DyslexiaElizabeth Kelly & Moira BenceEDUC 357March 13, 2012

Definition• Dyslexia is a learning disorder which is linked to the 18th

chromosome and characterized by difficulty reading. There is no cure for dyslexia. It is a lifelong neurological condition caused by inherited traits that affect how the brain works. However, with help dyslexic students can be successful in school!

Types

Dyslexia may affect several different functions.• Visual dyslexia is characterized by number and letter reversals and the inability to write symbols in the correct sequence.• Auditory dyslexia involves difficulty with sounds of letters or groups of letters. The sounds are perceived as jumbled or not heard correctly.

Signs and SymptomsA child’s teacher is often the first to notice a problem. Once a child is in school, dyslexia signs and symptoms can become more apparent, including:• Reading at a level well below the expected level for the age of the child• Problems processing and understanding what he or she hears• Difficulty comprehending rapid instructions• Trouble following more than one command at a time• Problems remembering the sequence of things• Difficulty seeing (and occasionally hearing) similarities and differences in letters

and words• An inability to sound out the pronunciation of an unfamiliar word• Seeing letters or words in reverse (“b” for “d” or “saw” for “was,” for example)• Difficulty spelling• Trouble with word problems in math• Poor handwriting or pencil grip• Struggling to tell left from right• Trouble understanding non-literal language, such as idioms, jokes, or proverbs

Complications

Dyslexia can lead to a number of problems, including:• Trouble learning• Social problems• Problems as adults

Accommodations

Involving materials• Use tape recorder• Clarify or simplify written directions• Present a small amount of work• Block out extraneous stimuli

Accommodations (continued)

Involving interactive instruction• Repeat directions• Maintain daily routines• Provide a copy of lecture notes and graphic organizers• Simultaneously combine verbal and visual information• Incorporate balanced presentation and activities• Use mnemonic instruction

Accommodations (continued)Involving student performance• Change response mode• Encourage use of graphic organizers• Place students close to the teacher• Reduce copying by including information or activities on handouts or

worksheets• Have students turn lined paper vertically for math.• Design hierarchical worksheets• Allow use of instructional aids• Display work samples• Use peer-mediated learning• Encourage note sharing• Use flexible work times• Provide additional practice• Use assignment substitutions or adjustments

Increase Awareness

Teach your entire class about dyslexia using resources like BrainPOP!

Sources• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dyslexia/DS00224• http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyslexia/

what-is-dyslexia• http://www.brainpop.com/health/

diseasesinjuriesandconditions/dyslexia/preview.weml• http://www.readingrockets.org/article/28551/• http://www.medicinenet.com/dyslexia/page2.htm• http://www.etni.org.il/etninews/inter2d.htm