ADOLESCENT CHILD SPECIALTY SERVICES
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Dyslexia Fact Sheet
Rebecca S. Blakeman, Ph.D.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning disability characterized by an inability to recognize and utilize basic phonics (i.e., the relationship between written letters and the spoken sounds that those letters represent) and a lack of phonemic awareness (i.e., understanding of the idea that spoken words can be broken down into smaller sounds). These difficulties result in poor reading fluency (or speed of reading) and can often interfere with reading comprehension.
What are Associated Features of Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is often associated with poor spelling, which is to be expected, given the poor understanding of phonics and impaired phonemic awareness. Poor handwriting, or dysgraphia, is also frequently associated with dyslexia. There may be a weakness in mastering basic math facts as well. Individuals with dyslexia are at risk for developing anxiety and depression, particularly related to academic performance.
How is Dyslexia Diagnosed?
A professional, such as a psychologist, who conducts tests to examine reading abilities and analyze reading errors diagnoses dyslexia. These tests typically involve having a child (1) read a list of real words, (2) read a list of nonsense words that must be “sounded out,” and (3) reading stories and then answering questions about those stories. Testing may include other domains of intellectual and academic functioning, but the diagnosis of Dyslexia comes primarily from the reading tests.
Historically, Dyslexia was only diagnosed when an individual’s reading achievement fell significantly below their intellectual ability. However, research has shown that this is an inaccurate way of diagnosing dyslexia and often neglects the very nature of Dyslexia. Using the discrepancy rule for diagnosing Dyslexia also leaves many children waiting until 5th or 6th grade to receive services, as it may take that long before the numerical discrepancy meets criteria. It is now recommended that Dyslexia be diagnosed based on phonetic and phonemic weaknesses, and that intervention occur well before the gap between ability and achievement become severe. (See pages Chapter 11 of Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, MD for specific scientific references related to this topic).
Can You Be Smart and Still Have Dyslexia?
Absolutely! Individuals with dyslexia are often of average, or above average, intelligence. Some intelligence scores may be low as a result of reading difficulties, but measures of nonverbal intelligence generally reveal areas of strengths for these individuals.
Will My Child Outgrow Dyslexia?
No. Dyslexia is a life-long condition that will not improve without intervention. The good news is that WITH APPROPRIATE TREATMENT individuals with Dyslexia can be taught to read. The earlier the child receives intervention, the better.
How is Dyslexia Treated?
Dyslexia is best treated by addressing the underlying weaknesses related to phonics and phonemic awareness. Phonics instruction stresses the understanding of letter-sound relationships and how they are used in reading and spelling. Beginning readers need to learn how letters are linked to sounds (phonemes) to form letter-sound correspondences and spelling patterns and then how to apply that knowledge to reading. There is some research support for the notion that a multisensory approach is most effective, incorporating visual, auditory, and tactile aspects of letters and words. Because dyslexia is associated with spelling, writing, and comprehension difficulties, treatment should be designed to address all areas of weakness, not just phonetic awareness.
Where Can I Get More Information
Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level, by Sally, Shaywitz, MD. Dr. Shaywitz is a neuroscientist and codirector of the Yale Center for the Study of Learning and Attention. She provides an extensive review of scientific literature related to the nature, diagnosis, and treatment of dyslexia in this book.
Report of the National Reading Panel: Teaching Children to Read: An Evidence-Based Assessment of the Scientific Research Literature on Reading and Its Implications for Reading Instruction. Provides a summary of research findings related to the treatment of reading problems. Can be accessed at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) website, www.nichd.nih.gov.
If you think your child may be suffering from dyslexia, please call 404-310-1161 to schedule an evaluation to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. There is hope for children who struggle to read!