Statistically every classroom in Australia has at least one child with Dyslexia, and yet Australian teachers are not provided with any standardised training to recognise Dyslexia or provide appropriate teaching for children with Dyslexia. Often, it is parents who are looking for answers to their child's learning difficulties, and find mixed messages about the causes and treatments for Dyslexia.
What is Dyslexia?
The International and Australian Dyslexia Associations' definition of Dyslexia:
“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological 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.”
What is Dyslexia?
The International and Australian Dyslexia Associations' definition of Dyslexia:
“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological 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.”
Dyslexia is a genetic, life-long difference in the way the brain processes language. Dyslexia can be improved with appropriate intensive instruction in the core difficulties of reading and spelling.
But wouldn't it make life easier if you could put on a magic pair of glasses that enabled you to read and write like a non-dyslexic person?
But wouldn't it make life easier if you could put on a magic pair of glasses that enabled you to read and write like a non-dyslexic person?
The joint statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Section on Ophthalmology, Council on Children with Disabilities, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, American Association of Certified Orthoptists on Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia and Vision states that:
"Vision problems can interfere with the process of learning; however, vision problems are not the cause of primary dyslexia or learning disabilities."
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists' statement on vision therapies for the treatment of specific learning disabilities such as Dyslexia is clear:
"Scientific evidence does not support the efficacy of eye exercises, behavioral vision therapy, or special tinted filters or lenses for improving the long-term educational performance in these complex pediatric neurocognitive conditions."
"There is no credible evidence to support claims for treatments such as vision training/therapy with or without combined neurodevelopmental training, Irlen tinted lenses and the Lawson anti-suppression device."
"Vision problems can interfere with the process of learning; however, vision problems are not the cause of primary dyslexia or learning disabilities."
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists' statement on vision therapies for the treatment of specific learning disabilities such as Dyslexia is clear:
"Scientific evidence does not support the efficacy of eye exercises, behavioral vision therapy, or special tinted filters or lenses for improving the long-term educational performance in these complex pediatric neurocognitive conditions."
"There is no credible evidence to support claims for treatments such as vision training/therapy with or without combined neurodevelopmental training, Irlen tinted lenses and the Lawson anti-suppression device."
Speech Pathologists are qualified to diagnose and treat language development problems, including reading and writing difficulties. Educational Psychologists and Developmental Paediatricians also diagnose a variety of profiles of learning difficulties including ADHD and Dyslexia.
However, it is very important that any child with learning difficulties have their eyesight and hearing checked to make sure their eyes and ears are functioning optimally for learning.
However, it is very important that any child with learning difficulties have their eyesight and hearing checked to make sure their eyes and ears are functioning optimally for learning.
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