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November 26, 2002
A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK IN
RI
The different kinds of dyslexia are really fascinating, because
they
show how very complicated reading is, how many steps there
are
between seeing and comprehending. Any single step can go wrong.
Mixing up the shapes of letters or the order of letters are
two kinds
of problem. Associating sounds with letters and combinations
is
another. I wish I could remember all the kinds illustrated
on that
PBS program! Many people learn to hide their problems, using
their
good memories, and then later in life, when reading becomes
more
challenging (like in graduate school) they can't cope any
more
without more help. Foreign languages can be sensitive indicators
of
dyslexia - the coping strategies that work in one's native
language
aren't good enough in a second language. Very bright people
can have
these problems, and skilled professionals can figure out what
the
specific problem is and can teach skills to overcome it. I
find that
very hopeful for all sorts of teaching and learning.
I've learned about dyslexia in three ways: from talking with
graduate
students who, at that advanced stage, discover that they have
some
form of dyslexia; from a friend who is a specialist in diagnosing
reading problems; and from a program on public television
(Nova?
Frontline?) within the past year but I can't find it on line.
Usually a video is available for such programs - I'd like
to
recommend this one. Your public library might have it, and
unlike
the PBS search engine a human librarian won't require you
to know the
exact title or restrict you to specific, unhelpful keywords.
The best site I did find is http://www.dys-add.com/lrnmore.html
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November 26, 2002
A: FROM MENTOR DESIREE BUTTER,
MD IN PA
Dyslexia actually refers to a constellation of neuropsychological
information processing defects that varies from person to
person. For more
detailed information, please visit the Dyslexia Institute
website at:
http://www.dyslexia-inst.org.uk
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