DYSLEXIA

Dyslexia

Table of Contents

Introduction3

Dyslexia4

What is Dyslexia?4

What does it mean to be dyslexic?8

Early Intervention in Dyslexia8

Defining early intervention and why it is vital8

Issues associated with early intervention10

Advantages and disadvantages of early intervention10

Teaching Methods12

Definition of teaching methods12

How to build a teaching program13

Helpful Learning Skills17

What are learning skills?17

Matching preferable learning skills to the style18

Implications for Practice22

Inclusion of dyslexic needs22

Facilitating dyslexia friendly schools23

Conclusion26

References31

Introduction

Dyslexia is a common learning disability which has an impact on the way an individual processes written information. Its prevalence is thought to be around 5% - 10% of the population, which is a significant proportion (Pennington, 1990). Unlike other learning disabilities, dyslexia is not considered to be an intellectual disability and therefore IQ and the presence of dyslexia are not correlated. Dyslexia creates challenges for individuals to attain education, and those who suffer from dyslexia may find learning particularly difficult which will have an impact on their performance and motivation (Snowling 2000). For such reasons it is important that there is early detection of difficulties in learning to read amongst children and dyslexia to help improve the longer term outcomes. This essay will look at the issue of dyslexia and consider the implications of early intervention (Vellutino 1998). In doing so, the essay will begin by outlining what is dyslexia, highlighting what the research suggests, the signs and symptoms and the foundations of the condition. The definition of dyslexia will also be explored, which will show that although there are commonly agreed characteristics of the condition, there is no uniform definition of the term. In looking specifically at the evidence base for dyslexia and current understanding this will help to highlight the challenges experienced by the group as well as the difficulties for educators and professionals in the field. The essay will then move on to look at what is meant by early intervention, by defining the concept and highlighting why it is important in dyslexia (Berninger Et al. 1999). Much research has suggested that early detection and intervention is necessary in dyslexia to improve achievement, in doing so the essay will also broadly consider the advantages and disadvantages of early intervention. The essay will then move on to look at the teaching methods used in dyslexia and consider others ways to build and enhance teaching programs to best support dyslexic pupils. The final part of the essay will look closely at the specific implications for practice when implementing early intervention strategies, what this may means for resources as well as the facilities in schools. Consideration of these issues will help to highlight the main challenges to the education sector in meeting the needs of dyslexic pupils and attempting to enhance education.

Dyslexia

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning disability which is related to a difficulty in the processing and acquisition of language. These difficulties vary from person to person, which may be to do with receptive or expressive language, phonological processing (Ramus, Rosen & Dakin 2003; Bishop & Adams 1990), with spelling, handwriting and can even be linked to ...