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        Dyslexia      

Definition:

The student who struggles with reading, writing and/or spelling often puzzles teachers and parents.  The student displays adequate intelligence and receives the same classroom instruction that benefits most students.  Still the student struggles with some or all of the many facets of reading, writing and/or spelling.

The working definition of the International Dyslexia association states:

"Dyslexia is one of several distinct learning disabilities.  It is a specific language-based disorder of constitutional origin characterized by difficulties in single-word decoding, usually reflecting insufficient phonological processing.  These difficulties in single-word decoding are often unexpected in relation to age and other cognitive and academic abilities; they are not the result of generalized developmental disability or sensory impairment.  Dyslexia is manifested by variable difficulty with different forms of language, often including, in addition to problems with reading, a conspicuous problem with acquiring proficiency in writing and spelling (International Dyslexia Association Research Committee in collaboration with the National Center for Learning Disabilities and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, April, 1991)

 Helpful Hints:

What Can I Do to Help My Child?

  • Depending on your child’s age and language skills, speak with her about the difficulties you've observed.
  • Ask him how he feels about school and what he feels he needs help with.
  • Tell her you know she tries hard, but you and her teachers are going to help her find ways to succeed.
  • Work in collaboration with school staff; let your child see you functioning as a team.
  • Look into private tutoring through community agencies or privately if you can afford it.
  • Encourage him to use his strengths and talents.
  • Be patient with her and support her efforts.

What if my child is having difficulty with math?

Dyscalculia is a term meaning "specific learning disability in mathematics." People who suffer with a poor memory for all things mathematical have many other symptoms and characteristics. Taken as a whole, these coexisting conditions comprise what this author terms "the dyscalculia syndrome."

Dyscalculia.org is an excellent resource to discover symptoms as well as an online screening for students.      

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