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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dyslexia?Dyslexia is the name for a specific perceptual motor disorder. It is a dysfunction of the perceptual processes of the brain causing the individual to perceive visual images and sounds differently. It makes him at times unable
to distinguish between various words, sounds and letters. Many dyslexics are hyperactive and distractible, and poorly coordinated. Back to Top
Is Dyslexia a Disease?No. Therefore there is no cure. However, because it is a dysfunction of the perceptual processes of the brain, a dyslexic person can be remediated, that is, taught to read and write and compensate for the dysfunction. Back to Top
Is Dyslexia a Seeing and Hearing defect?No. The dyslexic person’s hearing and vision may be perfect. The problem occurs when the brain tries to process what the eyes have seen or the ears have heard. The messages he receives are jumbled…scattered. One expert
has called it short-circuiting of the brain. It could be compared with the miswiring in a radio that can interfere with reception. Back to Top
Do Dyslexics have Normal Intelligence?A. Generally
speaking, the dyslexic person has average or above average intelligence. He is neither “dumb” nor “retarded”. But he is frequently regarded as being immature, a slow learner or mentally retarded by educators and others who are not trained in the diagnosis and
remediation of dyslexics. Back to Top
Does Dyslexia occur in both Girls and Boys?Yes. However it occurs far more frequently in boys. Sources indicate a probable 6 to 1 ratio. Back to Top
Does the Dyslexic person have any social problems?Yes. The dyslexic person has social problems caused by the frustrations he experiences due to his inability to learn in the standard educational environment. This can result in his being emotionally disturbed or overly
aggressive, and frequently a high-school dropout. A disproportionate number end up in juvenile institutions. The sooner a dyslexic child can be diagnosed and remediation begun, before a sense of failure has taken firm root, the less destructive is his disability apt to
be on his own life and on society Back to Top
Is Dyslexia a Widespread Problem?It is estimated that 10 to 20% of the population have dyslexia - over 25 million Americans. Studies also indicate that a higher percentage of dyslexics become antisocial than occurs in the general population. This certainly suggests the need to recognize and deal with the problem before it results in the present waste of human intelligence, and an even wider spread of social and economic problems. Back to Top
What Causes Dyslexia?The causes of dyslexia are still being researched. The most recent studies seem to show that it may be a chemical imbalance of
genetic origin. One study seemed to indicate an abnormality in the cell arrangements of the brain. Existing evidence indicates that it is hereditary. The probability of dyslexia has been traced through several generations of many families. Since dyslexia frequently goes
undiagnosed even today, it isn’t always possible to secure clinical proof. However, it is not unusual to discover a father, uncle, aunt, or other relatives who have the problem to some degree. Back to Top
What Are the Symptoms of Dyslexia?
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Can Dyslexia Be Diagnosed?
Yes. A diagnosis of this dysfunction is based on the presence of a syndrome of characteristics, a group of signs and
symptoms that collectively indicate a disease, psychological disorder or condition. Most experts agree that children should be screened for dyslexia in the first grade or even in kindergarten. Diagnosis by experienced people is neither difficult nor expensive. Back to Top
How is Dyslexia Treated?
The treatment is ordinarily educational rather than medical. It may take years of patient effort on the part of parents and
schools. The method used in the Shedd Tutorial Programs is know as Alphabetic, Phonetic, Structural Approach to Linguistics (APSL)
and multisensory teaching techniques developed and advocated by the late Dr. Charles L. Shedd. The goal is to return the student to conventional classrooms with the necessary training to be academically successful. Instruction tailored specifically to the needs of these
students is absolutely essential. This includes the need for structured materials, a multisensory approach in teaching technique, and much repetition. Back to Top
Can a Dyslexic Be Successful in a Career? Many have been outstanding in their fields such as, Nelson Rockefeller, Woodrow Wilson, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, General Patton, Bruce Jenner, Thomas Edison, Hans Christian Andersen, and many others. The intelligence of some of these was in the upper
stratum, yet many – early in their lives – were judged to be “uneducable” or even “idiot”. Others, although not world-famous, have been successful in business, mechanical fields, architecture, the arts, and other career areas. Some have become doctors, scientists, inventors, politicians, and generals. And some have become highly creative problem solvers. Most of these have never excelled in reading, and have remained poor spellers. Back to Top
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