Learning to read is a different journey for each child. Some kids seem to pick up reading skills with very little effort, while others need extra help along the way. For children with dyslexia, however, understanding the written word can be a lifelong struggle. October 2013 is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and Speech Associates of NY is joining the cause by dedicating our next two blogs to dyslexia education. So what exactly is dyslexia?
While most people have heard of dyslexia at one point or another, there are a lot of myths that surround the disorder. For example, many people associate the term with “crossed wires” or seeing letters backwards or in the wrong order. In reality, dyslexia actually means having a specific problem with reading, even though the individual has normal intelligence and normal vision.
While dyslexia may first become apparent as a child is learning to read, the disorder can continue to affect a child’s academic success for years to come. As kids get older, the focus in school shifts from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” This means understanding the written word is an integral part of every subject. From reading a chapter in a science textbook, to understanding a word problem in math class, reading becomes a basic part of education.
Many professionals are often involved in a child’s struggle with dyslexia, including the child’s classroom teacher and reading specialists. In many cases, a speech-language pathologist is also incorporated into the team to help the child learn to navigate written language and improve classroom performance. Next week, we’ll discuss some of the ways speech-language therapy can help a child with dyslexia.
Do you or has your child struggled with dyslexia? What have been some of your biggest challenges? Share your story in our comments section!
For information on our New York based Speech-Language Pathology services, please call Speech Associates of New York today at (212) 308-7725 or visit our website at http://www.speechassociatesofny.com and find out how our team of professionally trained and certified speech-language pathologists can help!
© 2013, Speech Associates of New York – All Rights Reserved
Speech Associates of New York 