Winton Eliott
Double Deficit Dyslexia is a neurological disorder affecting how individuals read, write, and spell words.
It is characterized by difficulty in both phonological processing (breaking down sounds) and visual-spatial processing (attending to and decoding symbols).
People with this dyslexia are typically two to three grade levels behind their peers in reading and language skills.
People with Double Deficit Dyslexia often need intervention to gain the necessary literacy skills, as well as specialized instruction to address their multiple deficits.
Though this dyslexia can be challenging, individuals with DD can learn to read and write with help from professional educators who understand the disorder.
With appropriate accommodations and support, people with Double Deficit Dyslexia can reach their potential.
What are the impacts of double deficit Dyslexia on reading & writing skills?
There are several impacts of double-deficit dyslexia on reading and writing skills. These includes:
Academic struggles resulting from DD dyslexia
Academic struggles resulting from DD dyslexia can be significant due to the combined deficits in phonological and visual-spatial processing.
Students with Double Deficit Dyslexia may have difficulty decoding words, recalling spelling patterns for words, and understanding nuances in a language such as homophones.
They may also have difficulty organizing written material or following directions that require multiple steps.
These difficulties can lead to falling behind in reading and writing skills, as well as struggles with tests and other academic tasks that involve language.
Although these challenges can be significant, they can often be addressed with appropriate interventions and accommodations.
With the right support, individuals with Double Deficit Dyslexia can achieve success in school.
Need for specialized instruction.
The deficits in phonological and visual-spatial processing experienced by individuals with Double Deficit Dyslexia mean they require specialized instruction to learn how to read and write.
This instruction should focus on both their phonological and visual-spatial weaknesses, as well as provide explicit guidance that is tailored to the individual’s needs.
Specialized instruction should also incorporate a multisensory approach, engaging visual, auditory, and kinesthetic senses whenever possible.
Finally, it is important that individuals with double deficit Dyslexia receive accommodations such as extended time on tests or the use of assistive technology in order to make learning more accessible.
What are the strategies to support individuals with Double Deficit Dyslexia?
There are several strategies that can be used to support individuals with Double Deficit Dyslexia. These include:
Multisensory instruction.
Multisensory instruction is an evidence-based instructional approach for students with learning disabilities, including double-deficit dyslexia.
This approach involves presenting information through visual, auditory, and kinesthetic channels.
This helps to reinforce the material and improve recall.
Examples of multisensory instruction include providing students with visualizations, such as pictures or diagrams, while discussing a concept; allowing them to act out a task or process; and using hands-on activities to practice skills.
Explicit instruction.
Explicit instruction involves breaking down concepts into smaller, manageable pieces and providing step-by-step guidance on how to complete tasks.
This type of instruction has been found to be extremely beneficial for individuals with double-deficit dyslexia, as it helps them to understand the material better and gives them an organized approach to completing tasks.
Accommodations.
Accommodations are changes in how materials are presented or tasks are completed that make learning more accessible to individuals with double deficit Dyslexia.
These can include extended time on tests, the use of assistive technology such as voice-to-text software, and modifications to assignments or tests.
Accommodations should be tailored to the individual’s needs in order to maximize their success.
Assistive technology.
Assistive technology refers to any device or software that can help individuals with learning disabilities, such as double-deficit dyslexia, access information and perform tasks more effectively.
Examples of assistive technology for Double Deficit Dyslexia include voice recognition software, text-to-speech software, and spell-checkers.
These tools can help individuals by providing a way to access information without having to rely on their own decoding or writing skills.
With the right support and instruction, individuals with Double Deficit Dyslexia can be successful in school and reach their academic potential.
It is important for educators, parents, and caregivers to understand the unique learning needs of these individuals and provide appropriate interventions and accommodations.
Final thoughts
Double Deficit Dyslexia is a complex learning disability that can be challenging for individuals to manage.
However, with the right support and instruction, students can achieve success in school.
Strategies such as multisensory instruction, explicit instruction, accommodations, and assistive technology can all help make learning more accessible for individuals with Double Deficit Dyslexia.
It is important to remember that all students learn differently, and finding the right approach for each individual can make all the difference in their success.
