Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to read, write, and spell. But can dyslexia be cured? Well, there are various treatment options available to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their reading skills.
In this article, we’ll explore some common misconceptions about dyslexia treatment and provide the truth about what can and cannot be done to help those with dyslexia.
Understanding dyslexia
Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects the way the brain processes language. It is not a result of poor vision or lack of intelligence. Dyslexia can manifest in different ways, but common symptoms include difficulty with reading, spelling, and writing.
Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects the way the brain processes language. It is not a result of poor vision or lack of intelligence. Dyslexia can manifest in different ways, but common symptoms include difficulty with reading, spelling, and writing.
If a dyslexic child has a reading assignment, they will probably struggle with words that don’t follow the usual letter-sound rules, such as ‘said’, ‘though’, ‘through’, ‘debt’, or ‘colonel’. They might have trouble keeping up with the theme of the text because they find it hard to track the text on the page. They will likely get frustrated about how much effort they have to put into reading compared to other children. If the text has sentences with more complicated structures, they will most likely struggle to understand the meaning of the sentences. All of these problems mean a dyslexic child will find it hard to understand the meaning of the text and answer questions about it.
Dyslexia is a challenge for adults too. For example, if a dyslexic adult’s job requires them to read a lengthy report or a technical document, they might not understand the content or may misinterpret what it means. This can lead to errors in their work or cause them to fall behind schedule. Also, dyslexic individuals often struggle with tasks that involve organising or prioritising information, affecting their efficiency at work.
It is estimated that 10% to 20% of people have dyslexia to some degree, and it can be diagnosed at any age.
Can dyslexia be cured?
Despite what some may believe, there is no cure for dyslexia. Dyslexia is a lifelong condition that affects the way the brain processes language. However, with the right support, interventions and treatment, individuals with dyslexia can learn to manage their reading difficulties and succeed in school and beyond.
One reason some think dyslexia can be cured is because they mistakenly believe dyslexia is a medical condition. However, dyslexia is neither a result of poor vision nor is it due to an intellectual disability. Dyslexia is a type of learning difficulty.
Can you grow out of dyslexia?
There is no guarantee that a person will “grow out of” dyslexia.
However, research has shown that early intervention can greatly benefit children with dyslexia. Also, specific accommodations such as extended time on exams, the use of online reading tutors, or the use of assistive technology can also help level the playing field for those with dyslexia.
Effective treatment options
While there is no cure for dyslexia, there are effective treatment options available to help individuals manage their symptoms and succeed in school and beyond. These options may include specialised reading programs, one-on-one tutoring, phonic-based reading programs, and accommodations such as extra time on tests or even audio books.
It’s really important for those with dyslexia to work with a qualified professional, such as a reading specialist or educational therapist, to develop a personalised treatment plan that meets their needs. With the right support and interventions, individuals with dyslexia can thrive and reach their full potential.
Sonic Learning offer the 3 Step Reading Program to help those with dyslexia. It’s a series of online learning programs specifically designed to help with reading difficulties. Most reading programs provide more and more reading practice or work on phonics skills without first building the underlying skills that support reading and phonics development. The 3 Step Reading Program is different – it uses the research-backed online programs Fast ForWord and ClearFluency Reading Assistant to build the underlying skills supporting reading and writing development.
The 3 Step Reading Program is done from home, with coaching from our team of professionals, which includes a speech pathologist.
The importance of early intervention
Early intervention is crucial for individuals with dyslexia. The earlier dyslexia is identified and treated, the better the outcome for the individual. Research has shown that early intervention can significantly improve reading skills and reduce the negative impact of dyslexia on academic and social functioning. It is important for parents, teachers, and health professionals to be aware of the signs of dyslexia, and seek treatment as soon as possible. With early intervention and the right supports, individuals with dyslexia can overcome their challenges and achieve success.
Supporting individuals with dyslexia
Now we know whether or not people with dyslexia can be cured – there is no cure available, but there are lots of treatment options. People with dyslexia are not doomed to fail. In fact, many highly successful people have dyslexia, such as Steven Spielberg and Richard Branson.
Reading skills—like any learned ability—can be improved. To learn to read, and learn to read better, we need strong memory, attention, processing and sequencing skills. There are a variety of ways to achieve this, so reach out to us at Sonic Learning to find out how we can help.
References
- Australian Dyslexia Association, Dyslexia in Australia
- Better Health, Dyslexia
- Lovett, M. W., Frijters, J. C., Wolf, M., Steinbach, K. A., Sevcik, R. A., & Morris, R. D. (2017). Early intervention for children at risk for reading disabilities: The impact of grade at intervention and individual differences on intervention outcomes. Journal of Educational Psychology, 109(7), 889–914.
- Livingston, Emily & Siegel, Linda & Ribary, Urs. (2018). Developmental dyslexia: emotional impact and consequences. Australian Journal of Learning Difficulties. 23. 1-29. 10.1080/19404158.2018.1479975.
- WebMD, Celebrities With Dyslexia
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