Dyslexia

Dyslexia Video

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zafiGBrFkRM

What is Dyslexia?

• Children and adults with dyslexia simply have a neurological disorder that causes their brains to process and interpret information differently

• Results in…– Difficulty learning to read– Problems with reading fluently– Hindering vocabulary growth

What is Dyslexia?

• Most recognized of reading disorders– However, not all reading disorders are Dyslexia

• Trained professionals can identify dyslexia using a formal evaluation– Identifies: ability to understand written and spoken

language, reading skills strengths and weaknesses– Considers external factors such as, family history,

intellect, educational background, and social environment

What is Dyslexia?• Those with Dyslexia often have trouble expressing

themselves• Those with Dyslexia also have trouble focusing when

people are talking to them• This happens because…– They have trouble processing verbal information– Abstract thoughts and non-literal language are especially

difficult to comprehend for them

Dyslexia Warning Signs

Young Children who have trouble with:• Identifying letters• Letter-sound correspondence• Pronunciation of words• Using newly acquired

vocabulary• Learning common sequences• Rhyming

Dyslexia Warning Signs

School Age Children who have trouble with:• Spelling rules• Memorizing facts • Handwriting and fine motor

skills• Moving letters around when

spelling and reading• Multi-step directions• Word problems in math

Dyslexia Warning Signs

Teenagers and Adults who have trouble with:• Reading at the appropriate level• Comprehending non-literal

language• Reading aloud• Time management • Summarizing• Foreign languages• Memorization

Truth about Dyslexia

• Students with Dyslexia have normal intelligence

• Some students with Dyslexia are gifted in math or science

• Students with Dyslexia are not lazy• Students with Dyslexia usually do

not have hearing problems or vision problems

• Dyslexia is often not identified until adulthood

What can be done about Dyslexia?

• There is no cure, and Dyslexia continues throughout the student’s lifetime

• However, through tutoring, specialized instruction and support, these students can learn and be successful

• For those with Dyslexia, emotional support is extremely important

If you have a student in your classroom with Dyslexia…

• Be sure to work with their parents and specialists in constructing their IEP

• Read out loud to them as much as possible• Have their specialist or tutor help with– Recognizing phonemes– Reading comprehension– Reading out loud– Fluency– Building vocabulary

Celebrities with Dyslexia

Many people you have heard of suffer from Dyslexia, and have opened up about their own experiences… • Tim Tebow• Whoopi Goldberg• Steven Spielberg • Anderson Cooper• Magic Johnson• Jay Leno• Jim Carrey

References

• http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia

• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dyslexia/DS00224/DSECTION=treatments%2Dand%2Ddrugs