Reader’s view: Identification, treatment lacking for dyslexia

In the Oct. 28 News Tribune, Lisa Carsrud wrote in her commentary how dyslexia is hurting our children (Local View: “Dyslexia: What no one knows is hurting our children”).

Dyslexia does affect 1 in 5 to 1 in 7 school-aged children and is present in about 12 percent of the general population, according to the International Dyslexia Association.

Dyslexia has been identified since the late 1800s and has been extensively researched for the past 60 years in the U.S. and worldwide. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurologically based, runs in families and affects an individual’s ability to read, spell and write due to phonological processing issues. It also affects reading comprehension and reading fluency. Dyslexia is found in countries across the world and in all socioeconomic classifications.

Dyslexia research clearly has shown the neurological influences for dyslexia; it also has identified clear means for treating dyslexia through multisensory, structured language, and direct-instruction approaches. Research has further shed light on the social, emotional and psychological impacts on individuals with dyslexia. In addition, dyslexic individuals are demonstrating strengths in certain areas of reasoning.

Dyslexia is a lifelong concern and affects individuals on a continuum of severity. Despite this there are many who have been successful, as Carsrud shared.

Information is readily available about dyslexia through books, research, articles and organizations like the International Dyslexia Association, the National Center for Learning Disabilities and LD online.

Unfortunately, Carsrud was correct that dyslexia is not being diagnosed nor are services being provided for many school-aged children. Many individuals with dyslexia and families of children with dyslexia struggle to find appropriate treatment. Providers are available privately but are at times difficult to find or may not be available in some communities.

Dyslexia will continue to be a concern for thousands of individuals of all ages. Awareness of dyslexia and supporting its identification and treatment are necessary.

Thomas Strewler

Superior

The writer is a board member for the

International Dyslexia Association’s

Upper Midwest branch.

Tags: readers views, opinion, editorials, health, education