What
is dyslexia?
Dyslexia
is a disability that hampers a person's ability to learn, write and sometimes
even speak. The word `dyslexia' derives from the Greek meaning `difficulty with
words'. It is a common learning disability among children in Malaysia as there
are approximately 500,000 children who suffer from it.
There
are three main types of dyslexia - trauma dyslexia, primary dyslexia and
developmental dyslexia. Trauma dyslexia develops when a trauma or injury occurs
to the part of the brain that controls writing and reading while primary
dyslexia occurs when the cerebral cortex or the left side of the brain does not
mature as the child does. Developmental dyslexia occurs when there is hormonal
development during fetal growth.
If
your child is unable to read, write or spell as well as his peers, don't be
quick to call him dumb or stupid. The problem may be much deeper. Children with
dyslexia have often been called dumb or lazy even though they are actually
children with above average intelligence. These children may be able to answer
questions that a teacher poses to them correctly but when the same questions
are asked in a written method, they may not be able to do as well.
Where
to look for help
There
are organisations and associations in Malaysia that can help your children cope
with dyslexia. Among them are the Kiwanis Disability Information and SupportCentre (KDISC) and the Persatuan Dyslexia Wilayah Persekutuan.
