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One in five children struggle to read. They have dyslexia.
Dr. Sally Shaywitz/ Pediatrician & Neuroscientist: "A PERSON WHO IS DYSLEXIC IS ROBBED OF TIME. THEIR BRAINS ARE WIRED DIFFERENT, THEY DON'T HAVE THE EXPRESS ROUTE. SO A PERSON WHO IS DYSLEXIC HAS A PHYSIOLOGIC NEED FOR EXTRA TIME JUST AS A DIABETIC HAS A PHYSIOLOGIC NEED FOR INSULIN."
Doctor Sally Shaywitz, author of Overcoming Dyslexia, says unfortunately most children with dyslexia aren't identified until they're in the third grade. But spotting the problem early is key to getting the best treatment.
She says you can see clues even in preschool-aged children.
"IF THEIR CHILD HAS TROUBLE LEARNING HER LETTERS, LEARNING THE SOUNDS OF LETTERS, LEARNING HOW TO SOUND OUT A WORD. IF THEY HAVE DIFFICULTY LEARNING NURSERY RHYMES AT THE AGE OF 3 OR 3 AND A HALF."
She says parents should listen to their children read out loud. Do they mistake or mispronounce words, skip a line without meaning to, or add in extra words. Do they read without expression, or very slowly.
"ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT CLUE, TO A CHILD'S HAVING A READING PROBLEM, IS THE CHILD WHO SAYS 'IT'S NOT THAT I CAN'T READ, I JUST DON'T LIKE TO.' OR 'READING IS BORING.' I WOULD BE VERY CONCERNED IF I WERE A PARENT AND I HEARD THAT."
And if you think there's a problem, get it checked. With the right program, any child, and any adult, can be taught to read.
"AND THE IMPORTANT THING FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS TO KNOW-- YOU DON'T OUTGROW IT. IT'S A PERSISTANT CHRONIC PROBLEM. BUT YOU CAN EFFECTIVELY TREAT IT, AND EVERY CHILD HAS THE RIGHT TO READ."
