Dyslexia

dyslexia

Dyslexia is an inherited condition that makes it extremely difficult to read, write and spell despite having at least average intelligence. Approximately 20-25% of the population has dyslexia, the severity of which can range from mild to severe. Many are never diagnosed. Dyslexia has NOTHING to do with overall intelligence, but with the ability to process individual sounds in words, which in turn affects word recognition, decoding and spelling.

While dyslexia seems to be one of the most mis-understood disabilities, this is one of my favorite definitions of dyslexia as it also affirms the high level of intelligence that comes with this challenge having to do with the area of the brain that deals with letter/number symbols:

“A neurological condition; genetically based; processing problems that occur in the translation between auditory and visual representations of language… primarily with the alphabetic system.”

Sounds complicated? Right? But really it is as easy as understanding that someone has struggles with the letter/number system…. symbols.

While we do not claim to “cure” dyslexia, we DO demonstrate that students can overcome the challenges related to their individual dyslexic profile. Our solutions include letter/sound blending and symbol imagery. We use the scientifically based and proven Orton-Gillingham methodologies as we adapt to student growth and successes. This involves demonstrated growth in both both reading and writing skills. Students are able to read on grade level and access all learning materials needed for higher level learning. They enjoy using writing as a method of expression of academic comprehension and self expression.

Find out more about dyslexia and schedule a consultation

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD HAS DYSLEXIA?

Thanks to years of research, the early warning signs are well-established. Many of these symptoms can be detected as early as preschool. If your child shows 3 or more symptoms, call us for an evaluation.

The Therapeutic Learning Center’s dyslexia assessment will determine whether your child fits the dyslexic profile. This comprehensive process includes a combination of standardized tests, informal measures and work samples from school. Reviewing information about a student’s educational and family history is also a key part of the process. Students with the dyslexic profile have a unique pattern of strengths and weaknesses and a different way of learning. The sooner this unique profile is discovered, the sooner your student can be on the path to comfortable, independent reading, writing and learning.

DYSLEXIA WARNING SIGNS CHECKLIST

  • Delayed speech
  • Limited word recall or vocabulary
  • Difficulty remembering names/labels
  • Mixing up the sounds words
  • Adding “t” or “l” or “r” when sounding out words
  • Slow, choppy or inaccurate reading, yet good comprehension
  • Difficulty sounding out unknown words
  • Trouble with math (memorizing math facts; word problems)
  • Poor spelling not due to teaching
  • Confuses “b” and “d” or “z” and “s”
  • Discrepancy between verbal and written communication
  • Family relative with difficulty reading, writing, spelling or math
CAUTIONARY THOUGHT

Not every reading challenge is truly Dyslexia. Sometimes it is easy to confuse such things as auditory processing deficits as dyslexia, so many times these other things need to be ruled out before a true diagnosis of dyslexia is accurate. Many times parents worry that their child has dyslexia, which can be much more complicated, but if an underlying processing deficit can be corrected, then all the other pieces might fall in place.

Also, There are SEVEN types of Dyslexia! It is necessary to determine specifically what is challenging a child to efficiently treat the problem!

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