DYSLEXIA/READING DISABILITY & COMMON SENSE

When I started out in this field, many moons ago, I don’t remember feeling overwhelmed by the lack of common sense that seems to exist in the field of helping children.  Today, though, common sense seems to be at a shortage.

Caring, sensitive parents will come in to see me seeking direction for their child.  Reviewing testing that’s been done, I will typically see areas of need – usually with the core skills of reading, spelling and writing.  Yet, these kids are often not getting what they need. 

Why not? The parents are told something about the child’s IQ and the lack of a discrepancy between his score and achievement levels.

I don’t know about you, but if your reading skills were around the 30th percentile, you probably wouldn’t feel too happy about it – or very secure.  Yet, the 30th percentile is in the lower portion of the “average range” and therefore likely not eligible for receiving any special assistance.

If you are in the 30th percentile for word decoding and oral reading skills (reading fluency), you need help.  This is common sense. 

On a related note, nothing in the accepted definition of dyslexia (reading disability) talks about a discrepancy with IQ. Here’s the definition:

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin.   It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition, and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.  These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction.  Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge   (NICHD).

Sound like anyone you know?

If your child is having trouble with “accurate and or fluent word recognition,” then those skills need targeted attention, regardless of whatever IQ number has been identified.

If your child is having trouble with a sports skill, such as hitting a baseball, then you get him hitting practice.  Well, the same is true with academic problems. 

Target the areas with a laser focus.

Simplify and apply common sense! 

Tags:  Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, Reading Disability