INTRODUCTION

Dyslexia is a condition that makes it hard to learn to read and learn. It happens when
there is a problem with the way the brain processes graphic symbols. This study aims to provide
information regarding the definition, symptoms, treatment of dyslexia also known as reading
disorder and some local study here in the Philippines.

WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?

Dys: absence Lexia: language The Greek origin combines (dys‟) & (lexia‟) meaning an
absence of language. Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster
of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly
reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as
spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. There are three main types of Dyslexia have known
as:

PRIMARY DYSLEXIA- is a genetic form. It is the most common form of Dyslexia. Dyslexics
in this group typically experience problems with letter and number identification, spelling,
reading, arithmetic, measurement, time, instructions and other skill sets that are normally
performed by the left hemisphere. These Dyslexics are right brain dominant thinkers.

The majority of the world's population processes information primarily from the left
which is linear and sequential by nature. They learn best with a step-by-step approach. Right
brain thinkers however respond well to learning with the "big picture" or overview of everything,
whole images of words rather than phonics and relating all learning to real things or concepts.
They see the "forest before the trees". In other words, they have to see the conclusion of anything
before they can see the parts, sequences or meaning of a subject. The problem for these
Dyslexics is that general teaching methods in many schools worldwide are organized primarily
for the left brain student.

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SECONDARY DYSLEXIA- Developmental Dyslexia or Secondary Dyslexia is caused by
problems with brain development in a fetus that causes impaired neurological abilities in word
recognition and spelling. The difficulties and severity of this condition generally improves with
age. The child may experience Dyslexic symptoms throughout childhood but can perform well in
college if they receive proper instruction. These children generally respond well to phonics.

TRAUMA DYSLEXIA- is caused by a serious illness or brain injury. Dyslexic symptoms can
develop due to damage to the hearing from continuous flu, cold or ear infections in young
children, the child cannot hear sounds in words or "phonemes" so they have a difficult time with
sounding words out, spelling and learning to read. Older children or adults develop "Trauma
Dyslexia" from a brain disease or illness that affects their ability to comprehend language. These
people usually can read, spell and write prior to the trauma.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DYSLEXIA?

The signs and symptoms of dyslexia differ from person to person. Each individual with
the condition will have a unique pattern of strengths and weaknesses.

Symptoms can include:

 Delayed speech development compared with other children of the same age (although
this can have many different causes)
 Speech problems, such as not being able to pronounce long words properly and
"jumbling" up phrases (for example, saying "hecilopter" instead of "helicopter", or
"beddy tear" instead of "teddy bear")
 Problems expressing themselves using spoken language, such as being unable to
remember the right word to use, or putting sentences together incorrectly
 Little understanding or appreciation of rhyming words, such as "the cat sat on the mat",
or nursery rhymes

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  Difficulty with, or little interest in, learning letters of the alphabet

GENERAL SYMPTOMS

 Experience difficulties in reading and further language functions

 Demonstrate lower reading skills, which will result in poor comprehension
 May need more time and assistance than others when reading
 May have lower self- esteem
 May exhibit more emotional and behavioral difficulties

HOW IS DYSLEXIA TREATED?

Dyslexia is a life-long condition. With proper help, many people with dyslexia can learn
to read and write well. Early identification and treatment is the key to helping dyslexics achieve
in school and in life. Most people with dyslexia need help from a teacher, tutor, or therapist
specially trained in using a multisensory, structured language approach. It is important for these
individuals to be taught by a systematic and explicit method that involves several senses
(hearing, seeing, touching) at the same time. Many individuals with dyslexia need one-on- one
help so that they can move forward at their own pace. And also treatment focuses on helping
your child:

 Learn to recognize and use the smallest sounds that make up words (phonemes)
 Understand that letters and strings of letters represent these sounds and words (phonics)
 Comprehend what he or she is reading
 Read aloud to build reading accuracy, speed and expression (fluency)
 Build a vocabulary of recognized and understood words
 If available, tutoring sessions with a reading specialist can be helpful for many children
with dyslexia. If the child has a severe reading disability, tutoring may need to occur
more frequently.

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STUDY OF DYSLEXIA IN THE PHILIPPINES

Schools for special children - there shall be established one school for children with
special needs in every municipality throughout the country. Each of these schools shall be
divided into divisions which are required in order to adopt to the different needs of the children,
e.g. one section for the physically disabled, one section for the mentally challenged, and another
section for those with learning disabilities. These schools shall be administered by teachers who
are accredited by the DepEd for this purpose.

In Asia, dyslexia is not widespread but the number of victims is huge (Gorman, 2003). In
(Pellano, 2007).In the Philippines, this disability remains to be a mystery to many. It is sad to
know that I have not come across statistics that would show the prevalence of this disorder
among college or university students. Sauro (2009), citing the 2000 Philippine Government
Census revealed that learning disabilities in the country were not yet appropriately categorized.
In Philippines, knowledge and understanding of dyslexia is limited.

This is evident in the limited number of researches and articles that discuss this disability.
In a research conducted by Sauro (2009) regarding the awareness of teachers on dyslexia, he
found that 95 percent of the respondents had not attended any seminars about learning
disabilities (LD). On the same topic, Glodo (2004) discovered that teachers in the first
congressional district of Davao City were not familiar with the characteristics, causes, and
information or knowledge about dyslexia. The prevalence of dyslexia among learners had caused
many educators to struggle at the same time wonder about dyslexia for they lack the knowledge
and understanding of this specific disability. While there are already an enormous number of
researches done abroad, studies that looked into the linguistic experiences of dyslexic learners
are still inadequate. Local studies that were conducted regarding dyslexia only focused on the
level of awareness among teachers. Teachers have an enormous impact on the life of a dyslexic.
Understanding how to support the dyslexic student is the key to making that impact a positive
one.

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 As much as dyslexics have a learning and language disability, they also have gifts. As we
learn more and more about how the mind receives and digests information, we also learn that
everyone's mind does not work in exactly the same way. While dyslexics may find it hard to
express themselves in words sometimes, they may have a talent for thinking in terms of three-
dimensional pictures. They may have a gift for music or art. They could be phenomenal gymnasts
or great scientists and inventors.

INSPIRING THOUGHTS

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." -- Benjamin Franklin

In other words, being told something is fleeting, being taught something is more
memorable but learning something is unforgettable. Benjamin Franklin’s.

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REFERENCES:

Dyslexia Research. New helps and hopes for dyslexics By the Manila Times from
https://www.manilatimes.net/new-help-and-hope-for-dyslexics/7007/

Dyslexia Research (2017). Managing support by Parent Addressing Special Educational Needs
and Disability in the Curriculum: History;
From:https://www.smartparenting.com.ph/parenting/kids-with-special-
needs/dyslexia- signs-and-where-to-get-support-a1162-20170804-lfrm

Glodo, F. (2004). Awareness of dyslexia of elementary school teacher in 1st congressional

district. Unpublished undergraduate thesis, University of Mindanao, Davao City.

Sauro, C. B. (2009). Awareness of English teachers on students dyslexia at the University of

the Immaculate Conception. Unpublished Institutional research, e University of the
Immaculate Conception, Davao City.

http://www.healthofchildren.com/D/Dyslexia.html#ixzz5gj4AgVXn

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dyslexia/symptoms/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Philippines/comments/7ske67/filipinos_who_have_or_know
_someone_with_dyslexia/

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