How Do They Go About Diagnosing Dyslexia?
The word “dyslexia” comes from “dys” meaning not working (correctly), as in ‘dysfunctional’, and “lexia” meaning pertaining to books and reading. Literally it means problems with reading, which is the number one characteristic of dyslexia. Problems with reading are frequently the first symptom/indication of the dyslexia condition.
Today, the great majority of dyslexia cases are identified early amongst school-age children. Dyslexia in children is detected by noting the student’s progress in reading. Any difficulty there leads to dyslexia screening consisting of a free dyslexia test.
Dyslexia screening tests for school-age children are a relatively new thing. Those of us who graduated from elementary school more than 15 years ago will most probably have never been tested. 95% of adult dyslexics are unaware of their condition.
Dyslexics who passed through elementary school 15 years or more ago had a rough time of it. They were treated as a bit dense, slow learners, underachievers. They were put down, denigrated and belittled because of their inabilities to do what others did.
This happened to more than a few people. Approximately 10% of the population has some form of dyslexia. Today there are literally millions of adult dyslexics out there that need help and don’t know it. Once they are diagnosed as dyslexic they can be quickly taught how to overcome their dyslexic symptoms.
The problem in diagnosing dyslexia in adults is twofold: 1. They don’t know that they are or might be dyslexic and 2. Their old school experiences taught them to be embarrassed about their condition and to hide it at all costs. This means that they will have taken jobs, often way below their level of abilities and intelligence, to avoid having to read, write down messages or anything they are uncertain that they can do.
If you know anyone like that, underemployed, never wants to read or especially read aloud, urge them to follow the links above and take a free dyslexia test!
Disclaimer: This posting is based on information freely available in the popular press and medical journals that deal with dyslexia. Nothing herein is intended to be or should be construed to be medical advice. For medical advice the reader should consult with his or her physician or other medical specialist.
By: James Godfrey
Filed under: General Interest