dyslexia
Dyslexia Testing Options
Dyslexia Tests and Testing options
In our last article we talked about the treatment options for Dyslexia, In this article let us look at the various dyslexia tests and options that are available to help in identifying the condition. Since nearly five to seven percent of the American population is believed to suffer from some forms of learning disabilities, testing for them becomes very important. According to Federal law, schools have to have a learning disability testing program in place to ensure that children are diagnosed early, so that immediate remedial steps to ensure their medical, social and emotional well- being may be taken.
The symptoms of learning disorders encompass a vast spectrum, ranging from dyslexia, ADHD, autism and emotional disturbances. Hence, it becomes very important to arrive at the right diagnosis to ensure that the right treatment is administered at the right time.
The tests for dyslexia are two fold
- Screening tests
- Comprehensive tests
Dyslexia Screening Tests
Screening tests are used exactly as the name suggests, to screen individuals who are believed to suffer from dyslexia. They do not provide any definitive diagnosis, but merely serve as pointers towards more detailed assessment in case of individuals believed to be suffering from dyslexia. They consist of simple questions to be answered by the individual and give an insight into his/her disability. These questions are generally as follows:
- Do you have difficulties with spelling?
- Do you find directions confusing?
- Do you have difficulties with math?
- Were you reluctant to go to school at any time?
The last question is generally asked in case of a suspected adult dyslexic.
Comprehensive Dyslexia Tests
In case of a positive screening test, a comprehensive test is necessary, which actually consists of several tests assessing reading, comprehension, grammar, spelling and mathematical abilities, in addition to hearing and visual tests to rule out any organic disorders. They maybe carried out by the following organizations:
- Schools: as stated above, it is mandatory for schools to carry out comprehensive tests if requested for by the parents/guardians of a student. They are carried out by an educational psychologist employed by the local authorities in association with the school.
- Private Professionals: in case the school does not have the proper channels in place, it becomes necessary to approach a private psychologist or psychiatrist, with special training in administering dyslexia tests. Approaching the Dyslexia Institute, now termed Dyslexia Action is helpful, because these professionals not only provide a psychological assessment and specialist therapy, but also provides teacher training and educational literature on dyslexia.
- Job Center: this is screening done for employees or for suspected dyslexics, actively seeking employment, who are not undergoing any training.
- Further/ Higher Education: for suspected dyslexics seeking admission to college or for higher training in any field.
Comprehensive tests again may be carried out face to face or remotely and a complete assessment file on the suspected person is compiled. This gives a complete idea on the learning abilities of the individual. The only advantage of a face to face assessment is that an emotional evaluation of the patient may be done at the same time.
With a large number of tests in place for dyslexia testing, it is easy to detect it early and take corrective measures to ensure a productive life for the individual.
Posted in Dyslexia, Dyslexia Treatment
Tagged dyslexia, dyslexia tests, Treating Dyslexia
Dyslexia Treatment Options
Treatment for Dyslexia
It is believed that although nearly 15% of Americans suffer from various forms of dyslexia, less than 5% are diagnosed and treated early. Now covering a plethora of symptoms, various manifestations of dyslexia are clubbed under the name of “slow learning disorders”.
Dyslexia can be diagnosed at any age from childhood to adulthood. However, for a person to become a well -adjusted and productive member of society, it is essential to start treatment as soon as possible.
Since the exact causes of dyslexia are still to be ascertained, treatment is more limited to managing the symptoms, rather than preventing or curing the condition. Treatment of dyslexia is primarily aims at overcoming the learning difficulties, which the individual faces. Early diagnosis is helpful because if treatment is initiated at the earliest, the social and emotional development of the person proceeds apace. Hence, in the management of dyslexia, it is important to consider the impact of the condition on the life of the individual in total, rather than focusing on the learning disabilities alone.
Treatment for dyslexia aims at overcoming the learning disabilities. Since these individuals have poor language, poor verbal and poor writing skills, special learning aids and techniques are beneficial. Dyslexia maybe diagnosed when a child starts formal schooling, in which it is found to have poor reading skills, tendency to mix letters up, poor speech, mixing up of right and left sides, sometimes associated with poor hearing, vision and lack of concentration.
In keeping with the widespread incidence of dyslexia in the population, federal law requires that these individuals receive special schooling apart from their normal counterparts, for although dyslexics may have normal or above normal intelligence, they have difficulty in putting their thoughts in words or speech in the normal way. The Individualized Education Program ensures this until the age of 16, after which these children are further prepared for higher education or employment as the case maybe.
In the special education program, a child psychologist and a special educator thoroughly assess the child and after a series of tests, come up with an education program tailored to the child`s needs, depending on the specific disability which the child has.
Verbal exercises are found to benefit many, with different components like rhyming exercises, bending words into sounds, word matching, picking out verbal sounds from words and making out differences in spoken sounds. In some cases, repetition of words and writing words have been found to be very beneficial. Reading aloud to the child, playing spelling games and learning after setting the curriculum to music have also found to benefit dyslexics greatly.
An individual approach to each patient, be it in the form of using specially developed soft ware or teaching while involving a pet in the proceedings, or marking left or right in a pair of shoes, is always found to be a great help.
Medical treatment be it in the form of antihistamines, anti motion sickness drugs, or various vitamin or mineral supplements is doubtful at best and dubious at worst. The DORE program developed by the British also involved repetition in an attempt to carry out reading and writing at a cerebellar level, but did not show good results.
With special attention paid to their educational needs, dyslexics can lead well integrated lives in main stream society and show case their often surprising talents, all it requires is a little patience.
Posted in Dyslexia, Dyslexia Treatment
Tagged dyslexia, dyslexia tests, Treating Dyslexia
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.
Posted in Dyslexia, Dyslexia in Children, Dyslexia Treatment
Tagged dyslexia, Handle Dyslexic Child In School, How To Handle Dyslexia In The Classroom