What is Dyslexia?
Click here to see a list of the warning signs of dyslexia.
What is Dyslexia?
Click here to see a list of the warning signs of dyslexia.
Official Definition of Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin.
It 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.
Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.
There are many strengths that come with having a mind that works differently. People with dyslexia will have strengths in some of the following areas:
| ✔ Creative | ✔ Artistic | ✔ Athletic skill | ✔ Curiosity |
| ✔ Imaginative | ✔ Musical ability | ✔ Understanding concepts/able to grasp the big picture | ✔ Hands-on/mechanical talents |
| ✔ Listening comprehension | ✔ Abstract thinking | ✔ People skills/intuition | ✔ 3D visual thinking |
What do you do if you suspect that your child has dyslexia?
Review the Warning Signs of Dyslexia to see if your child fits the profile.
Look at these videos from Bright Solutions for Dyslexia for more information on dyslexia.
You can also look on our resources page to find online and local resources.
If many of the signs of dyslexia are present then waiting is the worst thing you can do. The sooner it is caught, the better.
You can have your child tested through a psychologist or have your child screened specifically for dyslexia. Click here to find out which option is best for you.
Orton-Gillingham based approaches are researched and proven methods to help teach children and adults with dyslexia how to read and write. Here is an information sheet on Orton-Gillingham based approaches from The International Dyslexia Association.
There are several Orton-Gillingham based programs available. The Open Door Educational Services uses The Barton Reading & Spelling System. It is highly effective, and is supported by scientific, independent, replicated research.
While receiving remediation, it will be necessary for your child to receive accommodations. Accommodations are equivalent to using a flutter-board when first learning how to swim. Not only will it help your child get to where he/she needs to go, but it will help him/her not to sink while learning.
– Dyslexia can range from very mild to profound.
– If you suspect that you have dyslexia, you can watch this video for more information.
– Remember that having dyslexia has no reflection on your intelligence. Some of the brightest minds of history were dyslexic!
Are you wondering if you have dyslexia? |
|---|
| Did you attend school regularly (at least in elementary school)? |
| Did you start having reading and spelling troubles between grades 1-4? |
| Are you a slow reader? |
| Do you need to read over the same page multiple times? |
| Do you have directionality issues or get lost easily? |
| Do you have trouble spelling words correctly? |
“This program has giving me the tools to decode words and be more efficient in my day to day life.“
My Daughter was always behind with her reading at school. Just 3 months ago she caught up with the rest of her class, but more importantly her confidence has improved.”
– Burke Cleland
