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Resources for Reading Disabilities
Excerpted from Sylvan Learning Center’s Successful Student Magazine
By: Melissa Baker
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With 3 percent to 6 percent of school-aged children affected by developmental reading disabilities, it is more important than ever for parents to seek guidance.
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Identify the problem is the first step. Dyslexia is the most prevalent reading disability, according to the ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education, affecting 50 percent of children who receive special education for learning disabilities. Other disabilities, however, such as Attention Deficit Disorder and autism, also are manageable when properly diagnosed.
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First, work with the teacher to determine whether diagnostic testing is necessary. A child with dyslexia, for instance, may have difficulty segmenting words into individual syllables or have problems blending speech sounds into words. Testing also determines eligibility for special education in some states.
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In addition, visit your child’s classroom to see how he or she functions among peers. This gives you more time with the teacher as well. Keep a scrapbook of your child’s work to chronicle progress.
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Finally, educate yourself. Read suggested books, attend conferences, and network with tutors, counselors and other parents. For more information, take advantage of the following resources:
- The International Dyslexia Association publishes a series of booklets that deals with the emotional problems and presents learning methods for people with dyslexia. 8600 LaSalle Road, Chester Building, Suite 382, Baltimore, MD 21286-2033, 800/222-3123.
- The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the education, employment, social development, legal rights and general well-being of people with learning disabilities. 323 Chapel St., Ottawa, ON K1N 7Z2, 613/238-5721.
- Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a North American nonprofit organization that works to improve the lives of people with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through education, advocacy and support. 8181 Professional Place, Ste. 201, Landover, MD 20785, 800/233-4050.
- You Don’t Have to Be Dyslexic. Recommended for parents of dyslexic children. Author Dr. Joan Smith explains educational assessment and treatment procedures that have proven successful. Learning Time Products, 7230 S. Land Park Drive, Suite 101, Sacramento, CA 95831, 800/50-LEARN.
- Right-Brained Children in a Left-Brained World: Unlocking the Potential of Your ADD Child, by Jeffrey Freed, et al. Explores a variety of innovative and creative techniques for teaching children with ADD. Simon & Schuster, 800/223-2336.
- Learning Disabilities Association of America, 4156 Library Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15234, 888/300-6710.
- The Schwab Foundation for Learning. A bulletin board for parents, a resource search engine and links to publications. Download a copy of the kit “Bridges to Reading,” which includes strategies to help parents address reading problems. 1650 S. Amphlett Blvd., Ste. 300, San Mateo, CA 94402, 800/230-0988.
- Dyslexia: The Gift. Educational methods for students with reading difficulties plus information about autism, Attention Deficit Disorder and hyperactivity.
- “Fat City” is a video about how it feels to be learning disabled. Public Broadcasting System, 800/344-3337.
- Adam Zigzag, by Barbara Barrie. A family novel about a teenager growing up with dyslexia. Dell Press, 800/323-9872.
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