The Boston Parents Paper North Edition March 2009 : Page 25
Pamela Hook, Ph.D., president of the Massachusetts branch of the International Dyslexia Association. kinds of processing skills (such as the ability to hear sounds in words and to quickly name letters) are important for read- ing. In addition, brain- imaging techniques let us see how the brain processes information when children and adults read. We’ve learned that different areas of the brain are working when children with dyslexia are reading as compared to typical readers. We’ve also learned that inten- sive remediation can change that pattern so that the brain of an individual with dyslexia appears more similar to the typical reader. 5 How do kids suffer from dyslexia without their parents or teachers detecting it? Children with mild symptoms may escape notice, particularly if they are very good at other academic skills, such as math. Children with dyslexia sometimes have very strong underlying spoken language skills and, in the beginning, may be able to memorize stories so that they appear to be reading. It’s only when text becomes longer and more complex that they can no longer compensate for their difficulties. Also, information about the characteristics of dyslexia is not widely understood. It can be confused with gener- al lack of motivation, attentional issues and immaturity. This leads to difficulties in diagnosis and does not enhance early identification. There are several early warning signs. In the pre- school years, these include: • Delay in talking, • Difficulty recognizing and producing rhymes, • Difficulty remembering rote information, such as letter names, phone numbers and addresses, and • Difficulty remembering and following directions Don’t take a “wait and see” attitude if these signs are observed. It’s better to start some remediation if you’re unsure about your child’s development of pre-reading skills. Contact the Massachusetts Branch of the International Dyslexia Association at 617-650-0011 or visit the organization online at www.dyslexia-ma.org.3 Georgia Orcutt is associate editor of the Boston Parents Paper. Has your child reached the pre-teen years? Seem like a different child? Marsha Finkelstein, parent coach and life coach, can help Coaching for parents of teens and pre-teens Area workshops, see web for details Workshops • Telephone Coaching • Problem Solving Parent Education Seminars • Free Consultation • E-mail Newsletters www.movingbeyondcoaching.com 978-594-1171 Providing Behavioral Consultation & ABA Services for Families and School Systems 183 Bedford Street Lexington stepstosuccessconsultants.com 781-674-0000 Character Breakfast Buffet 1st & 3rd Sunday of Each Month 8:30-11:30am Adults $9.95 Children (10& under) $4.95 * Prices include Beverage March 1st: Cat in the Hat March 15th: Mickey & Minnie Mouse Characters subject to change without notice Gourmet Omelet Station, Waffle Station, Chef’s Special, Fresh Fruit, Warm Pecan Rolls & Assorted Pastries All you can eat delicious breakfast buffet offered EVERY Sunday Fun for the whole family! Rte. 1 South in Saugus • 781-233-7700 www.hilltopsteakhouse.com BostonParentsPaper.com • March 2009 • Boston Parents Paper N25
