Is Dyslexia Really Untreatable ?
By Dr . Sharon Snider
Dyslexia , from the Greek meaning ‘ difficulty with words ’, is the most common and well-known of learning disabilities . Symptoms generally involve difficulty with reading , writing , spelling , and / or math for no apparent reason . Individuals with dyslexia are frequently told that there is no cure for this condition , so various interventions are recommended in an attempt to improve skills in these areas .
The phrase ‘ no apparent reason ’ is key . In my opinion , the reason the root cause for most cases of dyslexia is not discovered is because thorough and appropriate testing is not being conducted .
Many individuals with dyslexia suffer with deficits in two or more areas of neuro-integrative processing , which is the ability to successfully integrate messages in the brain from the various senses .
As an example , it has been known for years that many dyslexics have visual skills problems . While most dyslexics are able to see 20 / 20 , the two eyes may be unable to work together as a team , or maintain focus , or even track from letter to letter . Symptoms may include the appearance of words moving on the page , blurred vision , double vision , watery eyes , eyestrain , loss of place , and / or a general dislike of reading . Some will cover or close an eye . Some will appear to have attention deficits ( ADD ). Some will simply give up .
The good news : visual skills problems are correctable with appropriately administered Neuro-Integrative Therapy ( NIT ). Appropriate NIT would include vision therapy , optometric phototherapy , lenses , and / or prisms .
Auditory processing dysfunctions are also associated with dyslexia . Many , as children , had a history of ear infections , delayed or impaired speech , impaired hearing , and / or noise sensitivities . If an individual ’ s hearing is disorganized due to developmental delays , toxins , or injury , that person will have difficulty making sense of what is heard or spoken . This may impair the ability to sound out words printed on a page . Speech may be unclear . Hearing may be painful ( i . e . covering ears at a party or church ). Many experience anxiety and even depression .
The good news : auditory processing problems respond beautifully to appropriately administered auditory stimulation programs – another branch of Neuro-Integrative Therapy .
Many with dyslexia have a vestibular dysfunction which negatively impacts balance . The vestibular system is the first sensory system to develop and relays information to the brain as to the relationship of the head to the body . If impaired , an individual may be afraid to ride an escalator or a bicycle , may not want to be laid back to have hair washed , or may not like to spin . Others may be hyposensitive and crave spinning .
Again , good news : neuro-integrative therapies exist to remediate vestibular hyper and hypo-sensitivities .
While this list of sensory dysfunctions is not exhaustive , the point to be made is that with thorough testing , the underlying problem ( s ) manifesting as dyslexia may be determined .
And the best news : In the vast majority of cases , individuals do not have to live with dyslexia for the rest of their lives as these root causes can be successfully treated with Neuro- Integrative Therapy .