Dyslexia

What do Danish author Hans Christian Anderson, chef and television host Jamie Oliver have in common?

Dyslexia.

Many famous and successful people have gone public in recent times about their own learning problems and indeed many claim to have dyslexia, one of the most common learning disorders.

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability characterised by difficulties in single word decoding linked to phonological or auditory processing problems. The condition is a neurological disorder that causes the brain to process information differently. In addition to reading problems, dyslexia can also involve difficulty with writing and spelling.

Yet dyslexia should not be seen as a disability, it should be viewed as a different learning ability.

In fact, the condition does not stem from a lack of intelligence as many individuals diagnosed with dyslexia have gone on to live successful lives. Dyslexia only becomes a disability when the condition goes unrecognised and inappropriate teaching methods result in a failure to gain competency in literacy and numeracy.

What Causes Dyslexia?

Reading and writing involves more than just the language areas of the brain. Dyslexia takes many different forms and its aetilology (cause) is just as confounding. The visual cortex feeds information in from the page and the motor cortex is required to activate the muscles for writing. Information must flow freely between the areas concerned or else a form of dyslexia may result.

Doctors and researchers have yet to identify the exact cause of dyslexia although there is evidence to suggest that the condition is inherited as it often runs in families. Some studies have found a link between how the brain connects words with the sounds they make. Researchers found that defects in a specific gene associated with reading difficulties.

There is no cure for dyslexia, but individuals with dyslexia can learn to read and write with: effective remedial teaching, Neurofeedback training and Samonas Sound Therapy.

Dyslexia Assessment

It is important to note that there are interventions available to help individuals with dyslexia improve their learning skills. Early assessment is key to achieve long term improvements. Equally important is adequate support that is developed specifically for the individual.

Learning Discoveries is a specialised centre that covers a range of learning disabilities including dyslexia. We provide professional and detailed assessments for both children and adults. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the first step to assessing the problem.

Assessments are conducted in our Sydney office where we begin with a comprehensive diagnostic interview to better understand the full range of underlying factors that are present.

Dyslexia Testing

Early testing and intervention are key factors to successfully treat dyslexia. Even though the condition is lifelong, learning strategies and other methods can be used to deliver long term results. A formal evaluation by rained psychologists is necessary to assess the extent of the condition.

We provide a number of tests which include:

Psychometric testing : We perform IQ tests and other performance evaluations to assess learning difficulties. Standardised test of literacy and numeracy skills are also given.

• Integrated visual and auditory testing: These are given to test for attention and rate of variability of response. These are utilised with QEEG results to define EEG Biofeedback protocols.
• Central Auditory Processing (CAPD): To assess the processing of information in the brain, hearing and listening capabilities are tested. This also involves evaluating processing auditory information speed.

A number of other tests and evaluations are performed by our professional psychologists. Helping individuals overcome the difficulties associated with dyslexia starts with an accurate diagnosis. Professional testing allows for the early implementation of intervention strategies that are most appropriate.

Following the testing of dyslexia, we can then recommend a combination of psychological and non-psychological interventions. We work closely with you to design the most appropriate intervention plan.

For more information regarding dyslexia testing in Sydney or to make an appointment please send an email or contact us on (02) 9639 7778 during business hours. We understand that learning disabilities vary widely for every individual.

Our professionals are happy to answer any of your questions and provide assistance.