NODMLAYSIA

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning disability leading to difficulty in acquiring the basic skills of reading, spelling and writing. It is neurological in origin and characterized by challenges in integrating sounds to letters, syllable segmentation and accurate blending of phonemes. Dyslexia affects the growth of vocabulary which in turn impedes reading comprehension. The associated characteristics of Dyslexia are : difficulties relating to memory, time-management, processing speed, organization and sequencing and planning. However, dyslexia does not affect other spheres of cognitive abilities of the individual. Those with the disability resist conventional teaching methods but have been found to respond positively to effective alternative interventions.

Identifying individuals with Dyslexia

Dyslexia can be identified through careful observation or through comprehensive assessments. Individuals fall along a continuum from severe to mild and no two individuals in a classroom need be the same.

The characteristics given below are only indicators and may vary from individual to individual

Reading

Difficulty in integrating sound and letter Difficulty in remembering sounds of words Confuses words which have similar sounds ( ‘their ‘and ‘there’) Reverses , omits or adds letters in words Difficulty in following written words by sight Difficulty in blending sounds to form syllables Difficulty in reading multi – syllabic words Difficulty in decoding and encoding words Reading speed slow and hesitant Difficulty in recognizing punctuation marks, therefore reads without expression Shows minimal initiative to read Reading comprehension is negligible as attention goes to decoding Lacks vocabulary Lacks background knowledge

Spelling

Difficulty in recalling sounds Makes phonological errors ( confusing ‘ph ‘ and ‘f’) Difficulty in hearing word endings Difficulty with double consonants (butter)

Mathematics

May understand concept of addition and subtraction but unable to write answers down May recognize numbers but not able to count Word problems are daunting Difficulty in handling money Difficulty in understanding symbols

Writing

Finds it difficult to copy notes from the board Requires assistance to complete written work Unusual grip of pencil Unusual sitting position while writing Drops head over writing Inconsistent writing style Letters/ words written are not legible Slow writing speed Confuses right and left hands Difficulty in hand- eye coordination

Memory

Limited short-term memory – difficulty in remembering even short lists and instruction Difficulty in retrieving taught material for examinations Difficulty in cognitive organization of information Difficulty in organizing timetable, materials, items needed for learning

General Characteristics

Diminished self-confidence despite an apparent brash demeanor Considers school examinations a threat and goes through depression Tendency to drift away into other thoughts during lessons Generally good at art, acting, music and games Intermittent and limited focus on things to be done Restlessness Inconsistency in following routines Complains of stomach ache , headache etc. when put in situations where reading or writing is involved Difficulty in tying shoe-laces or fastening buttons in shirt Inconsistent school work

What is Dyslexia?

Identifying individuals with Dyslexia

The characteristics given below are only indicators and may vary from individual to individual

Reading

Spelling

Mathematics

Writing

Memory

General Characteristics

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