Dyslexic and Loving Words - Video

A film by Vicky Morris

Made for Off the Shelf Festival of Words 2013

Dyslexic and Loving Words asks the question -- "What if you're dyslexic but you love to write or use words?"

Through interviews with seven practicing wordsmiths, the film highlights how it's possible to overcome dyslexic issues or work around the challenges they present if you have a passion for words.

Within the testimonials we find a poet and author, a storyteller, a spoken word artist, a creative writing student, a novelist and the founder of an initiative for dyslexic writers.

John Stein

There are also insights from Mel Hunt, Principal Specialist Teacher at Dyslexia Action Sheffield and Professor John Stein, of the Dyslexia Research Trust.

Check out: 
National Dyslexia Action Charity;
RASP: Rebelling Against Spelling Press (RASP) A publishing company for dyslexic writers.
DYSPLA: Celebrating dyslexic story makers 

Rapid Automized Naming (RAN) tests: A study on dyslexic versus average children

In an article by Zoccolotti, De Luca, Lami et al, published in Child Neuropsychology, Rapid Automized Naming (RAN) tests were conducted on 43 average children and 25 with developmental dyslexia.

The task involved naming colours, digits, pictures words and word lists displayed multiple times and in discrete form.

Participants' response times and error rates were recorded. Dyslexic children not only have trouble identifying strings of letters, but also programming eye movements and synchronizing speech output.

Thus reading is a multiple component task presenting difficulty for dyslexic children. During the article the authors outline the results of the tests and analyse reasons for the differences between the two groups.

Children chosen to participate were comparable for age, gender and IQ. They were required to read a passage aloud for 4 minutes and scores were taken for speed and accuracy.

Children were also asked to identify colours and numbers, in both discrete and multiple forms. Finally children were given 5 letter and 7 letter words to read, both in singular fashion and in lists. Participants were individually tested.

Single stimuli tests were conducted on a pc, children requested to name colour, shape or word as fast and as accurately as possible. Multiple stimuli tests were given on paper and children were timed with a stopwatch and errors noted.

In typically developing children, during discrete and multiple naming tests, errors such as hesitation, self-correction and word substitutions accounted for 1.4% and 7.3% of the response. In dyslexic children, equivalent results accounted for 3.3 and 9.5%.

In the reading tests, average candidates were significantly faster at reading multiple than single words.

Dyslexic participants were slower when reading multiple 7 letter words but showed no speed difference when reading discrete or multiple 5 letter words.

The authors have illustrated that in average children, they are able to process the next visual stimulus whilst articulating the current item.

Dyslexic children showed sensitivity on word length to speed of reading, hence illustrating that their difficulty integrating eye movements, word decoding and speech synchronisation, increases with tasks presenting a greater challenge.

Previous research has shown that dyslexic children are challenged at word decoding level. Zoccolotti et al via their study have revealed that apart from shortfalls in reading single words, dyslexics also have a further deficit when reading multiple words.

During the colour and digit naming, results for the 2 groups showed a similar pattern. Normal children had overall advantage but dyslexic children showing a larger negative difference for multiple rather than single stimuli.

The authors conclude that "multiple subcomponents of RAN tasks may indeed be critical in mediating the relationship with reading" hence children with dyslexia are slower in RAN tests due to difficulty in combining processing of visual stimuli with vocalising words.

More information: "Multiple stimulus presentation yields larger deficits in children with developmental dyslexia: A study with reading and RAN-type tasks." Zoccolotti, De Luca, Lami et al. Child Neuropsychology: A Journal on Normal and Abnormal Development in Childhood and Adolescence. Volume 19, Issue 6, 2013. DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2012.718325

Gifted Dyslexic: Samuel Joseph talks about his Davis dyslexia correction programme

A testimonial from Samuel Joseph, nine years after his Davis dyslexia correction programme, provided by Gifted Dyslexic.

Dyslexia: UK Campaign to help dyslexic prisoners

A CHARITY set up by a Benfleet (UK)  family to help cut re-offending rates in prisons is being rolled out across the country.

Jackie Hewitt-Main, of Kents Hill Road, and her two sons, Stuart and Richard, launched the Cascade Foundation in a bid to stop prisoners reverting back to a life of crime and keep them on the straight and narrow once they have served their sentences.

The organisation will work with dyslexic prisoners in UK prisons and use a multi-sensory learning programme and prisoner mentoring scheme to help them develop basic reading and writing skills needed to get by in everyday life.

Jackie, who suffers from dyslexia herself, said: “After years of struggling, it was an epiphany moment for me when I was diagnosed.

“It is easy to believe you are stupid because you have trouble reading and writing, when actually you are not stupid, you just learn differently from how you were made to try and learn in the classroom.

“If we can diagnose dyslexics in prisons properly, help them come to that realisation and give them the basic reading and writing skills they need to interact with society when they are released, it gives them a real opportunity to turn their lives around.”

Jackie, who is a qualified special educational needs teacher, set up a successful pilot project in Chelmsford Prison in 2006 which was largely attributed to a stark drop in reoffending rates among those who took part.

The national average reoffending rate for prisoners within one year of their release is 50 per cent, but of the prisoners released at the end of Jackie’s scheme, only 6 per cent went on to reoffend.

The charity has been set up in conjunction with Benfleet councillor Andrew Sheldon, who suffers from dyslexia, and Hadleigh-based artist Karen Osman.

Mr Sheldon said: “This programme has the potential to impact upon so many lives, not just the prisoners, but also those who would otherwise become victims of their reoffending.

“The results from the Chelmsford pilot Jackie did a few years ago are so encouraging we felt we had to push to get it rolled out across the country.”

The charity was launched by the Secretary of State for Justice, Chris Grayling, at an event hosted by Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris in the Houses of Parliament earlier this month.

Mr Grayling said: “The fact that what Jackie did was to find people who had been in the criminal system their whole lives and couldn’t even write a letter, is an indication of the challenge we face, that we do need to recognise that within our prisons there are very specific challenges that can be addressed and can be turned round. Dyslexia is very clearly one of them.”

The Cascade Foundation will be launching its next project in Doncaster Prison in August.

Billy Childish - Prolific UK Writer and Artist - Dyslexic

A cult figure in America, Europe and Japan, Billy Childish is by far the most prolific painter, poet, and song-writer of his generation.

He founded the Stuckism Art Movement.

In a twenty year period he has published over 40 collections of his poetry, recorded over 100 full-length independent LP’s and produced over 2000 paintings.

Born in 1959 in Chatham, Kent. Billy Childish left Secondary education at 16 an undiagnosed dyslexic.

Refused an interview at the local art school he entered the Naval Dockyard at Chatham as an apprentice stonemason.

During the following six months (the artist’s only prolonged period of employment), he produced some six hundred drawings in ‘the tea huts of hell.

On the basis of this work he was accepted into St Martin’s School of Art to study painting.

However, his acceptance was short-lived and before completing the course he was expelled for his outspokenness and unorthodox working methods.

With no qualifications and no job prospects Childish then spent some 12 years ‘painting on the dole’, developing his own highly personal writing style and producing his art independently.

White Belt in Dyslexia: Dyslexic Brian

50 Famously Successful People Who Are Dyslexic

Famously Successful People Who Are Dyslexic
Dyslexia is characterized as a learning disability that can impair the ability to read. Letters often appear jumbled and someone with dyslexia can feel overwhelmed by a simple page of text. It is estimated that dyslexia affects between five and 17 percent of the population. However, if you or someone you know have dyslexia, those numbers can feel far smaller.
As the famously successful people who are dyslexic will show you, dyslexics are rarely alone and have gone onto accomplish amazing and incredible feats in just about every arena imaginable. The fields of acting, music, politics, science, and even writing have all been conquered by dyslexics.
Famously Successful Actors Who Are Dyslexic
The roles may differ, but these leading men all have dyslexia in common.

Tom Cruise

1. Tom Cruise
This famous actor started off in such notable films as “Risky Business”and “Top Gun.” Other award-garnering performances have included “Jerry Maguire,”“Valkyrie,”and “A Few Good Men.” However, he is not just famous for jumping on Oprah’s couch and scientology. Diagnosed with dyslexia at age seven, he struggled to complete his academic studies and found his calling in acting.
2. Keanu Reeves
One of the most private actors in Hollywood, Keanu’s dyslexia is a bit of a myth. Born in Lebanon, he was raised in various countries before hitting it big as the goofy, loveable guy in “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.” Solid performances in films such as “Speed”and “Point Break”would go on to help him achieve cult status with a starring role in “The Matrix”franchise.
3. Robin Williams
His one-time role on the series “Happy Days”would mean more than any would ever think. It would lead to a starring role in the hit series “Mork and Mindy”and a new way the world would watch comedy. An impressive film career would follow with hits such as “Dead Poets Society,”“Good Morning, Vietnam,”“Aladdin,”and “Mrs. Doubtfire.” In 1997, Robin won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for the film “Good Will Hunting.” He has also won two Emmy Awards, four Golden Globes, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and five Grammy Awards.
4. Billy Bob Thornton
He is best known for his role in “Slingblade”in a writing, directing, and starring capacity for which he won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. Other hits include “On Deadly Ground”and “Tombstone.” Now a blues rock singer, he is one of the few of any men, dyslexic or otherwise, who can say he was married to Angelina Jolie.
5. Orlando Bloom
Whether for his role in “The Lord of the Rings”or “Pirates of the Caribbean,”he is known across the globe. Other films include “Elizabethtown”and “Kingdom of Heaven.” A native of Canterbury, England he was also recently named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
6. Edward James Olmos
This Mexican American actor was born in Los Angeles and first earned fame for a role in the hit film “Blade Runner.” He was also famous for a supporting role in “Miami Vice.” Switching between film and television, Edward starred in “Stand and Deliver,”“Selena,”and the popular remake of the show “Battlestar Galactica.” The winner of several ALMA awards, he was also nominated for an Oscar in 1989.
7. Vince Vaughn
He often played That Guy in movies such as “Couples Retreat”and “Four Christmases.” He was first noticed for his role in “Swingers,”which would lead to films such as “Old School,”“Dodgeball,”and “Wedding Crashers.” He also enjoyed a romantic stint with Jennifer Aniston while filming “The Breakup.”
8. Henry Winkler
He joins fellow dyslexic Robin Williams in beginning his career on “Happy Days.” Best known for his role as Arthur “The Fonz”Fonzarelli on the show, a little known fact was that it was supposed to be a supporting and short lived role. With growing popularity, the character stayed on until the show’s finale and also helped coin the term “jumping the shark.”
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Young Czech Artist Helps Dyslexic Children

Click on the picture to visit the website

Famous Dyslexic Authors: Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen, the iconic children's story writer, would have been 205-years-old in April this year (2010).

He was a man of incredible imagination, a prolific writer and many other talents.

Here is a short list of 10 facts that you may not know about the Danish fairytale writer.

1. The Danish author was born on April 2, 1805 in Odense, Denmark, and lived to the age of 70.

2. He died in Copenhagen several weeks after hurting himself when he fell out of bed.

3. He is Denmark's most famous son and internationally renowned; his birthday is now celebrated as International Children's Book Day.

4. His most famous works include The Steadfast Tin Soldier, The Snow Queen, The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina and The Ugly Duckling.

5. His stories and poetry have been translated into more than 150 languages, inspiring films, plays and ballets.

6. A dyslexia sufferer, he left home at the age of 14 for the bright lights of Copenhagen.

7. After failing to make it as an actor he turned to writing and quickly became a favourite of the then King Frederick VI, who was to later grant him a travelling pension.

8. He had his first story published - The Ghost at Palnatokes Grave - at the age of 17.

9. Copenhagen's Little Mermaid statue was erected in its harbour in his honour. There are also statues dedicated to him in New York, California and Bratislava, Slovakia.

10. In Shanghai, China, a theme park based on his tales and life opened in 2006.

Happy Birthday Hans!

Dyslexic Brian: Links to Free Workshops

We do not promote groups and institutions that we do not know but this website contains a lot of very interesting material and information for Dyslexia sufferers, their parents, familes and friends.

It is for the reader to decide on the relevance and significance of the material. I would very much like to hear your comments.

The education of dyslexic children from childhood to young adulthood

The past two decades have witnessed an explosion in our understanding of dyslexia (or specific reading disability), the most common and most carefully studied of the learning disabilities. We first review the core concepts of dyslexia: its definition, prevalence, and developmental course.

Next we examine the cognitive model of dyslexia, especially the phonological theory, and review empiric data suggesting genetic and neurobiological influences on the development of dyslexia.

With the scientific underpinnings of dyslexia serving as a foundation, we turn our attention to evidence-based approaches to diagnosis and treatment, including interventions and accommodations. Teaching reading represents a major focus.

We first review those reading interventions effective in early grades, and then review interventions for older students.

To date the preponderance of intervention studies have focused on word-level reading; newer studies are beginning to examine reading interventions that have gone beyond word reading to affect reading fluency and reading comprehension.

The article concludes with a discussion of the critical role of accommodations for dyslexic students and the recent neurobiological evidence supporting the need for such accommodations.

Download and Read the full article here ..........