One in five students, or 15-20% of the population, has a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia is the most common of the language-based learning disabilities. Nearly the same percentage of males and females have dyslexia.
Dyslexia is a neurological condition caused by a different wiring of the brain. There is no cure for dyslexia and individuals with this condition must learn coping strategies. Research indicates that dyslexia has no relationship to intelligence. Individuals with dyslexia are neither more nor less intelligent than the general population. But some say the way individuals with dyslexia think can actually be an asset in achieving success. Many are gifted in math, science, fine arts, journalism, and other creative fields. A list of such people would include Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Winston Churchill and many others who have changed the course of our world. However, their tremendous strengths are offset by noticeable weaknesses.
We have been fortunate to find, Paldo Learning/Reading Specialists, 1602 Colonial Parkway in Inverness. JoAnn Paldo provides
one-on-one Wilson tutoring stemming from the Orton-Gillingham program. She creates an environment that makes learning the English language interesting and understands that each person has their unique way of learning. Our daughter has thrived since working with JoAnn. JoAnn brings years of experience, strong background in education and is a mother of a dyslexic daughter.
My daughter talked to her 4th-grade class about her challenges of Dyslexia, with the support of her teacher. The class was learning about disabilities. And she wanted to share with the class about hers. Kids think other kids are “normal.” and they are the “only one” facing difficulties. And that’s not true. By talking about disabilities, the kids realized everyone has something that makes them special.
We want to help others and share our family’s struggled path with dyslexia and how our daughter is speaking out with kids at school to be a face in our community to spread awareness about Dyslexia.
Article by Carol Pseno
