Posted on 04/07/2009 5:24:44 PM PDT by bruinbirdman
Professor Joe Elliott, from Durham University, believes many parents with children who have difficulty in literacy lessons push for them to be diagnosed with dyslexia so they can get the extra support they need.
Prof Elliott says this leads to children being falsely labelled and ignores the fact there are simply many children who struggle to read and should be given help at an early age.
The academic, a director of research at the university's School of Education, said: "Many of the messages that I have received from parents have pointed out that the system has forced them to use the dyslexic label in order to access additional resources.
"Parents believe that if their child were to be diagnosed as dyslexic, clear ways of solving their problems would emerge."
Prof Elliott's views are provocative and he sparked controversy following his appearance on the Channel 4 programme Dispatches: The Dyslexia Myth, screened four years ago.
In it, he claimed to have little confidence in his ability to define dyslexia, let alone diagnose it, despite 30 years in the field.
Part of the problem, according to Prof Elliott, is that dyslexia is not easily identifiable.
One recent study into the condition identified 28 slightly different definitions of the term. The symptoms typically associated with it include everything from poor short-term memory to clumsiness.
"Not only do these blend into other diagnoses, such as dyspraxia, but they are also commonly found in people who are not considered dyslexic", he said.
Prof Elliott argues that a diagnosis is a hollow victory for many parents, not least because there is no clear evidence that any one teaching approach is more suitable for dyslexics than any other group of poor readers.
Instead of spending time, energy and money on diagnosis, he believes that resources could be
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
Hey - you know what I always tell people?
God gives us all special gifts and what I’ve learned is that many people who are “different” and have what is commonly referred to as a “learning disability” are often insightful, intuitive, creative, and excellent in many, many ways that a lot of us simply are not.
Hey - at least you make sense!! LOL! There was a new study done saying that the kids spend so much time with technology (bright lights and so on) that it is literally rewiring their brains. Doctor said all this stuff is infantilising their brains. I believe it wholeheartedly since I am in college with these kids.
Shots-problems=autism
We need moer people jumping on that soapbox with you.
that is dyslexic..my brother is one
Please read Edgar Cayce’s readings. This man ( GOD BLESS ) has cured every person that has asked. Look him up . A.R.E.
I think he said "late" wife. : (
I am so sorry. I did not notice the word, “late.” Please accept my humble apologies. It really is an amazing ability for one to have had though.
Glad another FR on here caught my boo-boo.
Thank you so much for posting me. I did NOT catch the word “late” in my hasty reading. I sent an apology. I feel awful.
It’s sometimes unfortunate we can’t edit our posts!
Wow. The support you got is great. As a female diagnosed with ADHD is almost unheard of. I don't think you see my point, but I'll get to it when I address your other points.
at night my mom and dad busted their but helping me with relearning everything I learned that day at school. I was given every access to help by my parents who loved me and still love me. No one failed me.
God bless your parents for working so hard with you. I was addressing the stereotypical parents of "boisterous kids" who just shove drugs at their kids. I have seen children (usually boys) spirits get suppressed to the point of soul-death.
I’m quite aware of the issues I had and still have. It wasn’t man made and wasn’t anyones fault. So unless you have personal experience in dealing with these learning disabilities I’d just stay quiet!
I meant my post to be motivational and inspiring -- to not let you be dragged down by predetermined diagnoses of failure.
I wasn't diagnosed with learning disabilities, just "attention disabilities." Back then we called it "Hyperactive" and, thank God, they didn't use drugs to counteract it.
Believe me, I am in your corner and meant no disrespect. We have learned there are very serious medical conditions that require serious medical remedies.
But the pendulum has swung the other way and I am willing to bet that, had you been male your condition would have resulted in massive drugs designed to kill your spirit and soul. And your parents would have followed since they would have wanted the best for you.
You are the captain of your soul now -- how many male contemporaries can say the same?
God bless you, your parents and your supporters and keep you all safe and together.
Not a problem. I knew you had not noticed. She was not dyslexic tho I think there is some connection to the ability to write mirror writing and dyslexia.
I never noticed any problems with her writing and she graduated with a 3.97 GPA back when that meant more than it does today.
I know of a teacher who specializes in reading issues. She claims to be able to cure any reading issue in less than 20 hours of remedial instruction. Her program is phonics based and works for adults and children.
My wife completely agrees with you. I didn’t at first, but she was right. Traditions are really important to children and are a stabilizing factor in their lives. They encounter a world that is alien and unknown to them.
Having a regulated day is critical to their mental stability. Dinner together gives them time to decompress and spend time with their parents. Holiday traditions, along with birthdays and other anchors help kid’s mental health. Instability in family life is the leading cause of all the psychosis we see in today’s society. When both parents work the material benefits seem obvious. The emotional damage is unseen at first, but manifests eventually. How much sexuality, drug use and other self destructive behavior is simply a cry for love and attention. Sadly, children are especially adaptable.
Thanks for your response. I want to add that I’ve never taken any meds for my ADHD, but I don’t believe meds were available when I was in school and didn’t come on the market till I was older. I am not against medicine for people who truly have ADHD. I realize that too many kids are on them, and there are other options. For me, my time is passed and I won’t ever be on ADHD meds.
You just keep hanging on, OK?
You have a thousands of supporters here at FR, me just being the latest :)
I’m sure you still miss her much. Just that you talk about her in such loving ways says a lot. Peace to you.
So true. I make my fair share of typos too.
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