Harden Elkington
Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects the ability to read, write, spell, and process language.
It is commonly seen in children, but it can also occur in adults as well.
Understanding different types of dyslexia can help individuals better understand their own difficulties with reading and writing.
There are several types of dyslexia, all have different effects on one’s capacity to read, write and spell.
By understanding the various forms of dyslexia, individuals can better equip themselves with strategies that can help them succeed.
What are the types of dyslexia?
There are four main types of dyslexia, including:
Phonological dyslexia
Phonological dyslexia is the most common form of dyslexia.
It impacts an individual’s capacity to recognize and manipulate the sounds of language.
Individuals with this type of dyslexia often have difficulties decoding words and do not understand how certain sounds can be blended together to create a word.
They may also struggle with using phonics to decode words, memorizing sight words, and understanding sound blends.
However, these individuals typically have good comprehension skills and can understand complex language structures.
With the right intervention, individuals with phonological dyslexia can become proficient readers.
Surface dyslexia
Surface dyslexia is a type of dyslexia that affects an individual’s ability to read and recognize words by sight.
Individuals with this type of dyslexia have difficulty recognizing written words, even if they sound out each letter correctly.
This form of dyslexia can be particularly challenging because it often requires memorization rather than decoding.
It may also be more difficult for individuals with surface dyslexia to spell unfamiliar words correctly or recognize them when they are presented in different contexts.
With the proper interventions, however, individuals can become skilled readers and writers.
Double Deficit Dyslexia
Double deficit dyslexia is a type of dyslexia that affects an individual’s ability to read and spell.
Individuals with this form of dyslexia have difficulty decoding words, as well as understanding the phonological structure of language.
This type of dyslexia can be particularly challenging because it requires specialized interventions that may combine both phonemic and orthographic approaches to reading and writing.
For example, some individuals with double deficit dyslexia may need strategies that specifically target their decoding abilities as well as strategies that focus on increasing their understanding of the phonological structure of language.
With the right support, these individuals can learn to read and write successfully.
Visual/Motor Dyslexia
Visual/motor dyslexia is a type of dyslexia that affects an individual’s ability to process visual information.
Individuals with this form of dyslexia often have difficulty writing and copying words, as well as recognizing words in context.
This type of dyslexia can be particularly challenging because it requires specialized interventions that focus on improving the individual’s visual processing skills.
For example, some individuals may need strategies that specifically target their ability to recognize and copy words accurately or strategies that increase their understanding of the printed text in context.
With the right support, these individuals can become proficient readers and writers.
What are some strategies to support dyslexic learners?
There are a variety of strategies that can help individuals with dyslexia become more successful in reading and writing. Some of these strategies include:
Utilize multisensory learning
Multisensory learning is an approach that combines different types of sensory input (visual, auditory, tactile) to understand and learn new material.
It can be particularly beneficial for individuals with dyslexia because it helps them access information in multiple ways, making it easier to remember and comprehend.
Provide accommodations
Providing accommodations is an important part of supporting dyslexic learners.
Accommodations can include things such as allowing extra time on tests, offering alternate response formats (e.g., oral instead of written), and providing a quiet workspace.
These accommodations can help individuals with dyslexia access the same content as their peers while also reducing some of the frustration and stress associated with learning.
Utilize assistive technology
Assistive technology can be a powerful tool for helping individuals with dyslexia become more successful in their reading and writing tasks.
This type of technology includes tools such as word prediction software, speech-to-text, and text-to-speech software.
By utilizing these tools, individuals with dyslexia can access the same material as their peers while also reducing some of the cognitive load associated with reading and writing tasks.
Focus on reading comprehension strategies
Reading comprehension is an important part of any reading program and there are a variety of strategies that can be used to help individuals with dyslexia become better readers.
For example, providing context for newly introduced words, encouraging the use of graphic organizers, and providing opportunities for discussion about the text can all help individuals with dyslexia understand what they’re reading in a more meaningful way.
Provide structured and organized instruction
Structured and organized instruction is important for all learners, but it can be particularly beneficial for individuals with dyslexia.
Structured instruction involves breaking tasks down into smaller chunks to make them easier to understand, while organized instruction includes providing clear directions so that the learner knows exactly what they need to do.
By providing structured and organized instruction, educators can help individuals with dyslexia better access the material they’re learning and become more successful in their academic pursuits.
Develop a positive attitude toward learning
Having a positive attitude toward learning can make a huge difference in the success of an individual with dyslexia.
Encouraging open and honest communication, building relationships based on trust, and celebrating successes can help dyslexic learners feel more comfortable in their academic setting, which can lead to greater success in their education.
Additionally, providing guidance and support can help individuals with dyslexia build self-esteem and confidence—which can then translate into greater academic success.
Ensure accessibility in the classroom
Ensuring accessibility in the classroom is an important part of supporting dyslexic learners.
This can include making sure that materials are accessible to all students, providing alternate materials and formats (e.g., audio, visual), and being flexible with assessment methods.
By ensuring access to necessary materials and providing alternate forms of assessment, educators can help ensure that dyslexic students are able to participate fully in the classroom without feeling excluded or overwhelmed.
These are just a few of the strategies that educators and parents can use to help individuals with dyslexia become more successful in reading and writing.
By utilizing these strategies, it is possible to create an environment of support and understanding that can help dyslexic learners progress in their education.
Final words
Educators and parents of individuals with dyslexia should strive to create a supportive learning environment that is tailored to the needs of their students.
By focusing on accommodations, utilizing assistive technology, providing structured instruction, fostering a positive attitude towards learning, and ensuring accessibility in the classroom, it is possible for educators to help dyslexic learners become successful in their academic pursuits.
