By Kate Grey

IN this feature, I would like to shed some light on a disorder that might be unknown to some Guyanese, which is Dyslexia. This is a learning disorder that makes reading, writing and spelling difficult. A learning disability is a condition causing difficulties for someone to acquire knowledge and skills to the level expected by those of the same age; this condition is not the cause of a physical impairment.

Although in the U.S. this condition affects 17% of the population, in Guyana there is not much data on it.

So, what is Dyslexia exactly?
Dyslexia is a specific type of learning disability that affects reading due to the way that the brain processes graphic symbols. The brain would mix and jumble words and letters together, the person will also have poor memory of spoken words and commands.
Children with this disability are in no way below average on the learning scale, it just means that they process information differently. When it comes to learning, these children are extremely intelligent and gifted. Research shows that children with dyslexia have above average IQs and are creative; the trouble comes with expressing themselves in all forms of language, either spoken or written.

Cause
The exact cause of the disorder is unknown, but it is certain that it is hereditary, meaning that it is determined by genetic factors and can be passed from parent to child.

Signs to look for
This language-based learning disability has several symptoms, all relating to reading fluency, decoding, recall and reading comprehension.
Some signs shown in Preschool children:

* Talking later than expected,
* Slow to learning new words,
* Problem rhyming,
* Problem following directions that entail many steps
Some signs displayed in school-aged children:
* Reversing the shapes of written letters such as “d” for “b”, example: “dat” instead of “bat,
* Writing words backward, such as “tip” instead of “pit”,
* Problem linking words with sounds,
* Problems reading single words, e.g. as shown on flash cards.

However, it should be noted that if your child displays any of these signs, it does not necessarily mean that he or she has dyslexia. Many children usually write their letters in reverse before the age of seven. What I am trying to convey is that should you notice these signs, then you should seek the attention of your physician instead of self-diagnosing. It may be a bit difficult to do with a very young child, but try as much as possible to figure out what is your child’s normal behaviour, since every child is different.

Some signs displayed in adults:
* Dyslexic adults are highly intuitive (known to have “street smarts”, and are highly perceptive when judging the personalities of others),
* Misspeak, misuse or mispronouncing words without realising it,
* Difficulty reading unfamiliar fonts,
* Avoid reading out loud and may dislike public speaking,
* Has developed compensatory tricks to remember spelling and using homonyms such as their, there, they may even misuse homonymous terms. Also, the adults have poor or inconsistent phonetic spelling.

Diagnosing Dyslexia
This may be done with the aid of a doctor or reading specialist. Both you and the child will be questioned, specifically about the signs noticed by either teacher or parent. The child may have to take a reading and skills test, and these tests might include a personality test as well. How the child learns, solves problem and uses words will be taken into context. These tests will rule out dyslexia or any other learning disability.

Treatment for Dyslexia
As mentioned earlier, persons with dyslexia have a very different way of learning. There is no way to correct the issue, specifically with how the brain processes the information, but like with any other condition, early intervention and evaluation can greatly improve success for your child.
This is done with the use of various teaching techniques. Treatment for dyslexia will include, but not be limited to:

* Teaching how letters and sounds are linked to form words,
* Having the child read out loud with the help of the teacher,
* Teaching the child to listen and repeat instructions,
* Teachers will also use teaching techniques that involve hearing, vision and touch to improve reading skills

What parents of dyslexic children can do
* Encourage reading time — this helps to build the confidence of the child as well as improve reading skills,
* Read aloud to your child — it is recommended to start reading to your child as early as six months old or even younger. And when the child is old enough, try reading together
* Address the issue early — if you suspect your child to have a learning problem, it is best to speak to a doctor about the signs you notice.

What adults with dyslexia can do
Adults with dyslexia are all different, with different personalities and emotions. Some may be able to cope because of ways they have developed to get around the condition, but one of the many hurdles they might have to face is the constant change in workplace environment, while others may not find it as easy, due to being recently diagnosed and having to come to terms or not being aware that they have a learning disability.

* Seek evaluation and instructional help with reading and writing, regardless of your age,
* Get a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses,
* Most dyslexics find the use of technology helpful, e.g. computer, recorders and smart phones.

When it comes to any condition, research is key. In Guyana, information can be sourced or support given from these organisations listed; the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disability (which also has a facebook page), the Guyana National Commission on Disability (Ministry of Public Health).

It is important to remember that persons with any form of disability are humans with feelings and rights, who are an important part of the society, with families in need of our support as well.