With an estimated 5 to 20% of the population experiencing reading challenges, Dyslexia is the most commonly diagnosed learning disability.
As common as it is – the features of Dyslexia vary widely from person to person.
Why? Simply put: no two brains are exactly alike and there are a number of different cognitive functions that are essential for the reading process to develop smoothly.
Each individual given a label of dyslexia may have a different combination of underperforming cognitive functions leading to the diagnosis – so, as educators know, no two individuals with dyslexia are identical.
While there will be some commonality amongst dyslexic brains in terms of which cognitive functions are involved, differences occur between individuals with dyslexia in exactly which combination of cognitive functions, and to what degree of difficulty, they each manifest.
This explains why some struggling readers respond to a phonics-based program, some to a sight word approach, and others to a whole language approach.
The variance in cognitive profiles also explains why, despite enormous effort and funding spent on reading problems, there are still millions of people who are illiterate, who live extraordinarily difficult lives, all because the challenges of their unique cognitive profile have not been addressed.
Each cognitive function involved in reading can be identified and strengthened.
Studies show those participating in Arrowsmith accelerate their ability to read; and families report students are de-identified as having Dyslexia. Individuals develop a profound relationship with books and literature, now that they can read.
Determining which particular cognitive functions are causing one’s dyslexia, is the first and fundamental step in overcoming it.
If you or someone you know experiences dyslexia reading issues, and you want to know why, contact Arrowsmith today.
"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free."
Frederick Douglass (1818-1895)
You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 13, A Closed Book, of Barbara Arrowsmith-Young’s, The Woman Who Changed Her Brain.
