembering what they have just read. •Difficulty putting their thoughts on paper.

What is Dyslexia?

Developmental dyslexia is a condition related to poor reading. Children with dyslexia have difficulty learning to read due to one or more information processing problems such as visual perceptual or auditory perceptual deficits. Many but not all children with dyslexia have difficulty with reversals of numbers, letters or words.

Common Misconceptions of Dyslexia

•Dyslexia is not caused by lack of motivation or interest in reading. Lack of motivation to read and write can be caused by dyslexia. For the dyslexic person, reading and writing require a huge amount of effort, energy and concentration. •Dyslexia is not primarily visual. It is a language-based problem. •Dyslexia is not necessarily indicated by reversals of letters or words. •Dyslexia does not mean seeing letters and numbers backwards. •Dyslexia doesn't just occur in highly intelligent people. Dyslexia occurs in all levels of intellectual ability. •Dyslexia doesn’t just occur in families who don’t do much reading. It can occur in any family.