Practice Into The Future New Perspectives On Dyslexia

Practice Into The Future New Perspectives On Dyslexia (Specific Learning Difficulties) Anne Bohan ALO (Co-Director Assist Dyslexia)

What is Dyslexia / Specific Learning Difficulty? Dyslexia is a term used to describe disorders in one of the processes involved in understanding and/or using written languages. It can be a difficulty with reading, writing, spelling or maths. It affects approximately 10% of all children. Dyslexia is one difficulty that comes under the umbrella term of Specific Learning Difficulties. Children have difficulty changing oral language to the written word or vice versa. They often confuse the sequence and order of letters and numbers and find it hard to retain information in the brain. There were originally four main types of processing deficits. These were Visual, Auditory, Motor and Linguistic. Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dysorthorgraphy, Dysnomia and Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia are sub-types of the main processing deficits.

New Developments The field has become very specialised and the four main deficits have recently been separated into specific individual learning difficulties and additional deficits have been identified. Visual Processing Deficit / Visual Perceptual / Visual Motor Deficit (Surface) is still characterised by difficulties with understanding and processing visual information. Phonological/Auditory Processing Deficit (Deep) is caused by Note: Both of these are the subject of intense research and Motor Processing Deficit is now more commonly referred to as difficulties with identifying and processing sounds. debate. Dyspraxia or Developmental Co-Ordination Disorder (DCD) and is characterised by difficulties with co-ordination and movement.

New Developments Linguistic/Language Processing Deficit is now more commonly known as Specific Language Impairment (SLI) and is a delay in language acquirement. The child often has a basic vocabulary but doesn’t absorb more complex terms. For example the word chair is used for sofa, stool, seat etc. Specific Reading Comprehension Deficit (SRCD) is a failure to comprehend words, sentences or passages despite reading well. This is often missed because the child reads perfectly so it is assumed comprehension is happening. Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses.

Research Dyslexia is one of the most researched fields in the world. It is the most researched field in the area of education. Neurologists, Psychologists, Educators, Counsellors, Scientists and others have all conducted research on Dyslexia or Specific Learning Difficulties are a proven phenomenon but the complexity within each deficit make it very challenging to understand. Why? It is fascinating!

Causes It is now accepted that Dyslexia has genetic and neurological origins. It runs in families and affects boys and girls equally. Research has proven that dyslexics have a different brain cell make up (cognitive) and a different way of processing information in the brain (neurological). New research has also identified a new SLD which is called Specific Reading Comprehension Deficit (SRCD) Dyslexia is not caused by: • Sight / hearing difficulties • A lack of intelligence • Emotional problems • Poor teaching • Home / family difficulties (If any of these are present they will exacerbate the difficulties).

Dyslexia and Adult Literacy No research have been carried out in Ireland to establish the percentage of adult literacy students who have SLDs. Research in other countries such as America, Canada, Australia and Scotland have put the figure at between 40% and 55%. In the Leitrim Scheme, I assess the majority of adults accessing adult literacy and I firmly believe the number is that high. Tuition needs to be geared to the methods that best suit the specific difficulties. Dyslexic adults who are taught with appropriate teaching methods can attain average literacy skills in a short time frame.

Implications for Adult Literacy Organisers ALOs need training in the identification, assessment and tuition methods needed when working with Dyslexic adults. The rights to supports and tools for adults with Dyslexia are the same as those for children. Challenges to QQI results could become more frequent if these are not in place in the future. Technology is now available in the form of software and aps that allow students with Dyslexia achieve their potential. Equality for those with Dyslexia can only be achieved when all available supports are utilised.

Technology Supports in Ireland The Department of Education has recently sanctioned the use of the Reading Pen: Exam Version. This means students can bring it into exams and exam readers will not be needed. Universities provide software and learning aids to students with Dyslexia and they have an access officer who ensures the needs of students with Dyslexia are met. This will soon be the same in Adult Literacy and all further education and again ALOs need to be familiar with the technology options available.

Microsoft/Apple Both Bill Gates and Steve Jobs experienced the difficulties of Dyslexia and this explains the focus of these companies in providing software, aps and amazing learning tools (reading glasses) for individuals with Dyslexia. The phrase Neurodiversity in the workforce was coined as the particular skill sets and specific talents of those with Dyslexia become recognised. For example: Over 50% of NASA employees are Dyslexic (The International Dyslexia Association/The Dyslexia Centre).

Some useful aids Microsoft Learning Tools are free tools that implement proven techniques to improve reading, writing and spelling for people regardless of their age or ability. Electronic Dictionaries can be a useful resource such as the Franklin Spellmaster. Reading Pen and Reading Exam Pen Scanners that put text directly on to computers and can read it back. Dragon Dictate is useful but again Microsoft and Apple have software inbuilt into their devices.

Websites The following websites offer free demos and/or downloads. www. inspiration. com www. sparkspace. com www. clarosoftware. com www. penfriend. ltd. uk demo@texthelp. com(email)

Irish Sites Schools and colleges can apply for grants to purchase equipment to help dyslexic students but does this apply to adult literacy schemes/ Dragon Dictate: This allows a student to dictate material and the programme then types and produces a printed copy. Kurzweil 3000: This package scans printed material and reads it aloud. Texthelp: This programme helps the user with typing, reading, spelling and sentence construction. Suppliers: Jackson Technology, 24 Kiltipper Avenue, Aylesbury, Dublin 24. Awards Systems, 38 Pine Valley Park, Grange Road, Dublin 16.

What happens in Leitrim? Students are assessed on intake and if Dyslexia is identified further tests are run. Funds are not available to get confirmation from Educational Psychologists. This will be an issue in the future. Students with Dyslexia are taught together and if possible they are matched according to deficit. The majority of these students are employed or self-employed. Multi-sensory tuition programme is implemented and that ensures that learning strengths are targeted leading to fast progress.

Future Perspective Numbers of children in schools being identified is rising year on year. Parents will follow up if their child is struggling and many pay for private assessments to get the supports for their child. As knowledge about Dyslexia grows, this will transfer to the Adult Education Sector and educational staff will have to understand Dyslexia and the rights that individuals with Dyslexia have within the Irish Education System. Training and information now will ensure that ALOs can meet the challenges ahead and ensure parity of service is available to all.