Currently there is no cure for dyslexia and there are no medications which can correct the underlying brain abnormality that causes dyslexia. Dyslexia as such is not treated with drugs. Medications are usually prescribed for other associated conditions that can occur along with dyslexia such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Treatment of Dyslexia: Management of dyslexia involves interventions and treatments which improve the child’s reading and writing abilities. The management plan is formulated after complete evaluation of the child and the severity of their condition.
The educational therapist or the teacher usually uses techniques involving hearing, vision and touch to improve reading skills. The child may be made to listen to a taped lesson, then trace the shape of the letters with fingers, and then see the video of the same lesson; using several senses to learn can help the process and help them understand the information.
Reading specialist aims to help your child
- Learn to identify the smallest sounds that make up words (phonemes).
- Appreciate that letters and strings of letters represent these sounds.
- Understand and grasp what he or she is reading.
- Read clearly and loud.
- Improve and build the vocabulary.
Most children with dyslexia can be helped with just a few hours of specialised sessions, one-to-one teaching, or teaching in small groups. Hence, they miss just a few hours of their regular classes each week. However, children with more severe problems need to be transferred to a specialist school. If the child has severe dyslexia he or she may never be able to read well.
Remember that academic problems don't necessarily mean the child will be a failure. A child with dyslexia can succeed and become capable, if given the right resources. Many children with dyslexia can have extraordinary intelligence in a specific area such as mathematics and science or can be very creative and bright.
Parent’s role in dyslexia
- Address the problem early: A parent can note the earliest signs of delayed development in speech, and reading. Your doctor can help you to further assess the condition but your own observations are equally important. A parent you should learn and educate himself to know what’s normal and what’s not. If you are concerned about your child’s development, consult a doctor. If the doctor does not find anything wrong but you are still concerned; seek a second opinion. According to studies, early educational intervention before the age of seven or eight is more effective in achieving longterm improvements in their reading and writing.
- Read to and with your child: Start reading to your child from the time he is 6 months old or even younger. Listen to recorded books, rhymes, stories with your child. To an older child, read the stories with him after your child hears them.
- Work with the child's school: Inform the school and teachers of your child’s problem and make an individualised education plan. Work with your child’s teacher and assess her/his improvement, strength and shortcomings.
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