Overcoming
Dyslexia presents a thorough discussion of
reading which is based on current scientific research and compassionately
focused on the human subject, particularly that one person in five who
struggles to read. Dr. Sally Shaywitz,
who is a neuroscientist, professor of pediatrics at Yale University, and
co-director of the Yale Center for the Study of Learning and Attention,
contends that almost everyone can learn to read - given effective instruction.
The wealth of scientific detail provided in Overcoming
Dyslexia can be a little daunting for the lay reader. Nonetheless, it does succeed in establishing the credentials of
the author and the reader will easily grasp the basic facts: that dyslexia is not just a matter of
reversing letters, that it exists in all languages, and most importantly that
it can be overcome with effective teaching methods.
As well as defining the term dyslexia, Dr. Shaywitz provides
detailed guidance in recognition of normal development of reading skills and
assistance in recognizing dyslexia at all ages, from pre-school to
maturity. Real case studies from her
considerable medical practice are particularly helpful in this regard.
The greater part of the book is devoted to providing
practical advice on helping struggling readers to overcome dyslexia. This guidance is roughly divided according
to age and all sections are very clear and detailed. The author provides titles of books, recommends reading
programmes and web sites, and even provides step-by-step instruction on various
aspects of teaching reading. Those
chapters dedicated to teaching
children to read provide guidance and practical
instructional techniques suitable for every child, not just those struggling to
break the reading code.
If Overcoming Dyslexia has any weakness, it lies in the
availability of some resources. This is
an American book written for the American public, and not all the products
mentioned in the book are available outside the United States. Some of the recommended reading programmes
are meant to be implemented in schools, but many who read Overcoming Dyslexia
will do so because the school system is failing their children. Dr. Shaywitz provides advice and
encouragement to parents in becoming advocates for their children, but in
regions where dyslexia is ignored or even denied, advocacy is really not an
option; neither are expensive school programmes. Nevertheless, in the wealth of references and suggested
resources, everyone seeking help is sure to find it.
Anyone who is seeking to help a child, adolescent, or adult
who struggles to read, should start by reading Overcoming Dyslexia. In Overcoming Dyslexia, Dr. Shaywitz
provides encouragement, hope, and practical assistance which will make all the
difference to more than one generation of dyslexics.