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If your family has a history of dyslexia, and you're noticing your child struggling with reading, writing and spelling obtain an evaluation either from an assessment professional or your local school district.
What is dyslexia?Dyslexia is a neurological, language-based learning disorder and is defined as “… a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by the difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.” (Lyon, Shaywitz, & Shaywitz, 2003, Annals of Dyslexia, p. 2)
How common is dyslexia?Dyslexia is thought to be one of the most common language-based learning disabilities. It is the most common cause of reading, writing, and spelling difficulties. Of people with reading difficulties, 70-80% are likely to have some form of dyslexia. It is estimated that between 5-10% of the population has dyslexia, but this number can also be as high as 17%. The symptoms of dyslexia range from mild to severe. Because dyslexia may not be recognized and diagnosed in some individuals, they do not receive the necessary treatment; others may not disclose that they are diagnosed. These mitigating factors make the prevalence of dyslexia difficult to precisely determine.
What are some signs and symptoms of dyslexia?Aside from difficulty with pre-literacy learning like rhyming and letter recognition, the most common sign is when a child fails to learn to read and this failure is unexpected based on his or her other abilities. Letter and number reversals may be common up to 2nd grade however past this, reversals may be a warning sign. Dyslexics may also experience hardship copying from the board or a book and they may exhibit disorganization in their writing. Children with dyslexia may also appear uncoordinated and have difficulty in an organized-game setting. Symptoms may also manifest in auditory problems—the dyslexic may not be able to remember all of what he or she hears, especially sequences, or multi-faceted commands. Oftentimes the dyslexic may speak missing parts of words or sentences or use the wrong word entirely. Dyslexics have normal to superior intelligence and often know what they want to say but have trouble actually saying it. There are also emotional symptoms. The child may become embarrassed, lose his/her interest in school, and appear lazy when in fact this is a symptom of not wanting to fail. Any of these symptoms may be present in various levels of severity. The variance in signs and symptoms is the reason why many children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities are never diagnosed.
Is there a "cure" for dyslexia?There is no cure because dyslexia is not a disease. With support, proper instruction, and hard work, many people with dyslexia are able to succeed academically and in their later lives. Dyslexia is a life-long condition, but intervention can have a positive effect on a person’s symptoms and outcomes. After an evaluation determines the specific area of difficulty and disability, it is very important that the child’s school and/or instructor are prepared to help implement a specific plan for intervention. There are many specific reading approaches that rely on a multisensory experience to strengthen the child’s weaknesses while using his/her strengths.
Is it too late to recieve help?No. Dyslexics can be taught strategies that can be applied throughout the lifetime. Programs involving multisensory structured language techniques have been shown to help adults as well as children. Early intervention is better, but intervention at any time can be effective.
Where did the name "Read Frog" come from?
I wanted to create a company name that encompassed all of my resources and acknowledged all
of the supportive people and places that have helped in my journey... I wanted to pay
homage to the two main schools that helped to educate and develop the ideas that I share
today: Texas Christian University- home of the Horned Frogs, and Texas Tech University-
home to the Red Raiders! My creative husband suggested a play on words and penned the following:
Neuhaus Education Center's Reading programs encompass the “OG” methodology to include sight, sound and multi-sensory techniques to target student learning styles. Some unique features of an “OG Program” include specialized training of the therapists and practitioners and tailored programming for dyslexics and all individuals struggling with reading, writing, and spelling. Orton Gillingham programs are scientifically based and allow a complete approach to dyslexia and reading intervention encompassing Vocabulary & Language, Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, Fluency, Reading Comprehension (connecting and understanding different types of text), Spelling, and Written Expression.
How much does dyslexia therapy/tutoring & assessment cost?
Call our office for current therapy session or assessment rates.
Standard fees for therapy/tutoring range depending on if the student is in a Group
Setting (1:4 teacher student ratio) or Individual Setting (1:1 teacher student ratio).
Overcoming Dyslexia By: Dr. Sally Shaywitz, M.D.
The Brain that Changes Itself By: Dr. Norman Doidge, M.D.
The Dyslexic Advantage By: Brock Eide, M.D. & Fernette Eide, M.D.
