Dyslexia affects as many as one in every eight people. If identified early most dyslexics quickly learn to cope well, are at no real disadvantage in life, and often find their dyslexia a positive asset in the later years. As so much depends on being able to ‘read to learn’ the overall education progress of such children is seriously hampered with worrying consequences for gaining qualification and for their life changes. While some develop coping strategies and achieve remarkable success, others with severe literacy difficulties, including dyslexia, often become disaffected and disengaged from education. What is dyslexia? Dyslexia is a specific learning difficultly that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. It is likely to be present at birth and to be life-long in its affects. Dyslexia tends to be resistant to conventional teaching methods, but its affects can be mitigated by appropriately specific intervention, including the application of information technology and supportive counselling. The most common symptoms of dyslexia are problems encountered with any of the following: Reading, Writing, Spelling, Maths, Study Skills, Exam performance, Organisation Skills and Memory. Dyslexia can only be formally diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation carried out by a reading specialist or psychologist. Pediatricians often know the signs of dyslexia and can guide families to proper help. It is important that the person who evaluates a child be properly trained and have experience with dyslexia. Q&A
Are there any positive aspects of dyslexia? In his book The Gift Of Dyslexia, Ron Davis, millionaire, sculptor and engineer – who is himself dyslexia – calls dyslexia a ‘gift’. Often dyslexics have stronger areas of intelligence in spheres other than language. They may have particular spatial awareness or artistic or physical skills. Some companies headhunt dyslexics because of their ability to see ‘the big picture’. Check out www.dyslexia.com/famous to find out about some famous dyslexics. Where else can we get help? The central Coast Dyslexia Association is a local non-profit organisation offering support with information meetings. www.centralcoastdyslexia.com.au
SPELD is a national organizations who assist with information about dyslexia www.speldnsw.org.au
How we can help? Specialist one-to-one teaching. Whilst the combination of quality first teaching and small group work within schools may be sufficient for some dyslexics, a small percentage will require explicit one-to-one teaching, by a qualified literacy difficulties teacher, to enable them to catch up. Specialist teaching uses multi-sensory methods. Dyslexics tend to display a varied combination of difficulties and experience in helping in the most efficient way is vital. Referrals to other specialists will be made when necessary. Tuition is available on a one-to-one basic no matter what age.
