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Dyslexia
Different, Not Dumb By Kelly Burgess
d Davis, was a child, he had so much trouble learning that he was eventually tested, found to have an IQ of about 49 and was allowed to just slide through the school system. Nothing was ever expected of him, because it was felt he was incapable of learning. Left to his own devices, Davis began to teach himself, making models of letters, sculpting items from clay and asking his brothers to help him understand the shapes that puzzled him. He went on to become an engineer – and was re-tested to find he had an IQ of over 160 – even though he never really learned to read until he was in his late 30s.
Then two decades ago, while writing his life story, he realized that he was making a blueprint for helping dyslexics learn to read. This led him to open a center devoted to helping dyslexics. Although his focus initially was on adults, he was helping children as well. The success rate at his center, coupled with the realization that not everyone could afford outside private help, prompted him to write a book for dyslexics or parents of dyslexics, to use at home.
Davis argues that dyslexia is not diagnosed early enough in children and that strategies for coping with the condition are delayed until the child begins to fail. Teresa Ankney of PAGER agrees, as does Abigail Marshall. All three would like to see earlier testing and intervention – even as young as kindergarten. However, in most schools, the special education system is not set up to react that quickly.
So what can a parent do? The key is to know your child, trust your instincts, insist on early testing and then follow up with the school to be sure they are meeting the needs of your child. It's the law that they do so. There are also many programs available for helping a child at home that a parent can use to supplement the school's adaptations. Some cost next to nothing; some, like private schools for dyslexics, are something only a fortunate few can afford. However, regardless of income level, a parent who is knowledgeable and supportive on the subject of dyslexia is the most priceless resource for any child
