[Mdpobc] dyslexia

[Susan Jolly]

I saved an article from the July 28, 2003 Time Magazine that explains
dyslexia using information based on brain-scan research from a book by Dr.
Sally Shaywitz called "Overcoming Dyslexia." This modern research has shown
that dyslexia is not a visual problem but originates in the brain.

According to the article, reading requires communication among three
different parts of the brain.  The first part makes it possible to vocalize
written words, either silently or outloud. It also begins the process of
breaking words down into individual phonemes. 

The second part of the brain continues pulling words apart and linking
letters to sounds.

The third part automates the process of recognizing words.

Brain scans show that in children with dyslexia a "neurological glitch
prevents their brain from easily gaining access to" the second and third
parts.  This means they have to develop alternative strategies for reading.

Google "Sally Shaywitz" to find out more, including strategies for helping
children with dyslexia.

As an aside, many years ago when it was still thought that dyslexia was a
visual problem, there was an attempt to teach tactile braille reading to
sighted persons with severe dyslexia.  I know of a sighted man who went to
Perkins for this reason. However, it didn't help him; he and others (for
reasons we now understand) had the same difficulties with tactile reading as
they did with visual reading.

Best wishes,
SusanJ