Do You Know What Dyslexia Really Is?

Although knowledge and understanding of dyslexia is growing, there are still many myths and misconceptions about it.

Among the most commonly heard are things such as the belief that it is just flipping letters or swapping letters or reading backwards. Although some people with dyslexia may experience some sensorimotor issues, many do not necessarily have that experience.

The Terminology

As defined by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), dyslexia 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.”

The Effectsrr

The phonological system of language is the first system of language that develops in infancy and acts as the basis. Which the other systems of language develop (e.g. the semantic and syntactic language systems). Weak representations of individual phonemes (distinct units of sound) and their subsequent relationship to each other result in weakness with oral language. In addition to interfering with one’s ability to receive instruction to read, write and spell.

Without strong phonemic representations, it is difficult to map sounds with the symbols that represent them, which in turn makes learning to decode difficult. Without strong decoding skills, the process of developing fluent reading skills is interrupted. It is a bottom-up process that starts with the development of the phonological system.

Do You Know What Your Child’s Language/Learning Needs Are?

The first step, is to have him or her evaluated. A comprehensive cognitive, literacy, speech and language evaluation can determine if there are language deficits. Also it will provide detail about what an individual child’s strengths and weaknesses may be as it relates to processing and building language skills needed for reading and writing. Also a sensorimotor evaluation can further determine how sensory and motor functions may be contributing to those difficulties with acquiring the basic building blocks of language.

Has Your Child Already Been Diagnosed?

Do you know what to do next? Wellington-Alexander Center can help guide you to find the services that best fit your child’s needs.

To schedule a FREE consultation to learn more about your options, please visit our website:

WellingtonAlexanderCenter.com

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