General Chat

Yes its called SPLD now. When I was young, I remember my mum talking about someone being 'word blind'. I think that was probably the early term for dyslexia.

Hi I dont feel that my son or hubby has a 'disability' so to speak. We have always told our son that he is very clever and just the same as the other children but that he learns things in a special way. Apparently (and im no expert), it has been proven that in foetal development, there is a part of the cerebral cortex that develops back to front in those who have 'dyslexia'(broadly applied). They dont know why this happens, but in most cases it is linked to children/adults with this. It could sort of explain why said persons (dont want to offend anyone) write letters back to front and struggle to understand the wriiten word. My sis-in-law found that my niece (who has Dyslexia) read much easier if the book etc was placed on a music type stand and she read at eye level. Dont know why but it helped alot! As do certain types of coloured acetate placed over words etc. Though I think you need to see an optician who knows about dyslexia, to determine the correct colour acetate/glasses to use. An interesting article is here: http://www.interdys.org/servlet/compose?section_id=5&page_id=47 Vikki xx

Oh this should be an interesting programme to watch - Im with everyone else that has replied to this thread - yes it certainly does exist. I was amazed when my son passed all his GCSEs at grade c as when he was nine he could only just write his name and that was all. His school refused to acknowledge that he had a serious problem and it was only after I paid to have him tested privately that he got any help. I refused to give in and after many meetings with the school my son got his statement, he had one to one teaching at primary school and help at high school. He was in the top sets at high school but still had an assistant who sat with him to help when he got stuck. He also had pink coloured glasses prescribed by the only optician in our county that had the equipment to test for them. I worried about him wearing them at school but he wore them from the day he got them to the day he left school. My advise to anyone with a child with possble learning difficulties or signs of dyslexia is not to be put off by the school but to fight for the right for your child to have the education he or she deserves. It will cost the school and the authorities more money to educate your child but he has the same rights as any other child and deserves to be taught in a way he can understand.

Vera It is interesting to read of your son's coloured lens glasses. I sat in while a young child was tested at a specialist opticians, -as you say they are few and far between. It was amazing to see the difference that was made by reading through various colours. The speed and fluency was very much improved. It was hard to understand why this should be but we accepted the child's explanation ' The words stay on a straight line now' More can be read on the Irlen Syndrome site, from which I copied a small section here........ Individuals with Irlen Syndrome perceive the printed page and/or their environment differently. They must constantly make adaptations or compensate. Individuals are often unaware of the extra energy and effort they are putting into reading and perception. Reading may be slow and inefficient, or there may be poor comprehension, strain, or fatigue. Irlen Syndrome can also affect attention span, listening, energy level, motivation, work production, and mental health. People with Irlen Syndrome are often seen as underachievers or as having behavioral, attitude or motivational problems. Irlen Syndrome can also coexist with other learning problems, such as attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, or autism. Treatment for Irlen Syndrome may lessen many of the symptoms of these disorders. .........................................................

Richard Branson (who has dyslexia himself) in the Sun today .... ''I'm certainly not a scientist but what Professor Elliott says is a load of bo****ks' !!!!!!! Just about sums it up I reckon! Maz. XX

Hi All Thought I would bump this after the programm last night. What did you think? I think that they are wrong to say it doesnt exist. I understand that its hard to tell the difference between a poor reader and a reader with dyslexia, but Dyslexia has many different severities. I will stick with what I know and believe - my Son and Hubby and Niece and Nephew have Dyslexia, in varying forms and severity. The experts know it, I know it and they know it. End of story. Vikki xx

Interesting what was said about coloured lens too. I've seen them work.