SCHOOL PROBLEMS

Our system of education is designed for the "typical" or "average" student. Most teachers have little or no training that prepares them to recognize dyslexia, let alone provide assistance.

Even if there is some understanding of dyslexia, there usually isn't time to provide the individual attention these students need. If classes are larger than 20 students during the first few years, some students with learning differences are likely to fall through the cracks. Educators know that "reading readiness" occurs at different ages in different children - from as early as four to as late as ten years of age.

As the situation in our school system remains unchanged, many children starting school will be mislabeled as "lazy" or "slow." School isn't working for them. These students need help right now.

Students who haven't learned basic literacy skills by the second or third grade will usually begin to invent ways to get by, appear to fit in, or at least maintain some sense of self-esteem. These gimmicks may be highly ingenious, but they have nothing to do with success in school.

COPING MECHANISMS:

• Singing the alphabet song
• Sounding out each letter of every word
• Unusual body postures and motions
• Rote memorization
• Extreme concentration
• Dependence on others
• Avoidance of studies or tasks
• Physical or emotional agitation
• Extreme shyness or being the class clown

These are attempts to overcome frustration and despair. When symptoms begin to appear, they indicate that the child is already struggling and is likely to give up on school. The ideal time for a remedial program is before these behaviors become lifelong patterns. But it is never too late. Dyslexics of all ages have been able to fill in the gaps with the Davis Dyslexia Programs and solve their school problems once and for all.