BLOG:
Why Does My Child Need A Dyslexia Specialist?
by Susan Louchen on 02/25/13
Even the best general education teacher
cannot give your child with dyslexia the one thing that is needed: the
combined individual time (4-5 hours/week) and specialized expertise
which is required to bridge some children from non-reader to
independent, grade-level reader.
Would you
expect your child to become a good tennis player by attending an
aerobic class, or participating on a softball team (running and swinging
arms is practiced, right)? Would you expect your pediatrician to do ENT
surgery (they are both doctors, right)? Should volunteers (anyone who
wants to help, or teenagers who need service hours, or college kids who
like to work with kids) deliver physical therapy so it won't cost so
much?
Scientific evidence collected
since the 1990's has identified the most effective instructional
methods which enable those with dyslexia to read and write effectively.
Multisensory Structured Language instruction (often called
"Orton-Gillingham," after the educational pioneers who first identified
the effective methods) has been practiced for over 80 years. However
only in the past 20 years has f-MRI technology enabled scientists to
quantify the effectiveness of instructional methods, and clearly
identify the right way to teach reading and writing to those with
dyslexia.
When students with
dyslexia receive individual, intensive, Multisensory Structured Language
therapy (recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatrics March 2011) by a dyslexia specialist, they typically become on-grade-level readers within 18-36 months. Students
with dyslexia reading "below bench mark" who do not receive such
specialized instruction typically do not reach independence in reading.
Ultimately, the
least expensive and most effective instruction for students with
dyslexia is individual, intensive Multisensory Structured Language
therapy provided by an experienced dyslexia specialist. The younger
students are when they begin this dyslexia-specific instruction, the
quicker they can be working independently at grade-level.
The harm of "waiting:" Dyslexia may not be evident in some until end of second grade, however most dyslexics can be identified before the end of Kindergarten. Withholding the correct instructional method can cause learning disabilities, anxiety, behavioral and attention problems.
Don't wait. Get your child the right instruction, right NOW. It is an investment that will pay off immediately, last a lifetime, and influence generations to come!
