How does Speech-Language Acquisition Influence a Dyslexia Diagnosis?

Jeannette Washington, M.Ed.

Communication has evolved over several thousands of years.

• Speech & Language emerged innately as a necessary means of communication.

• Reading and writing emerged as a acquired systematic means to

structure communication.

First Things, First!

Ever wonder how newborn babies can recognize the sound of their mother's

voice at birth?• Optical imaging revealed that a premature baby's brain could

distinguish not only a speaker's gender but also the similar syllables.

• This further suggests that the neural connections used in adult language processing are present from very early in development

• We are hardwired to understand some aspects of speech and are therefore born to speak.

Reading & Writing Acquisition is not Natural

• Reversing letters and numbers happens in all young children.

• Reversal is not a clear sign of dyslexia.

• Speech and Language difficulties are a clearer sign dyslexia.

Language Problems Cause Literacy Problems

• Dyslexics have a great difficulty noticing and/or manipulating the basic sounds of spoken language.

• In order for reading to take place, an individual needs to be able to isolate the separate sounds (phonemes) in words. Hints the importance of Phonemic Awareness.

• Once an individual has the ability to isolate sounds, they has mastered the Alphabetic Principle and are ready to read!

All in All!

A complete dyslexia evaluation measures (just to name a few) the following: (1) Language: Oral and

Written

(2) Articulation

(3) Social Skills

Jeannette Washington, M.Ed.Bearly Articulating was founded by Jeannette Washington, M.Ed. who holds a specialized Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with anemphasis in Dyslexia. This former speech-language pathologist improves student achievement by building the knowledge skills of educators and school leaders as a ELA staff developer and dyslexia specialist. Visit www.bearlyarticulating.com to connect!