Introduction
The word dyslexia is derived from the Greek word, dys, meaning poor or inadequate, and the word lexis, meaning words or language. Dyslexia is a learning disorder characterized by problems in processing words into meaningful information. This is most strongly reflected in difficulty in learning to read.
What is Dyslexia?
For almost a century after dyslexia was first described in a British medical journal in 1896, it was thought to be the result of a visual processing problem. Various forms of eye training were tried to improve visual perception; these generally failed. Today, researchers understand that dyslexia is a problem that arises from difficulties or inefficiencies in the brain in analyzing and processing individual …show more content…
Incomplete information to the brain then results in poor comprehension of what the child has read, or poor memory of visual information. Sometimes this process results in number and letter reversals and the inability to write symbols in the correct sequence.
Phonological (auditory) dyslexia refers to the specific learning disability termed auditory processing, or the more severe condition termed Auditory Processing Disorder (OPD). This form of dyslexia involves difficulty with sounds of letters or groups of letters. When this form of dyslexia is present, the sounds are perceived as jumbled or not heard correctly. And just as with visual processing, the brain correctly interprets information that it correctly received.
Dysgraphia is the term given to the most significant educational effects of the condition and refers to an inability to hold or control a pencil so that the correct markings can be made on paper. These symptoms are most commonly seen as poor letter formation in printing, or as poor cursive handwriting skills. As a specific learning disability these symptoms would be identified as immature fine motor …show more content…
The best way to find out if someone has dyslexia is to see if they have many of these signs and symptoms. Dyslexia is anything but consistent so keep a watchful eye out and pay close attention to the warning signs.
Extra Note: Children with symptoms of dyslexia have the greatest need for remedial action. The negative effect that dyslexia can have on a child going through school can have many consequences and will take its toll later on in life as well. Here is a list of things to look for:
Preschool and Kindergarten through Fourth Grade 1. Difficulty learning the alphabet, spelling, numbers, and days of the week 2. Hard time coming up with rhymes. 3. Slowly developing fine motor skills such as tying shoes, or using a spoon. 4. Having trouble learning new words. 5. Difficulty pronouncing words. 6. Difficulty articulating R's, L's, M's, and