What Is Dyslexia? A Neurodiverse Perspective
What is Dyslexia & How To Help Dyslexic’s with reading and writing
Dyslexia Learning difference
Lets clean up some definitions Dyslexia is not a Learning Difference – Dyslexia means difficulty with words, much of the difficulty with words is rooted in the spelling system. Dyslexia is the weakness
The Dyslexics Strength is the Global processing style
The Learning difference is the Global processing style its that neurological processing style that is responsible for Creativity, Big picture thinking and the difference in Learning styleDyslexia is often described as a disability that prevents someone from learning and processing words or numbers.
The term dyslexia as said dyslexia means difficulty with words, the Individual has difficulty Reading or learning to read, even though they may be highly motivated. A more modern and accurate answer to the question what is dyslexia demands a two-part answer. The first part to the answer sees dyslexia as a difference in Processing style. my book Dyslexia Reading Success calls this Difference the global processing Style, Seeing Dyslexia from a Neurodiverse perspective, as global thinkers these individuals tend to view the world from and non-standard perspective, two common characteristics of this processing difference are Big picture thinking and a difference in learning approaches holistic integrated rather than linear isolated learning. And the Second part of the answer Gets to the root Meaning of the word dyslexia ( difficulty with words) looking at our spelling code and the irregular nature of our non phonic spellings – this view acknowledges that much of the difficulties global thinkers face are actually caused by irregularities in our phonic spelling code which courses some readers confusion and difficulty here’s three examples- Pray / Prey
- To / Two / Too
- There / Their / They’re.
So, What Causes Dyslexia?
First and foremost, dyslexia is not a disease it is one colour in the spectrum or rainbow of cognitive diversity – Just like any genetic trait, Global processing often runs in families though not everyone will have the same exact experience. Most people who experience dyslexia are actually intelligent and creative people in many have above-average intelligence. These people are not stupid or lazy, as a matter of fact, They word hard to overcome their Reading Hurdles. Research shows that dyslexia (difficulties with words) occurs because the brain cannot process phonetic information correctly. The reason behind this processing issues is explained in more detail in Dyslexia reading success, Which speaks about the big picture of dyslexia explaining that the root of the issue reading is the irregular nature of the spelling system. Pictures taken of the brain have shown that when people who experience dyslexia read, they use different areas of the brain than people who don’t experience dyslexia. The pictures also reveal that the brain of someone with dyslexia is less effective in relaying information to the automatic reading areas of the brain my research suggest that the reason for this is code confusion caused by the irregular non phonic nature the spelling system, Like a glitch the dyslexic reader hesitates asking themselves is it WOS, WOZ, or wAs, Logically the Individual decides on WoS or WoZ these are more phonically accurate. These are key issues dyslexic readers face when reading. This makes reading is slow and hard work for dyslexic readers.The Effects from Dyslexia
Because of the constant’s contradictions and setbacks the individual can suffer a loss in confidence. This lack in confidence can affect other areas because reading and spelling are intimately interwoven into the fabric of our society. A lot of people who have dyslexia will, work it out with help or find ways around it so others won’t know they are having reading issues Some people may blame them selves or even want to give up others still will just rely on reading apps, which again effects confidence and Hinders future reading progress and development The lack and loss of confidence can make it very difficult to spell freely or recognize short, words or be able to sound out longer words. It takes a good amount of time for someone with dyslexia to sound out a word. Reading words takes more time and focus, so the meaning of a Text can often get lost making reading comprehension poor. It’s no surprise that these people have trouble spelling and lowered confidence affecting individuals how problems express themselves in writing and speaking. A lot of people who have dyslexia will find ways around it so others won’t know they are having issues with a problematic code so they may blame themselves or even want to give up or rely on reading apps, which again effects confidence. There are people with dyslexia that have milder cases of dyslexia and therefore can have less trouble in the areas of reading and spelling. Some people have to work really hard to get around their difficulty with words but it does take training and perseverance, practice and time along with hard work. Keep in mind, dyslexia is not something that will go away on its own or you will outgrow it. Many people will find ways to learn and use strategies throughout their entire lives to get around it.What Is It Like To Have Dyslexia?
If you have dyslexia, you probably have problems spelling large and simple words you’ve seen many times over. You probably read slowly and feel you have to work twice as hard when reading. You might even mix up letters in words such as the word “won” becomes “whon” or “left” becomes “lift”. In other cases, sounds bend together without any spaces and irregular spellings make matters worst. “Feathers”, “laugh”. You could also have problems remembering what you read. You might remember a little easier when the information is read back to you or you hear it again.Maths and Dyslexia
Remembering spellings of Numbers can be a particular problem even if you understand and have mastered the basics of math. The Number “1” Sounds like “Won” the Number 2 Could be Too, To or “tWo” the number 4 cloud be For, Foor, Four the Number 5 phive, fiv, fivf, thive, five -The Number 6, Sicks, Six, Siks, Sics the number 7, seven, ceven, number 8 eight, eate – number 9 nign, nine (note even reading software reads most of these words phonetically give it a test!) If you are reading a speech in front of your class, you may get nervous or anxious reading out loud, when you come across ambiguous spelling patterns The bottom line, spelling and writing are very difficult for people with dyslexia particuly if they are relying on phonic spelling which is spelling how a word sounds, it can be a lottery.Diagnosing Dyslexia
There are many people who are embarrassed about dyslexia and try to hide it. What they might not know, is not to hide it, not to blame themselves and with the understanding of the irregularities, spelling practice and time, reading and spelling can get much more easier. There are many people in their teens and in adulthood hiding they spelling difficulty.Signs of Dyslexia
Teachers and parents of teens might notice they have confidence problems centred around reading and spelling:- Poor reading and spelling skills.
- Avoidance of reading and writing,even though they are very intelligent.
Difference in Processing style
Difficulty with directions such as left – right, up- down, or reading maps. They may have problems dealing with language classes.How to Treat Dyslexia and Develop literacy skills at School
In schools, psychologists or learning specialists can give several standardized tests to measure reading, spelling, writing, and language abilities. There are some tests for thinking ability known as IQ tests. Some people with dyslexia will have trouble with other skills such as handwriting math paying attention or remembering things. If so, there are other tests that can be performed. Even though dyslexia is difficult to get through, help is available. someone with dyslexia is entitled to extra help from the School system. Children and teens need to work with trained teachers, tutors, or reading specialists. This help is normally entered around (phonemic awareness) and letter sound correspondences of phonics. A teacher or tutor will use special learning and practice activities for dyslexia students. Students with dyslexia are given more time to complete tests and assignments and allowed to record class lectures and get copies of lecture notes. There are services available to provide recorded versions of books and textbooks. Computer software is available that reads printed material aloud. You should ask your parents, teachers, or leaning disability services coordinator how you can get these services if you need them. People with dyslexia get really frustrated, no matter how hard they try they can’t seem to keep up with other students. They start believing they are just not as smart as everyone else. Families and friends can help out enormously by understanding they are not stupid or just not trying. It’s really important that others see each person’s strengths whether in drama, art, or sports or something totally different. Everyone should praise each other for their talents People should never feel limited in the careers or academics. Most colleges have special accommodations for dyslexic students. Trained tutors, learning aids, computer software, special assignments for exams, and recorded reading assignment.How to Treat Dyslexia and develop literacy skills at Home, Working with Dyslexic’s Strengths
Things that can be done at home outside of formal instruction, here are 7 Brain principles to that act as a guide improving and developing Literacy Holistically skills as well as students’ skills and talents Brain Principle 1. The Principle of Growth and Continual Development (Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity). Every student is capable of continual growth and learning; the sky is the limit. Brain Principle 2. The Principle of Trial and Error. The brain is a trial and error machine and mistakes are learning opportunities. Brain Principle 3. The Principle of Transferable Qualities and Synergy: the Mind, Brain, Body, Emotional and Psychological Connection. Positive effects in one area can lead to positive effects in other areas; A student’s academic performance can be enhanced and supported using indirect means, such as self-belief, hobbies, physical exercise, and other developmental practices such as juggling. Brain Principle 4. The Principle of Scribing and Self-directed Learning. Exercising and refining phonologic awareness and fine detailed visual memory, by way of journaling, note-taking and reading texts that are of personal interest to the student. Brain Principle 5. The Principle of Relaxed Awareness. Deep learning is a personal matter: relaxed and self-motivated brains learn better. Brain Principle 6. The Principle of Positive Immersion (Racking up literacy experience). Brain Principle 7. The Principle of Activity. Every brain needs hobbies and interests. Hobbies provide an area of interest to explore in reading and writing, which develop students’ knowledge of vocabulary and spelling as well as gaining deep domain knowledge.Dyslexic’s Strengths and processing style
If you experience dyslexia -you are actually in good company! There are so many prominent people with dyslexia everywhere. They are doctors, corporate executives, politicians, actors, musicians, teachers, entrepreneurs, and the list goes on and on. It has long been known that dyslexics think outside of the box many dyslexics are drawn to running their own businesses, where they can get around their weaknesses in reading and writing and play to their strengths this is backed up by a study of entrepreneurs in the United States suggesting that dyslexia is much more common among small-business owners than the experts had thought. Julie Logan, a professor of entrepreneurship at the Cass Business School in London, found that 35 percent of the entrepreneurs she surveyed identified themselves as Dyslexic- the thing is dyslexic people only make up 10 to 15 percent of the population this shows that our global thinkers have amazing gifts and is a testament the they special processing style the global processing commonly known as big picture thinking, Dyslexia reading success Books cover the Big picture of dyslexia in more detail.If you want to continue helping your dyslexic reader, check out my great books on dyslexia.
“Johnny’s Hero’s Journey” is an inspirational book for young dyslexic readers, teaching the brain principles that aid in the development of literacy skills. This anime-inspired story fosters the development of literacy skills and habits for readers aged 6 to 16+.
Buy on Amazon
“Dyslexia Awareness: The Secret Phonic Lottery” is a creative masterpiece in dyslexia and neurodiversity research, not just a book but a catalyst for students, aiding dyslexic readers, educators, parents, and advocates alike.