What help is there for reading skills?
There are many good programmes available that aid children in their reading. However these can be both costly and time consuming. It is therefore important to tackle the correct programmes. Due to the dramatic differences in forms Dyslexia can take, careful screening of the child’s condition is important in choosing the relevant approach to teaching.
Should I try lots of different techniques?
Trying too many different learning techniques or programmes at once can overwhelm the Dyslexic and make it difficult to evaluate progress. It is much more productive to choose one program or technique and evaluate the results after a three month period. If progress is not being made it may be time to think about alternative options. Dyslexia/Irlen centres will offer advice on effective methods and programmes.
Irlen Method
In the specific example of Irlen syndrome it may be necessary to wear coloured lenses to improve reading. Younger children however may benefit from having different colour workbooks and paper to help offset the visual perception difficulties inherent in this condition, existing books can be modified with coloured plastic coverings to make them accessible also. This can reduce the glare of the page and remove the visual anomalies caused by light sensitivity. It is worth noting however that the most successful treatment are the Irlen lenses, offering specially prescribed treatment case by case.
