Early Detection for Dyslexia
It is important to diagnose students struggling with dyslexia early on. Dyslexia is a learning disability that can significantly impact a child’s academic success.
The critical timeframe for early intervention services is between Kindergarten and first grade. Many of the interventions for dyslexia appear to be most effective in early childhood because it provides children with Dyslexia, access to accommodations that level the playing field.
What Happens When Dyslexia Goes Undiagnosed
When Dyslexia goes undiagnosed, it can cause reading and achievement gaps to widen significantly by the time the student reaches high school. The severity of these gaps may cause the student to feel so negatively about school that he or she chooses to drop out.
It also can impact future accommodations, such as extended time, on tests such as the SAT and licensing examinations. Oftentimes, requests are denied because the student did not have evidence of an “early developmental history “ of the disorder or did not have documentation of receiving formal accommodations throughout school. An early diagnosis will prevent these types of dilemmas from occurring.
Early Intervention Services For Those With Dyslexia
Early intervention services are highly effective and can support children in closing the achievement gap, developing a positive self-concept, enjoying reading and school, and reaching their maximum academic potential. It is critical that children receive early intervention services in Kindergarten or first grade, which give them the greatest chance at personal and academic success. Studies demonstrate that children who receive services during this timeframe have lost or greatly reduce their reading and achievement gaps between themselves and their peers.
It is vital to diagnose dyslexia in children as early as possible. If parents notice that their young child demonstrates a weakness in reading that may require support services, such as tutoring, the parents should consider a psycho-educational evaluation, as this will document the developmental history of the difficulty, as well as assist in the child receiving formal accommodations at school.
The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with Dyslexia. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.
