The Theory Of Reading Difficulties

Discussions of dyslexia require a definition of the term, and this is where we can come into some confusion if we are not careful. In fact, the “problem” itself exists in the defining of the word, and thus the labeling of those to whom the definition applies. However, with some knowledge of the etiology of “dyslexia” we can begin to ply our beliefs off the population of “dyslexics” and start to gain some understanding of their experiences with language learning. This is, after all, the intention of this research. Guardiola (2001) also assisted in redirecting the academic focus in this direction, towards the etiology of the term and how its history has shaped current social work, education, neurobiology, and psychology perspectives.

Dyslexia is not a disease or an identifiable physical condition, but a learning style. Dyslexia is frowned upon in the U.S and everyone is trying to figure out a way to cure it, but does it really need cured? Is dyslexia a true problem to the learner or could we just look at it as another obstacle to climb? In today’s world, dyslexia is not very common, but is the most common learning disability. Dyslexia only affects about twenty percent of the U.S population. Dyslexia is known as a learning disability, has many different causes, and many different symptoms.

According to Hull Learning Services (2013), dyslexia continues to be a subject of great debate. The word dyslexia is originated from the Greek dys- meaning ‘difficult’ and -lexia meaning to do with language. There are multiple definitions of dyslexia, because the matter in which in manifest in children and adults vary greatly. Definitions of dyslexia often focus on difficulties with the processes of writing, reading, spelling and general organization of everyday tasks. Dyslexia has been defined as the inability to acquire literacy despite normal intelligence. Other definitions have described dyslexia in terms of a list of symptoms. The symptoms often included are laterality problems; reversals in numbers, letters and/or words; reading

The most recent definition of Dyslexia was published in the DSM-52 as a specific learning disorder; ‘a pattern of difficulties characterised by problems with accurate or fluent word recognition, poor decoding and poor spelling abilities. Dyslexia is understood to be a genetic disorder as many family risk studies on dyslexia have proven3; there is a 50% risk that a child will develop reading difficulties if they have a parent with dyslexia.

Dyslexia is a term regularly bandied about the educational community and is a word that is likely to have been heard by most of the general public. For all its popularity, dyslexia is a term that is shrouded in confusion and ambiguity. This confusion was experienced first hand during SE1 and has been observed as something trainee teachers and teachers alike encounter regularly (PLL, 5/11/11], Appendix 1, pg2).

Gersons-Wolfensberger, D. & Ruijssenaars, W. (1997). Definition and Treatment of Dyslexia: A Report by the Committee on Dyslexia of the Health Council of the Netherlands. Journal Of Learning Disabilities, 30(2), 209-213. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/002221949703000208

Dyslexia wasn’t always known as dyslexia. The word “Dyslexia” in today’s world describes the learning disorder that more than 17% of the human populations are diagnosed with, but it wasn’t always referred to this way. Adolph Kussmaul, a German neurologist noticed that most of his patients could not read regularly and used many words in the wrong order. He then used the term “word blindness” to describe what his patients

According to Chall (1983) the primary deficit associated with dyslexia is phonological awareness and there are three symptoms; Inaccurate and inefficient single word recognition, Difficulty sounding out (decoding) unfamiliar words, and Inaccurate spelling that is the result of it. As a result of phonological deficit, students with dyslexia exhibit slow and inaccurate text reading, poor reading comprehension, varied difficulties with the symbol code for reading and

Dyslexia is a widespread and well-known disease that affects many. First of all, some symptoms are difficulty comprehending spoken, written, and language (DCU). Secondly, some children can take special classes if the disease is severe. Dyslexia can be mild to severe (DCU) depending on which the child was born with. Children may have to see a phonics teacher for help. These classes teach children sounds of letters and how the letters look (Silverstein 30). Third, this disease affects all nationalities and all races (Silverstein 9). Surprisingly, in the United States, twenty percent of the current population has dyslexia (DCU). In addition, one in ten adults has dyslexia (Austin Learning). Dyslexia is sometimes connected to attention deficit disorder and short term memory (Silverstein 25). Most children with dyslexia learn best by sight and touch.

Research in the field of Dyslexia has grown twenty-five percent throughout the last few years. From recent studies, we have discovered new and improved ways to help people who are hindered by Dyslexia, even though we are still learning more about Dyslexia every day. Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that hinders the academic progress of over 40 million American students who struggle daily, and can be helped with accommodations. In order to help these 40 million students, we must acknowledge what is Dyslexia, recognize what it is like to be Dyslexic, and explore what accommodations should be given to those who need it.

Dyslexia is the most prominent learning disability here in the United State but, it is also the most misunderstood. For centuries, those with dyslexia have been labeled as stupid and incompetent, when in fact they extremely intelligent, excelling in areas such as art, science and music. Due to our lack of knowledge and understanding, we as a nation are ignorant, deeming truth to the stereotypes that have long been associated with this so called “disease.” In order to reverse the damage that has already been done, we must differentiate fact from fiction. In order to fully understand dyslexia, individuals need to be provided with resources that address every aspect of the disability, including what it is, the possible causes, signs, symptoms and treatments available. Awareness is key to change!

According to the International Dyslexia Association (n.d.), “15-20% of the population has a language-based learning disability. Of the students with specific learning disabilities receiving special education services, 70-80% have deficits in reading” Language-based learning disabilities affect and impacts an individual throughout their lives. One of the most common diagnosis is specific learning disorder with impairment in reading, which is commonly referred to as dyslexia. Patients with dyslexia usually experience difficulty in reading and writing. They are often confused when pronouncing words and phrases, and usually have difficulty in reading fluency, comprehension, writing, spelling, recognizing and processing certain types of information.

Dyslexia is very generic among both kids and adults, as almost 20% of the American population is diagnosed with dyslexia. Even though dyslexia is something you are born with, symptoms start coming into you when you are in preschool, middle school, or maybe even high school. The symptoms starts showing up gradually, so it is not easy to identify if you have dyslexia. However, if you think you do, it would be best to consult an adult or a doctor. Some of the symptoms that starts showing up if you are born with dyslexia are: struggling with word memorization, difficulties in foreign language classes, forgetting to spell or pronounce a word, or if you are reluctant to read something.

Children with Dyslexia have trouble with reading and spelling. Some children do not seem to struggle with early reading and writing. They have trouble with complex language skills, such as grammar, reading comprehension and more in depth writing. Handwriting is a powerful treatment for a Dyslexic child. Dyslexic children may have low self esteem about themselves because people may think they’re better than them (Dr. Ryan 2). Children with this condition may have a lot of problems with learning things throughout their life. A Dyslexic child learn slower than regular children. Dyslexia in children can be treated with educational resources, specific therapies and medical interventions.

In the article “A new perspective dyslexia” by Karin Merkle in September 2014 in The Exceptional Parent that present evidence to the reader that supports “Dyslexia is a genetic brain difference that causes difficulty with language despite intelligence, motivation and education.” The author let the reader know that her evidence that is strongly supported by Dr Sally E. Shaywitz; with an article called “Dyslexia”- “A new model of this reading disorder