EXPERT SOURCES AVAILABLE
October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month
1 in 10 People Have Symptoms of Dyslexia
Know the Warning Signs and Next Steps
BALTIMORE, October 1, 2012 – Did you know that 1 in 10 people have symptoms of dyslexia, including slow or inaccurate reading, poor spelling, poor writing or mixing up similar words? Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability, and contrary to some beliefs, it is not due to either lack of intelligence or a desire to learn. In fact, with appropriate teaching methods, dyslexics can and do learn successfully.
In honor of National Dyslexia Awareness Month in October, the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), would like to set the record straight about dyslexia and let families know that help is available at www.interdys.org.
Dyslexia occurs in people of all backgrounds and intellectual levels. People who are very bright can be dyslexic. They are often capable or even gifted in areas that do not require strong language skills, such as art, computer science, design, drama, electronics, math, mechanics, music, physics, sales and sports.
Dyslexia is not simply “reading backwards.” Some of the warning signs associated with dyslexia include:
- Difficulty learning to speak
- Trouble learning letters and their sounds
- Difficulty organizing written and spoken language
- Trouble memorizing number facts
- Difficulty reading quickly enough to comprehend
- Trouble persisting with and comprehending longer reading assignments
- Difficulty spelling
- Trouble learning a foreign language
- Difficulty correctly doing math operations
Parents who suspect that their child might be exhibiting signs of dyslexia or another language-based learning difference are encouraged to take action as soon as they suspect a problem. The earlier a child receives intervention the sooner he or she can get on the path to successful learning.
What to do if your child is exhibiting signs of dyslexia:
- Contact your child’s teacher, head of school, guidance counselor or pediatrician and express your concerns.
- Request a formal evaluation of your child by a professional or request a referral for testing to confirm a diagnosis of dyslexia or another language-based learning difference.
- Visit the International Dyslexia Association’s website www.interdys.org for fact sheets and helpful resources for parents.
- Be an advocate for your child. If your child is diagnosed as being dyslexic, fight for proper accommodations in his or her current school or look into specialized schools or tutors. Information and resources can be found at www.interdys.org.
- Keep a positive attitude. A diagnosis of dyslexia or another learning difference is not the end of the world. Children with dyslexia are bright, capable and able to go on to college and successful careers. If your child has dyslexia it simply means that he or she learns differently. Many top CEOs, scientists, artists and entrepreneurs are dyslexic.
Not all students who have difficulties with these skills are dyslexic. Formal testing of reading, language, and writing skills is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of suspected dyslexia.
EXPERTS AVAILABLE: The IDA’s world renowned experts in the fields of education, science, medicine and advocacy are available to discuss dyslexia warning signs, prevalence, treatment options, scientific advances and other issues related to dyslexia, and we can easily arrange to have families available throughout the United States to speak about their own struggles with dyslexia.
ADDITIONAL MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: In addition, the IDA will be holding their annual conference October 24-27 in Baltimore. More than 2,000 teachers, educators, speech-language pathologists, healthcare professionals and researchers from the U.S. and around the world are expected to attend this premier professional development conference centered on dyslexia and related learning disabilities. The IDA has developed an informative, interactive and exciting program including stellar keynote speakers, extraordinary full day symposia, instructive breakout sessions and inspirational award recipients.
About the International Dyslexia Association:
The International Dyslexia Association is a non-profit, scientific, and educational organization dedicated to the study and treatment of dyslexia as well as related language-based learning differences. The IDA operates 45 branches throughout the United States and Canada and has global partners in eighteen countries, including Australia, Brazil, England, Germany, Ireland, and Japan.
For additional information please contact Lisa Harlow of Clapp Communications at (410) 561-8886 or via email at [email protected].