Course description

WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?

Dyslexia refers to "difficulty with word usage" and is a congenital learning disorder that becomes evident during the reading and writing years. Dyslexic children read and write later than their peers. They struggle with correctly pronouncing words and have a limited vocabulary.

As a neurological disorder, dyslexia is caused by differences in the areas of the brain's left hemisphere associated with language usage. It manifests through impairments in reading, writing, and pronunciation abilities. The brains of dyslexic individuals process information differently, which leads to various issues in reading, writing, sequencing, and organizing information.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DYSLEXIA?

• Difficulty learning to read
• Reading speed below expectations
• Omitting letters when writing
• Impaired handwriting
• Skipping letters while reading
• Reading words incorrectly
• Difficulty reading
• Difficulty writing
• Mixing up letters (e.g., b, d, p)
• Writing numbers in reverse (e.g., 3-6-9)
• Difficulty distinguishing numbers like "6-9", "3-8", "7-4"
• Difficulty understanding and explaining what is read
• Difficulty memorizing sequential topics
• Difficulty memorizing multiplication tables or rhythmic counting
• Mixing up colors
• Difficulty distinguishing left from right
• Difficulty expressing thoughts clearly
• Confusing addition and subtraction signs
• Difficulty with motor skills like tying shoes

WHAT TYPES OF LEARNING DISABILITIES ARE THERE?

According to DSM V, specific learning disability includes difficulties in reading, writing, and mathematics. A child may struggle in just one area or exhibit symptoms in all three domains.

1 - DYSLEXIA:

Dyslexia is a neurological-based learning disability that manifests as issues with fluent reading and reading comprehension. It is characterized by difficulties in perceiving sounds, analyzing, converting them into letters, auditory short-term memory, and rapid naming. Dyslexia is not a mental deficiency; individuals with dyslexia do not have low intelligence and may possess special talents.

2 - DISGRAPHIA:

Disgraphia is a deficiency in writing ability. It is unrelated to reading ability or intelligence. Individuals with dysgraphia struggle to apply basic grammar and spelling rules. For example, they may have trouble with letters like p, q, b, and d. They may write incorrect words when trying to express their thoughts. Children may also write letters that are improperly sized or spaced.

3 - DISCALCULIA:

Diskalkulia is a disorder related to understanding mathematical relationships and calculations, recognizing, using, and writing numerical symbols. This type of specific learning difficulty is the most challenging for students over time. Even if a child’s reading and writing abilities are close to those of their peers, difficulties in arithmetic can be wrongly attributed to laziness, lack of motivation, or carelessness.

4 - DYSPRAXIA:

Dyspraxia is a disorder that affects the ability to perform coordinated movements for specific purposes. The difficulty caused by dyspraxia is related to performing tasks that require physical coordination. The most prominent feature of dyspraxia is the difficulty in developing motor coordination, which significantly impairs learning school subjects and performing daily activities. Similar to dyslexia and other learning disabilities, the symptoms of dyspraxia vary depending on age and development. Problems with following game rules, slow movements, balance issues, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships are assessed in this area.

DYSLEXIA CASE STUDIES AND WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES:

Throughout the modules, case studies, examples, workshops, and practical exercises will be presented as part of the curriculum.