A language based disability in which a person struggles to decode written words. It may also be referred to as a reading disability or a reading disorder.
A student may exhibit some or all of these identifying signs:
1. Child is bright and intelligent, with a high comprehension level.
2. Doesn't seem behind enough in school for additional help.
3. Is labeled "dumb", "lazy" or "just doesn't try hard enough".
4. Child may feel "dumb" or different from other kids.
5. Child is artistic, creative, and loves hands-on learning.
Reading, Writing and Spelling
1. Child will reverse or "mirror" the letters d, p, p, q, n, u, m, w, and mix the right letters up with in a word, such as htat, for that or omit letters in words.
2. Words will be written without spaces and below or above lines.
3. Reading aloud is avoided and embarrassing.
4. Child may complain about letters moving or wiggling on page.
5. Comprehension is low when child reads on own, but high when they listen to the story read aloud to them.
6. Child cannot spell, especiall simple words such as "said" or "the". Spelling of words are usually phonetic.
7. Child can memorize a spelling list and practice aloud, but cannot write the spelling list on paper.
8. Child may complain of vision issues but all vision tests come back normal.
9. Child cannot memorize or sequence the alphabet.
10. Handwriting is illegible. Child may be clumsy and unable to tie shoes, or button pants. Fine motor skills are weak.
Hearing & Speech
1. Child may mispronounce words.
2. Child has trouble following a verbal list of instructions.
3. Child may need to hear lessons to comprehend them.
4. Child may have delayed speech development, leaving our syllables or not able to pronounce certain sounds such as, "r".
1. Child can do mental math easily, but has a difficult time writing down all the steps to a problem.
2. Child cannot do word problems independently.
3. Has difficulty telling time and counting money.
4. Works better with visual aides and manipulatives (counts on fingers).
Behavior and Personality
1. Likes order and structure, but does not like surprises or changes in schedules.
2. May be a picky eater or sensitive to sounds or textures. May like tags cut out of clothing, may not like loud public places, or music.
3. May be a late talker, crawler, potty training, etc.
4. Symptoms of dislike of reading may be more intense if child is stressed or worried.
5. Will like art, lunch, math, PE, and other things at school that are social or where the child feels they fit in.
6. May become the class clown to distract others away from learning.
7. May suffer from headaches or stomach aches to avoid going to school.
What steps should parents take if they suspect their child may be dyslexic?
1. First recognize that there is an issue, and schedule diagnostic testing. Learn the law, American with Disabilities Act IDEA, deals with lifetime accommodations for learning disabilities. www.ada.gov
2. A diagnosis will open the door for reading intervention programs to teach a dyslexic to read. But, these will not be provided without a diagnosis. Schools can provide testing or parents can pay for private testing. Private testing is usually faster than waiting on the school to schedule.
3. Follow up with your child’s school to confirm that your child is receiving Academic Language Therapy, such as Take Flight by Scottish Rite, to earn to read. The reading program should be phonemic based and taught by a certified dyslexic therapist.
4. Teach your child to self advocate in the classroom by teaching them to understand accommodations and how to communicate what they need to learn to teachers. For example, oral testing, proctoring, copies of notes, use of technology to record lectures, and one-on-one instruction. Learn to master accommodations, what they are and how to utilize them.
5. Be prepared to be your child's life-time advocate. Make sure your child receives their accommodations in all classes.
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