The first thing to understand about dyslexia is that it is not—I repeat—it is NOT tied to IQ. You are not stupid if you are dyslexic. You are not retarded or have any form of retardation. It has nothing to do with not working hard enough or not paying attention. Dyslexia is a unique, inherited learning difference. A dyslexic mind simply learns differently than other minds.
Dyslexia is more than getting the letters mixed up. It is
actually a genetic, learning difference where the brain has difficulty deciphering
language symbols. For people with
dyslexia, there is a localized weakness in the phonologic module of the brain—the
part of the brain where the sounds of language are put together to form
words.
While dyslexics struggle with reading, word decoding, oral
reading fluency and spelling, they may also struggle with organizational
skills, keeping time, planning and prioritizing, and concentrating with
background noise. However, dyslexics commonly
excel at thinking out of the box, connecting ideas, and seeing the
big picture. They may also be gifted in
areas of art, drama, music, computer science, design, math, mechanics, physics,
sales and sports.
Remember, dyslexia is a language-based learning difference
that is more than just getting letters mixed up or out of order. By understanding dyslexia, you can teach
dyslexic children language, reading and spelling in a way their brains will
understand it.
Dyslexia is not the end of the road. There is hope and there
is help.
Thirst for Learning is a one-on-one tutoring center for
children with dyslexia. Enid Duncan, the
founder of Thirst for Learning in Edgewood, Washington, has helped many
children learn despite their dyslexia over the past 12 years. She helped to pass a dyslexic educational pilot program for the state of Washington.
“Kids come to me thinking they are stupid,” Duncan says. “They
are not stupid. They have been labeled that way but they are not. They are brilliant.
They leave here with confidence in school and succeeding in education. They leave here knowing how brilliant they
really are.”
If your child is showing signs of dyslexia or struggling with
reading and spelling contact Thirst for Learning to set up an appointment. 253-334-0296 or email Enid.duncan@gmail.com www.thirstforlearning.com.
