What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. It refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. 

Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. 

Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, its impact can change at different stages in a person’s life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment, and in its more severe forms, will qualify a student for special education, special accommodations, or extra support services.

In this talk Jane Emerson provides an introduction to dyslexia. She gives an insightful view as to the causes, symptoms and effects of dyslexia as well as a view on what steps a parent may wish to take to tackle dyslexia.

We'll learn more in subsequent posts.

How can I identify a child with Asperger's Syndrome?

Here are some clues that can help us identify a child with this syndrome

Learners whose specific learning difference includes elements of Asperger syndrome may find that they can quite easily remember new lexical items and follow grammatical rules without any problems. But they may struggle more with the pragmatic usage of the phrases or the constructions and need more explicit instruction in appropriacy in different situations.

For teachers the key is to offer a range of strategies, and help learners to discover which ones work best for them. Students with specific learning differences may need a little longer than their peers to develop their vocabulary and range of structures. But with the right help, they will succeed.