Basic Facts About Dyslexia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zafiGBrFkRM&t=1s&ab_channel=TED-Ed
Fact or Myth?
Dyslexia is uncommon.
Myth
Dyslexia affects 1 in 5.
According to the National Institute of Health, it is the most common learning disability.
Fact or Myth?
Children will outgrow dyslexia.
Myth
Effective instruction is needed to provide tools to help dyslexics learn and succeed.
Fact or Myth?
Dyslexia only affects those who speak or read English.
Myth
Dyslexia occurs in all cultures.
Fact or Myth?
Dyslexia is more common in boys.
Myth
Dyslexia is equally common in boys and girls.
Fact or Myth?
Dyslexia is a visual problem.
Myth
Dyslexia is a language-processing problem.
Fact or Myth?
Dyslexia is helped with the use of colored overlays or lenses.
Myth
Research does not support the helpfulness of colored overlays or lenses. Dyslexia is not a visual problem.
Fact or Myth?
Dyslexia is writing letters and words backwards.
Myth
Writing letters backwards is common in early learners who are still learning letter formation. Some dyslexic and non-dyslexic learners write letters backwards. Many dyslexic learners do not have letter reversals.
Fact or Myth?
Dyslexia can be “cured”.
Myth
Dyslexia can’t be “cured”. With early diagnosis and intervention, along with accommodations, dyslexics can be very successful.
Fact or Myth?
A person who is dyslexic can never learn to read.
Myth!
Early and effective intervention can help dyslexics learn to read.
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological 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.
Adopted by the IDA Board of Directors, Nov. 12, 2002
What is dyslexia?
neurobiological in origin
There are differences in the way the brain processes language.
characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition, poor spelling, & poor decoding abilities
result from deficit in phonological component of language – difficulty pronouncing, remembering or thinking about individual speech sounds
often unexpected in relation to cognitive abilities & instruction
often leads to secondary consequences – poor reading comprehension, reduced reading experience which impedes growth of vocabulary & background knowledge
Common Signs of Dyslexia
Pre-School
Common Signs of Dyslexia
Kindergarten & First Grade
“Baseball” = “base” “ball” “napkin” = “nap” “kin”
Common Signs of Dyslexia
Second and Third Grade
Common Signs of Dyslexia
Fourth Grade Through Sixth Grade
Common Signs of Dyslexia
Middle School and High School
Common Signs of Dyslexia
Postsecondary
Social and Emotional �Impacts of Dyslexia
Research suggests that these feelings of inferiority develop by the age of 10. After this age, it becomes extremely difficult to help the child develop a positive self-image. This is a powerful argument for early intervention. (International Dyslexia Association)
May Indicate Dyslexia Evaluation is Needed
Other things to consider:
Pursuing a Dyslexia Evaluation
What documentation would be helpful if pursuing dyslexia evaluation?
Dyslexia Evaluation
Usually includes:
Testing
Recent laws state that a suspected dyslexia disability requires a full individual evaluation (FIE) be conducted unless the parent declines the offer. In that case, a 504 committee can consider dyslexia determination.
Both pathways involve testing and committee members who are knowledgeable about the
Examples of Accommodations in Other Subjects
Dyslexia Instruction
With proper dyslexia instruction, most dyslexic learners will become readers. Many will become excellent readers. Some will continue to be slow readers.
For some dyslexic learners, spelling difficulty is ongoing.
Approaches based on the Orton-Gillingham method have been proven to be highly effective.
Dyslexia Instruction
When choosing curriculum look for:
Dyslexia instruction includes the 5 elements of effective reading instruction.
Delivery of Instruction
Explicit & Direct
Cumulative
Systematic &
Sequential
Diagnostic
Multisensory
(VAKT)
Deliberate teaching of concepts
Constant review of previously taught concepts
Taught in logical order beginning with easiest concept & building on previously taught concepts
Teaching is based on continuous assessment of student needs & mastery
Teaching uses two or more pathways in the brain simultaneously
Resources for �Learning About Dyslexia
Free Booklets Online
Finding a Professional Instructor
Encouraging Your �Dyslexic Child
Students find comfort in knowing there is nothing wrong with them. Dyslexia means their brain learns differently so they need to be taught differently.
Other Ways to Help
Other Ways to Help
Audio Books
Audio Books