Overcoming Dyslexia By Shaywitz Sally E

1. Dyslexia is a specific weakness in phonological processing

Dyslexia reflects a problem within the language system in the brain.

Understanding dyslexia's core. Dyslexia is not a visual problem or a lack of intelligence, but a specific difficulty in processing the sounds of language. This phonological deficit makes it challenging for individuals to break down words into their component sounds and match them to letters, which is crucial for reading.

Manifestations of dyslexia:

• Difficulty in recognizing and manipulating sounds in words
• Trouble learning letter names and sounds
• Slow and laborious reading
• Poor spelling
• Challenges in rapid naming of familiar objects

Despite these challenges, dyslexic individuals often demonstrate strengths in other areas, such as reasoning, problem-solving, and creative thinking. This pattern of specific weakness amidst general strengths is often referred to as the "sea of strengths" model of dyslexia.

2. Early identification and intervention are crucial for dyslexic children

It is never too early. Because the new knowledge is so basic and fundamental, it is applicable to people of all ages.

Recognizing early signs. Early identification of dyslexia can significantly improve outcomes. Parents and educators should be aware of early indicators, which can appear even before a child begins formal reading instruction.

Early signs of dyslexia:

• Delayed speech development
• Difficulty learning nursery rhymes
• Trouble recognizing rhyming words
• Struggles with letter recognition
• Family history of reading difficulties

Early intervention prevents the widening of the gap between dyslexic children and their peers. It also helps maintain self-esteem and motivation, which are often negatively impacted by repeated reading failures. Scientifically-based interventions implemented in kindergarten or first grade can dramatically alter a child's reading trajectory and future academic success.

3. Effective reading instruction combines phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency

All children must master the same elements of reading to become literate. The process of mastering each of these steps is simply more difficult for the disabled reader.

Key components of reading instruction. Effective reading programs for dyslexic children incorporate several critical elements:

1. Phonemic awareness: Understanding that spoken words are made up of individual sounds
2. Phonics: Learning the relationships between letters and sounds
3. Fluency: Developing the ability to read accurately, quickly, and with proper expression
4. Vocabulary: Building a rich understanding of words and their meanings
5. Comprehension: Learning strategies to understand and interpret what is read

These components should be taught explicitly and systematically, with ample opportunities for practice. For dyslexic readers, instruction must be more intensive, with more repetition and a slower pace to ensure mastery of each skill before moving on.

4. Dyslexia persists into adulthood but can be managed with proper strategies

Dyslexia is a chronic condition and... it does not represent a temporary lag in reading development.

Lifelong impact. Dyslexia is a neurobiological condition that persists throughout life. However, with appropriate interventions and strategies, individuals with dyslexia can become successful readers and achieve their goals.

Strategies for adult dyslexics:

• Continued practice in reading fluency
• Use of assistive technologies (e.g., text-to-speech software)
• Development of compensatory strategies (e.g., relying on context for word recognition)
• Advocating for accommodations in educational and workplace settings

Many adults with dyslexia find success in fields that capitalize on their strengths, such as creative problem-solving, big-picture thinking, and entrepreneurial skills. Ongoing support and understanding from family, educators, and employers are crucial for helping dyslexic individuals reach their full potential.

5. Brain imaging reveals differences in neural pathways for dyslexic readers

As they read, good readers activate highly interconnected neural systems that encompass regions in the back and front of the left side of the brain.

Neurological basis of dyslexia. Advanced brain imaging techniques have provided revolutionary insights into the neural basis of dyslexia. These studies reveal that dyslexic readers show different patterns of brain activation compared to typical readers when engaged in reading tasks.

Key findings from brain imaging studies:

• Underactivation in left posterior brain regions associated with word recognition
• Overactivation in frontal regions, possibly as a compensatory mechanism
• Differences in white matter connectivity between brain regions involved in reading

These neurobiological differences explain why dyslexic individuals struggle with rapid, automatic word recognition. However, brain imaging has also shown that effective reading interventions can lead to changes in brain activation patterns, bringing them closer to those of typical readers. This provides hope and evidence for the plasticity of the reading brain, even in adults.

6. Fluency is key to becoming a skilled reader and can be improved through practice

Fluency forms the bridge between decoding and comprehension, and children acquire fluency word by word, by repeated exposures to a word—if they begin pronouncing the word correctly.

Developing reading fluency. Fluency is the ability to read text accurately, quickly, and with proper expression. It is crucial for comprehension because when reading is fluent, cognitive resources can be devoted to understanding rather than decoding.

Strategies to improve fluency:

• Repeated reading of passages
• Timed reading exercises
• Partner reading
• Choral reading
• Use of audio books while following along with text

Regular practice with these strategies can lead to significant improvements in reading fluency. For dyslexic readers, fluency training should be a priority, as it helps bridge the gap between their often adequate decoding skills and their comprehension abilities.

7. Comprehension strategies and vocabulary development enhance reading skills

Reading comprehension develops gradually so that, over time, the balance tips from learning mostly from listening to learning through reading.

Beyond word recognition. While accurate decoding is essential, the ultimate goal of reading is comprehension. Dyslexic readers often have strong comprehension skills when material is read to them, but struggle when reading independently due to the effort required for decoding.

Effective comprehension strategies:

• Activating prior knowledge
• Predicting and questioning
• Visualizing
• Summarizing
• Making connections between texts

Vocabulary development is equally crucial for comprehension. Dyslexic readers benefit from explicit vocabulary instruction, including strategies for learning new words from context and understanding word parts (prefixes, suffixes, and roots).

8. Accommodations and assistive technologies support dyslexic learners

Accommodations represent the difference between academic success and failure, between a growing sense of self-confidence and an enduring sense of defeat.

Empowering dyslexic learners. Accommodations and assistive technologies can level the playing field for dyslexic individuals, allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities despite their reading challenges.

Common accommodations and technologies:

• Extended time for reading and writing tasks
• Audio books and text-to-speech software
• Speech-to-text software for writing
• Note-taking assistance
• Use of word processors with spell-check
• Modified assignments (e.g., oral presentations instead of written reports)

These supports do not give dyslexic students an unfair advantage; rather, they remove barriers that prevent them from showing their true capabilities. As dyslexic individuals progress through school and into careers, they often develop personalized strategies that combine accommodations with their own strengths to achieve success.

9. Choosing the right school and educational approach is vital for dyslexic students

Parents must always be vigilant to ensure that their child is receiving the most effective reading instruction, that it is integrated with his other academic subjects, and that his strengths are not overlooked.

Educational decisions. Selecting the right educational environment is crucial for dyslexic students. This decision involves considering factors such as the quality of reading instruction, availability of accommodations, and opportunities to develop strengths.

Key considerations in school choice:

• Evidence-based reading instruction
• Small group or individual instruction opportunities
• Teacher expertise in dyslexia and reading instruction
• Availability of assistive technologies
• Supportive school culture that understands dyslexia
• Opportunities to develop strengths and interests

While many parents prefer public schools for their diversity and broader opportunities, some may consider private schools specializing in learning differences or homeschooling. The key is to find an environment that provides effective reading instruction while nurturing the child's overall development and self-esteem.

Last updated: January 24, 2025