Dyslexia II

From the different studies about the causes of dyslexia, it has been proved that Dyslexia is actually a genetic situation that modulates how the brain processes information, and is passed on as a hereditary.
Genetics
If a person has been afflicted by dyslexia, there is a very strong probability of his/her children being affected by it too. Though numerous genes that multiply the chances of becoming dyslexic have been recognized by experts, the process by which it proliferates through generations is still to be known.
Dyslexia and reading and writing
Children who are about three years old are often confidently able to speak and understand phrases, due to the inborn capacity of the brain for these verbal languages. This fact does not stand the same in the case of reading and writing, both of which are often taken for granted. Both, reading and writing depend on an intricate interface of procedures. For instance when you read the word ‘mat’;
The eyes have to transmit the words to the brain
The brain has to correspond the alphabets to the specific sounds
The brain has to merge the various sounds to generate a single sound
The brain has to recollect what that particular sound signifies, using the long term memory, bringing an imaginative image of a mat.
A few problems that dyslexic people may face in the above listed processes have been explained below:
Phonological processing theory: this refers to the ability to match letters and words with their particular sounds.
The cerebellum theory: this refers to the physical discrepancies in the cerebellum ( part of the brain that is lies in the lower back area of the brain)
The magnocellular theory: this refers to the destructive growth of neurons called magnocells, which are responsible to make the eyes look at the right word at the right time while reading.
Working Memory theory: Working memory is that part of your memory which retains new information, either to be transmitted to the long term memory or to be forgotten. Dyslexic people have poor working memory, finding it difficult to transfer information to the long term memory.

Diagnosing Dyslexia
Dyslexia can usually clearly be identified during childhood, although a diagnosis of the condition may even not be made until adulthood. The two stages in diagnosing dyslexia are explained below:
Dyslexia Screening: the dyslexic child is asked several queries and his/her capability to write, pronounce and understand is tested. These tests are performed by the educational authorities and even at dyslexic charities.
Dyslexia Assessment: this refers to a severe test regarding the child’s potentials and faults. It is carried out by a specialist. There are several kinds of assessments done on the child to know various skills of the child like:
Reading and writing abilities
Memory
Logical reasoning
Development of speech and language
Speed of processing auditory and visual information

Treatment of Dyslexia
In Children:
The way of teaching has to be;
Structured
Multi-sensory
Cumulative
Thorough
Active
Useful

Phonics: the use of phonics needs to be made to improve the child’s pronouncing and reading skills.

Helping out your child by reading to him/her, overlearning, silent reading, fun reading, etc.

Computer: dyslexic children often feel comfortable working on computers.

Colour Overlays: When a colour overlay is placed on a page, a dyslexic child is able to concentrate much more than usual.

In adults:
Most of the techniques used to cure dyslexia in children apply to adults as well. Following are some effective self care methods to cure dyslexia:
Use electronic organiser and processors to write and manage daily activities,
Use multi-sensory approach, as in use an MP3 recorder to record, explanations and then listen to it while writing notes,
Divide activities into smaller parts, and
Make a habit of creating a ‘mind map’ instead of writing an entire list.