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08 October 2013

How To Handle Children With Reading Disorders

By Catalina Nielsen


Every child should have a good start in life. However, this is sometimes hampered by learning disabilities that come in various forms. This serious condition does not only affect early childhood, but may also affect the entire development and social life of the individual. Reading disorders should be addressed early so that they do not have major consequences.

The most common reading disability is dyslexia. This condition manifests itself as a difficulty in learning, comprehension fluency and decoding words. This condition is believed to have three cognitive subtypes, which are auditory, visual and attentional. Although its causes are numerous, it does not affect the IQ in any way.

The second condition is Hyperlexia. This is a condition in which the individual can be described as having above average IQs with word-reading ability that is well beyond his/her age. This is more of a super ability in which the ability to recognize words goes beyond the expected levels. However, some Hyperlexics experience difficulties in understanding speech. The majority of those affected lie within the autism spectrum.

Researchers and doctors have tried several approaches to help children with learning disorders. There are many theories that have been developed, but none has provided a specific answer that can help all individuals. Nevertheless, several strategies, when used in combination, can significantly reduce the effects and improve learning.

It is important to engage in word games. This is a great way to help the child with recognition as puzzles and such related games can engage children because they are enjoyable. The individual will become better in understanding difficult words and their vocabulary will also improve.

Reading aloud everyday has also shown success in some children. It is important to encourage the child to read labels, directions, and signs. This should be done everywhere including in the classroom, in the car, at home, and at stores or shops. They should take turns to read aloud with a parent, classmate, or sibling.

Choose something exiting. This will help engage them by capturing their attention. If they enjoy the experience of reading, you can expect that they will want to participate more often, which will increase learning opportunities.

Be encouraging to the child. Some children may have a big problem with memorizing what they have read. If you can have them explain and engage them in discussion, and then apply what they have learned, they will continually get better.

Make the child listen to books. He/she may benefit from listening to textbooks. You can also use trade books, tapes or other recordings. It is also important to use assistive technologies such as screen readers to help them see the words.

Read to the child every day before bed. This has been shown to develop the language of the learner. It is even more beneficial if the novel is above the level of intelligence of the learner.

Use of multiple sense can also help deal with reading disorders. Multi-sensory instruction triggers all sense. The child can feel, touch, hear, and engage in the activity related to the word.




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