Dyslexia Flashcards
What is developmental dyslexia?
A specific learning difficulty affecting development of literacy and language skills.
Difficulty with working memory, processing speed, phonological processing, rapid naming and development of skills which don’t match their cognitive abilities.
What is acquired dyslexia?
Caused by a traumatic brain injury or stroke/brain disease
What is the process of recognising words in the brain?
Word is identified in the temporal/occipital region (200ms)
Word is ‘repeated’ in Broca’s area (300ms)
If familiar, word is understood in Wernicke’s area (400ms)
What are the physical differences in dyslexic brains?
Ectopias - disorganised ‘islands’ in cortex
Disorganisation of magno/parvocellular pathways in V1
Inefficient communication between language areas
What are some strengths of dyslexia?
More creative (increased visuospatial abilities)
More entrepreneurs
What causes dyslexia?
Gene mutation
Can have FH but not a single gene and not wholly genetic
What is dyslexia associated with?
Left handedness
Autoimmune disease
Hayfever
What are some effects of dyslexia?
Slow development in all subjects
Withdrawal
Frustration/disillusion
Reduced self esteem and motivation
Become disruptive
What are some co-morbidities of dyslexia?
Dyspraxia
ADHD
Dysgraphia
Dyscalculia
Who can screen for dyslexia?
Teacher
Educational psychologist
Who can diagnose dyslexia?
Educational psychologist
Specialist dyslexia assessor
What is ‘school action’?
Consultation between teacher, SENCO and parents if child is failing to progress with additional resources, ‘Individual Educational Plan’ put together with review date.
What is ‘school action plus’?
If child continues to make poor progress after ‘school action’, consultation with outside specialist, with new ‘Individual Educational Plan’ made.
What is a ‘request for statutory assessment’?
If poor progress continues after ‘school action plus’, request is sent to local authority for a formal assessment, and a ‘statement of special educational needs’ is issued, which can provide a scribe or assistive technology. Reviewed after 1 year.
How can OOs help with dyslexia?
Screening for visual problems
Coloured overlays/lenses
Phone/computer software suggestions
What are some visual problems that have been reported to be more common in dyslexics?
Convergence insufficiency
Accommodative insufficiency
Decompensating phorias
Refractive error
What tests should be done when investigating visual problems?
VA
Refraction
Fixation disparity
CT
Motility
NPC
Accommodation
Stereopsis
What are some tests which may be used for more advanced investigations?
Dynamic ret
Accommodative facility
Fusional reserves
Suppression tests
What is Maeres-Irlin syndrome?
Glare or movement is experienced when reading black text against a white background
Not all have dyslexia
35-40% of dyslexics have it
What are some of the symptoms of Maeres-Irlin syndrome?
Words moving
Words merging
Patterns/shadows in text
Text is 3D
Words or letters fade or darken
Discomfort in certain lighting
How many symptoms are needed to be able to diagnose Maeres-Irlin syndrome?
3
How can Maeres-Irlin syndrome be alleviated?
Coloured overlays
Tinted glasses (colourimetry)
What does the College of OOs say about dyslexia?
Explore visual problems via a ST first.
There is no causal link between dyslexia and Maeres-Irlin syndrome.
No strong evidence that tinted lenses are effective but some people find them helpful - don’t claim it treats dyslexia.
What does the AOP say about dyslexia?
There is no firm evidence for coloured lenses working, but there is little risk of harm.
More research is needed into coloured lenses.
Do not overtreat, listen to sxs and take a ‘middle of the road’ stance.
