The story of dyslexia has been one of long struggle in the darkness of ignorance, culminating in rapid strides forward in progress in the most recent 25 years.
Dyslexics learn differently. Their eyes see objects the exact same way but their brains interpret the signals from their eyes differently than those of non-dyslexics. It’s O.K., many famous people have been dyslexic. But to reach their total potential they must be taught differently, in accordance with their needs.
For roughly the last 15 years, as part of a program to help in overcoming dyslexia, school-age kids have all been screened for signs of dyslexia in children. Those identified as “probables” went through a full-blown test for dyslexia. Those dyslexics thus identified were subsequently taught according to the way they needed to be taught.
Those who went through grade school more than 15 years ago almost all bear the scars of being hammered into molds that did not fit. They were ridiculed for their differences, looked at as retarded (which most are definitely not!), slow learners, etc. They were embarrassed and learn to hide their differences.
Millions of adult dyslexics today have never taken a dyslexia test. They still struggle with learning and reading difficulties that could be easily overcome if they were only known. A half-hour dyslexia test could make enormous improvements in their self-esteem and abilities.
There are a large number of different types of dyslexia to deal with. There is no standard definition, no real, workable way to sort them out into types and put them into nice, neat categories. Each one is different and needs to be evaluated and taught accordingly.
Dyslexia testing is not difficult or expensive or time-consuming. There is an excellent online test available now that can be done in half an hour from any place there is an Internet connection. If there is any possibility that a person might be dyslexic, they can find out for less than the cost of a visit to their Doctor or Dentist!
For more info on dyslexia and how it can be overcome, click on any of the above links.
Disclaimer: This posting is based on information freely available in the popular press and medical journals that deal with dyslexia. Nothing herein is intended to be or should be construed to be medical advice. For medical advice the reader should consult with his or her physician or other medical specialist.
Courtesy of – John R. Jones
