Understanding Dyslexia and Finding How to Handle it

The definition of dyslexia according to Critchley (1970) is the difficulty in reading, writing, and spelling (disotografi), in the absence of peripheral sensory disturbances. In the sense of not having weakness in hearing, vision, intelligence, emotional primer or environment less support.

Dyslexia is a condition of learning disability in a person caused by difficulty in that person in performing reading and writing activities. Although having trouble writing letters and of course learning difficulties, does not mean dyslexia is an intellectual disability.

In addition to affecting the ability to compose sentences, read and write, dyslexia also affects the ability to speak on some pengidapnya. While the development of standard capability remains normal, such as intelligence, analytical ability and sensory power in the sense of taste.

Characteristics of Dyslexic Patients

• Having trouble learning the names of objects and sounds of letters.
• Spelling ability is inconsistent and unpredictable.
• Put words and shapes in the wrong order, for example write the numbers 6 to 9, or write the letter B when in question is D.
• Confused by the sequence of letters in a word.
• Read very slowly or make mistakes while reading aloud, and reading ability is below the average age of his age.
• Having visual disturbances when reading, for example, a child will notice that the letters and words will appear to be jumping or blurry, even though the results of the eye test show normal.
• Can answer questions well orally but have difficulty when having to give answers in written form.
• Must strive to learn sequential things, such as the order of the day or sequence of the alphabet. It is also difficult to remember the sequence or steps of a thing.
• Writing very slowly and having poor handwriting, can not recognize the similarities or differences in every word and letter.
• It is difficult to remember quick and successive instructions, as well as remembered words learned. Therefore they often have problems with timing and planning something.
• Having difficulty understanding sentences that are expressions or specific terms.
• It is possible that people who experience dyslexia feel dizzy while trying to read.
• Have trouble processing what you hear
• It is difficult to learn a foreign language.
• Difficult to do math-related problems, and did not succeed in more complicated math lessons.
• Most think with feelings and images, not with words or sounds.
• A dyslexic child can be a troublemaker or just too quiet.
• Vulnerable to ear infections, and sensitive to chemical products, additional flavors or certain foods.
• Have excellent long-term memory of faces, experiences and places.
• Difficulty focusing or focusing, sometimes seems hyperactive or often daydreaming.

Method of Handling Dyslexia

After the diagnosis of dyslexia is certain, the doctor will recommend the treatment that should be lived. Dyslexia can not be cured, but and early treatment has proven to be very effective in improving the ability of patients, especially reading.

One form of treatment that can help people with dyslexia is a special education approach and assistance. Determination of the type of intervention that suits usually depends on the severity of dyslexia experienced as well as the results of psychological tests of patients.

For children with dyslexia, the most effective type of intervention in improving literacy is the intervention that focuses on phonological ability. These interventions are usually called phonics. Dyslexic sufferers will be taught basic elements such as learning to recognize the smallest phonemes or sound units in words, understanding the letters and the composition of the letters that make up the sound, understanding what is read, reading sounds, and building vocabulary.

In addition through educational intervention, parents also have an important role in improving the ability of children. Simple steps that can be done include:

• Read books for children. The best time to read a book is when a child is 6 months old, or even younger. When the child is older, try reading together with the child.
• Work with your child's school. Discuss the condition of the child with the teacher or principal, and discuss the most appropriate way to help your child succeed in the lesson.
• Expand reading time at home. You may be tired of reading the same and repeated stories to your child, but this repetition will further enhance the child's ability to understand the story so that they become less familiar with writing and stories. Also give your child time to read for yourself without your help.
• Make reading a fun activity. You can choose a fun light reading topic, or an atmosphere to read elsewhere eg in the park.
• Encouraging and persuading children to read books and discussing their content together will also be useful.

Avoid criticizing when a child makes a mistake in reading in order for the child's self-confidence to be established.