Dyslexia Continued from Page 14
consensus research that supports a structured language approach (sometimes called an Orton-Gillingham approach). In addition, parents will want to bear in mind that research has shown that intensive, daily practice can dramatically improve a child’s response to treatment. Of course, the child’s motivation and attitude is extremely important, as well. Using a treatment approach that allows objective measurement of effort is helpful because persistence and motivation is fostered by praising effort as opposed to praising the work products. Q: Does dyslexia go away over time? Milner: Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, and dyslexia and other related learning disorders such as dysgraphia and dyscalculia cannot be cured. With proper help, many people with dyslexia can learn to read and write well. Early identification and treatment is the key to helping individuals with dyslexia achieve in school and in life. It is equally as important to help individuals with dyslexia discover and
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enrich their gifts and natural talents. Blackley: The language processing differences that accompany dyslexia persist over the life span, but much can be done to manage and overcome them. With appropriate treatment, people with dyslexia can often master reading and writing at highly advanced levels. They often benefit from the use of assistive technologies (e.g., text-to-speech and speech-to-text) and school and workplace accommodations to relieve fatigue that often accompanies the additional effort required for them to process print. Q: What are the two to three most common misconceptions about dyslexia? Milner: Myth: Dyslexia is a rare condi-
tion. Fact: Dyslexia effects 15-20 percent of the population. Myth: Dyslexics see things backwards. Fact: The problem is not a visual one but a phonological one. People read with their brain, not with their eyes. Myth: Dyslexic individuals are lazy and not smart. Fact: Many of the brightest, most intelligent people have dyslexia. Blackley: Myth: Dyslexics have general trouble with learning and dyslexia is correlated with IQ. Fact: Many dyslexics are highly talented, with adequate and even superior learning speed when the material is presented in an accessible format (e.g., audio recording).
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