Overcoming Dyslexia
Since dyslexia is a complex condition, involving several and complex connections in the auditory, visual, speech and comprehension areas of the cerebral hemispheres, the management also involves a holistic approach where considering each patient as a unique case gives excellent results. In addition to the disability in reading and comprehension, there maybe an involvement of the psyche of the patient, with its own set of complications.
Early detection, thorough evaluation and an understanding and “made-to-measure” approach to the patient works wonders, and most dyslexics then lead wonderfully productive and fruitful lives. Many dyslexics are now detected early, thanks to comprehensive reading programs with emphasis on phonics which most schools follow.
Spotting symptoms early is important and really help in treatment. Early detection is very important to finally overcoming dyslexia. As the name suggests, dyslexics have difficulty with the written word, the best example being ttheir tendency to transpose letters as in ‘red and green’ becomes ‘ged and reen’. However, first it is essential to rule out any accompanying disturbance in hearing and sight. There maybe a difficulty in working with numbers, a wrong sense of direction and a lack of time sense. Sometimes there is attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder as well.
An evaluation for dyslexia is best carried out by a trained specialist like a neurologist. Testing involves evaluation of reading, writing and spelling skills, with concomitant evaluation of spoken language, memory and intelligence with hearing and visual tests when deemed appropriate. Many dyslexics are found to have above average intelligence and this may be channeled into a field which does not require much reading and writing such as music or art.
Some accompanying disorders can be also seen in dyslexics
- They may have behavioral problems, ranging from extreme shyness to extreme aggressiveness.
- They may try several means to hide their non comprehension of the written word.
- They maybe have an inability to calculate simple problems.
- They frequently mix up right and left sides.
- A poor hearing or visual disorder can be present
- Dyslexics may see themselves as “misfits”.
- The drop-out rate from educational institutes is very high.
As can be seen from the above list, dyslexics require not only medical but also psychological and social rehabilitation so that they can become productive members of society. Early detection is an absolute must and it is commonly seen that children detected with Dyslexia after 12 years rarely go on to lead fulfilling academic lives, having dropped out of schools due to sheer misery.
A one on one approach is the best way to educate these children, which can be had in a “remedial classes” in regular streams or else in special institutes. Stress has to be laid on phonetic decoding skills, either with special auditory or visual aids. Special software has been developed for this in the form of modules which gradually help in regularising the education. Musical training is found to be extremely beneficial, as is training in art. Medication may be required to control any attendant attention deficit, hyperactivity or extreme disruptive behaviour.
Rather than labeling these differently abled individuals as “trouble makers”, a little effort on the part of society as a whole can lead to a very colorful life for dyslexics and society as a whole can benefit from their unique gifts.
Related Articles:
- Types Of Dyslexia
Traditionally referred to as “slow learning disorders”, many disabilities relating to language processing are now called as Dyslexia. They form a complex group of disorders, the sufferers of which face difficulties in decoding spoken and written words. In the strictest etymological terms, dyslexia means having problems with reading written text. However, this does not embrace [...]...