dysTalk A Definition Of Dyslexia - Dyslexia - Forum - dysTalk

Sir Jim Rose in his report for the government has defined dyslexia as a: ''learning difficulty which primarily affects skills involved in accurate and fluent word-reading and spelling''.

Do people generally agree with this definition?

22/06/2009 09:55:28
Mark

Dear Mark,

Thanks for your helpful quote - I hadn't spotted it in the report.

There is an interesting debate going on re: a definition of dyslexia in the Dyspraxia forum:

http://www.dystalk.com/forum/dyspraxia/111-dyslexia-vs-dyspr...

I have posted your quote there too; I hope that's alright.

Best wishes,

Will

22/06/2009 20:40:57
Will

The Rose definition of dyslexia is too broad and generalised for me. I prefer the British Dyslexia Association definition:

''Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty which mainly affects the development of literacy and language related skills.

It is likely to be present at birth and to be lifelong in its effects.

It is characterised by difficulties with phonological processing, rapid naming, working memory, processing speed, and the automatic development of skills that may not match up to an individual’s other cognitive abilities.

It tends to be resistant to conventional teaching methods, but its effects can be mitigated by appropriately specific intervention, including the application of information technology and supportive counselling.''

23/06/2009 22:24:30
James

I like the International Dyslexia Associations ( http://www.interdys.org/ ) definition best:

''Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, its impact can change at different stages in a person’s life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment, and in its more severe forms, will qualify a student for special education, special accommodations, or extra support services.''

25/06/2009 14:13:25
Doreen

Dyslexia in its most basic form means a difficulty getting meaning from the printed word. Most students who are labeled dyslexic have a problem with phonological tasks and the relationship between phonological abilities and reading is based on the way we typically teach reading. We use what is called the indirect phonological route to meaning. That is, convert the graphical form of the word to its sound and from that sound you will derive its meaning. Some people cannot make that initial word to sound conversion and have a problem reading. The solution is simple, use a different approach.

A typical approach to reading remediation is to give practice is phonetic skills. This is an approach that is aimed at strengthening weaknesses. I think it is better to take advantage of strengths.

Would you teach a deaf child to read via phonics?

04/07/2009 19:35:10
DigitalDRZ (Member)

To add another definition here's Ian Smythe's definition of dyslexia (please do take a look at his talk where he describes the logic behind it):

Dyslexia is a difficulty in the acquisition of accurate and / or fluent word reading, spelling and writing that is neurological in origin.

It may be caused by a combination of difficulties in auditory and visual processing, working memory, and analysis, synthesis and storage orthographic and phonological lexica. The semantic and motor systems may also be implicated.

The manifestation of dyslexia in any individual will depend upon not only individual cognitive differences but also the language used.

22/07/2009 15:16:51
Josh (Member)

Currently the two best research based definitions come from the USA.

''Developmental reading disorder, also called dyslexia, is a reading disability resulting from the inability to process graphic symbols.''

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001406.htm

and

''Dyslexia is a brain-based type of learning disability that specifically impairs a person's ability to read. These individuals typically read at levels significantly lower than expected ...despite having normal intelligence. Although the disorder varies from person to person, common characteristics among people with dyslexia are difficulty with spelling, phonological processing (the manipulation of sounds), and/or rapid visual-verbal responding. In adults, dyslexia usually dyslexia usually occurs after a brain injury or in the context of dementia. It can also be inherited in some families, and recent studies have identified a number of genes that may predispose an individual to developing dyslexia.''

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dyslexia/dyslexia.htm

11/09/2009 02:26:45
dolfrog (Member)

I don't agree with any of the more than 100 years old definition of dyslexia written above. Dyslexic children just have a preferential way of learning. If we teach them according to the way they should be taught they will learn any language easily. For research reports from various countries to back up my statement please visit my blog:

http://www.parentingdyslexia.com

27/03/2010 09:14:58
Luqman Michel