OPTILEXIA (Whole-Word-Sight-Reading)
This is when children find themselves recognizing whole words by sight when reading, rather than decoding them, usually due to visual strength.
Optilexia is common in children who have ‘strong visual memory‘. In the initial stage of learning to read, they simply find it more intuitive to store words as images in their memory, rather than decoding the letters into their sounds.
When reading a block of text, optilexics are trying to recognise each word as an image, rather than relating the letters to the sounds. When you read in this way, the short words are visually similar and can easily be confused.
Symptoms
- Reading long words surprisingly well.
- Reversing words (e.g. on/no) and letters (b/d).
- Often visually or artistically gifted.
- Difficulty with unfamiliar words and placing names.
Just How Common Is Optilexia?
We see these optilexic patterns in at least 80% of struggling readers on our Easy-read system.
Can Optilexia Be Cured?
Because optilexia is rooted in a visual strength, we use a visual phonics system to help optilexics learn to decode. Just 15 minutes a day of reading using this method leads to much faster progress for optilexics than traditional phonics methods. They can, and do learn to read just as well as their peers, if not better!
DYSLEXIA
This is a common learning disorder that primarily affects reading and language-related skills in children and individuals of all ages. Children with dyslexia often have difficulty recognizing and decoding words accurately, which can impact their reading fluency and comprehension.
Here are some key points about dyslexia in children:
Symptoms
Children with dyslexia might exhibit difficulties in various areas, such as:
- Reading: Struggling with decoding words, reading aloud, and recognizing familiar words.
- Spelling: Having trouble with spelling words correctly and consistently.
- Writing: Facing challenges in organizing thoughts on paper and using proper grammar.
- Phonological Awareness: Difficulty with recognizing and manipulating the sounds of spoken language.
- Rapid Naming: Struggling to name objects, colours, or letters quickly and accurately.
Causes
Dyslexia has a neurological basis and is often hereditary. Brain imaging studies have shown that the brain areas responsible for language processing and reading may function differently in individuals with dyslexia.
Diagnosis
Dyslexia is typically diagnosed through educational assessments conducted by specialists, such as educational psychologists or learning disability specialists. These assessments evaluate reading skills, cognitive abilities, and phonological processing.
Intervention
Early intervention is crucial for children with dyslexia. Multi-sensory reading programs that focus on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension can be highly effective. These interventions are tailored to the individual needs of the child.
Support in Schools
Children with dyslexia may be eligible for accommodations in school, such as extra time for reading assignments and tests, using audiobooks, and receiving specialized instruction.
Emotional Impact
Children with dyslexia might experience frustration, low self-esteem, and anxiety due to academic challenges. Providing emotional support and promoting a positive attitude towards learning is important.
Lifelong Condition
Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, but with appropriate intervention and support, individuals can develop effective coping strategies and succeed in various aspects of life.
If you suspect that a child has dyslexia, it’s important to seek guidance from professionals experienced in learning disorders.
