With the reading and language problems dyslexics often have to deal with, many parents wonder: is there a treatment for dyslexia? You see your child struggling with dyslexia and you want to find a way out for them. You hate that you can see their value, but all they see is that they aren’t learning as easily as their peers. You see how creative and inventive and sweet they can be, but they just see their weakness. Unfortunately, there is no true cure for dyslexia (perhaps someday…). But, even though there is yet to be some magic pill or operation that can take away dyslexia, researchers are continuously learning more about the condition.
Here are some recent news articles that offer the latest information in dyslexia research:
“Brain Scans Predict Which Dyslexics Will Read” – Reuters
“Dyslexia Breakthrough as Gene Link Between Right & Left-Handedness and Reading Difficulties is Found” – Mail Online
“Misconceptions Persist for Dyslexia” – AZ Central
“Rewiring the Dyslexic Brain” – Video of Dr. Papanicolau from the University of Texas
But it’s hard to wait on researchers to solve a problem that you want solved yesterday. Despite the lack of permanent treatments for the condition, there are steps you can take to help your child improve the language difficulties this condition creates. Researchers have found that the best option for helping your dyslexic child improve their reading is phonics-based Orton Gillingham reading programs. But before you get overwhelmed by all of that jargon, I’ll break it down for you:
Phonics Based
Phonics based reading programs help dyslexics improve reading by helping them learn how to split words up into smaller parts. Dyslexics have a strong right brain which leads them to look at things from the “big picture.” This is a valuable quality, but this makes reading difficult for dyslexics. When learning to read, it is important for a child to be able to break apart words into smaller pieces so they can sound out new words. By understanding phonics they have concrete skills they can use to break apart any word.
Orton Gillingham
This phrase sounds a lot scarier then it really is. In fact, the Orton Gillingham method is your dyslexic child’s best friend. It is what makes it possible for dyslexics to learn phonics. Their weakness in phonics is what makes reading hard for them. So how do they learn phonics? By applying the Orton Gillingham method to a phonics program.
The Orton Gillingham method is a multisensory approach to teaching phonics. It requires that instruction involves a child in visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities. By engaging multiple senses during instruction, your child makes new connections in their brain that helps them make sense of what they are learning.
Another aspect of the Orton Gillingham method that helps dyslexics learn phonics is its requirement that the program be taught in a step-by-step and logical manner. This also helps dyslexics attach more meaning to the phonics rules they are learning.
Even though there is yet to be a cure or treatment there are things you can do help your dyslexic child and researchers are always learning more. Feel free to offer any advice to other parents of dyslexic children, or ask any questions you may have!
Other Resources:
Blog Posts:
How to Get a Professional Dyslexia Diagnosis
What Causes Dyslexia? An Overview of 5 Theories
What is Really Known About Dyslexia?
Free E-Book:
Learning Disabilities 101- With a section on dyslexia symptoms and interventions!
Free Dyslexia Webinar:
“Dyslexia: From Symptoms to Solutions,” presented by Reading Horizons Dyslexia Specialist, Shantell Berrett.
