Dyslexia Program

 

Dyslexia Staff

Christi Mills Academic Language Aquisition Therapist
Goldie Tappan Academic Language Aquisition Therapist

Definitions and Characteristics of Dyslexia

As defined in TEC 38.003:  

(1) "dyslexia" means a disorder of constitutional origin manifested by a difficulty in learning to read, write or spell, despite conventional instructions, adequate intelligence and sociocultural opportunity.

(2)"related disorders" includes disorders similar to or related to dyslexia such as developmental auditory imperception, dysphasia, specific developmental dyslexia, developmental dysgraphia and developmental spelling disability.

The working definition of the International Dyslexia Association states:

Dyslexia is one of several distinct learning disabilities. It is a specific language-based disorder of constitutional origin characterized by difficulties in single-word decoding, usually reflecting insufficient phonological processing. These difficulties in single-word decoding are often unexpected in relation to age and other cognitive and academic abilities; they are not the result of generalized developmental disability or sensory impairment. Dyslexia is manifested by variable difficulty with different forms of language, often including, in additons to problems with reading, a conspicuous problem with acquiring proficiency in writing and spelling (International Dyslexia Association Research Committee in collaboration with the National Center for Learning Disabilities and the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, April 1994)

The difficulties of a student identified as having dyslexia occur in phonemic awareness and manipulation, single word decoding, reading fluency, reading comprehension, spelling, and/or written compositition. These difficulties are UNEXPECTED for the student's age, educational level or cognitive abilities. Additionally, there is often a family history of similar difficulties.

Characteristics of Dyslexia

The following are reading/writing/spelling characteristics of dyslexia:

*difficulty reading single words in isolation

*difficulty decoding nonsense or unfamiliar words

*slow, inaccurate or labored oral reading

*difficulty with learning to spell

*difficulty with sequencing

*difficulty naming letters/objects

*reversals of orientation of letters or sequence of letters

*difficulty learning and remembering printed words

*difficulty with handwriting

*slow/labored handwriting

*difficulty finding the "right" word

*late/non established hand dominance

*problems learning concepts of time & sequencing

*difficulty learning directionality components

*delay in spoken language

*difficulty with phonological memory

*difficulty with reading comprehension

*family history of similar problems

Other factors for consideration:

*grades slip downward from year to year

*inconsistent performance from day to day

*inconsistent performance on standardized tests

*confusion with math symbols-not computation

*memorized spelling better than spontaneous spelling

*inordinate time spent on homework

*deteriorating organization & study habits

*deteriorating self-esteem & motivation

*good grades---with excessive struggle

*best form of expression is oral

*compensates using picture clues, teacher prompts

If you need additional information regarding the dyslexia program you are encouraged to contact Christi Mills @ 830-742-3503.