Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems Atany Level

By Sally E. Shaywitz

Book Overview

From one of the world s leading experts on reading and dyslexia, the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and practical book yet to help us understand, identify, and overcome the reading problems that plague American children today. For the one in every five children who has dyslexia and the millions of others who struggle to read at their own grade levels and for their parents, teachers, and tutors this book can make a difference. Drawing on recent scientific breakthroughs many of them in her own laboratory Dr. Shaywitz demystifies the subject of reading difficulties and explains how a child can be helped to become a good reader. She discusses early diagnosis in young children as well as the diagnosing of older children, young adults, and adults. Dr. Shaywitz explains why some bright adults can read only very slowly, and what they can do about it. Her book makes clear how the latest research, including new brain imaging studies, is uncovering the mechanisms underlying dyslexia and has led to effective treatments for each age group. Dr. Shaywitz instructs parents in what they can do year-by-year, grade-by-grade, step-by-step for a dyslexic child. She lays out a home program for enhanced reading; guides parents in choosing the best school for their child and in working with teachers; and suggests ways of raising and preserving the child s self-esteem. She provides exercises, teaching aids, information on computer programs, and many other invaluable resources.In addition, her book corrects such popular (and harmful) myths as the belief that dyslexia is primarily a male problem, that children with dyslexia see words backward, that dyslexia is linked to intelligence. She shows us how, although dyslexia cannot be outgrown, its effects can, with careful planning and hard work, be overcome.Dr. Shaywitz lifts the barrier of ignorance surrounding dyslexia and replaces it with the comfort of knowledge. Here is a trusted source to which you can turn for information, advice, guidance, and explanation. In sum, here is cutting-edge research translated into an easy-to-follow plan of action offering help and hope to all who have reading problems, and their families."

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375400125
• ISBN13: 9780375400124
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 1.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.6" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

As an educator who is dyslexic. It is not curable, it is not something we overcome. We should teach

Na

Helps People to understand "Dyslexia"

I am a school psychologist who is involved in the assessment of students with learning difficulties. In my experience, I have found many parents and teachers have misconceptions about what the term "dyslexia" really means. I found this book to be an excellent resource for parents and teachers in explaining dyslexia, and in recommending researched based strategies to help children with reading difficulties. The book is written in a way that is "parent friendly", yet it is not short on information. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to better understand dyslexia and feel empowered with strategies to help someone who is having a difficult time learning to read.

Overcoming Dyslexia

This is the book you've been looking for!!! This is "the Bible" for those of us who are, (or who are working with) dyslexic people. This book is written so naturally that you feel like you are part of a dialogue at this very moment. Dr. Shaywitz knows what our questions are and she answers them! Better, she anwsers with Scientific backup! She offers directions on specific places to go for more help; help that works. I have bumbled along as a parent advocate on my own for five years now...how I wish that I had had the benefit of this book from the very beginning. You can! BUY IT! Buy multiples. SHARE IT...especially with the people at school . I have given copies to my school's Kindergarten teacher, and Special Education department first, because that is where I think it will help the most children immediately. Every educator should read this book, every parent should read this book and certainly anyone with a concern about reading should read this book. I won't go on about the entire content; for that read one of the editorial reviews. This one comes from the heart!

Review from a Dyslexic

As an adult and scientist with dyslexia, I always wanted to understand the physical mechanism behind the disability. I could never understand why I scored average to low in multiple-choice tests but scored high in reading comprehension. Why I excelled in physical science and math yet was constantly taking remedial writing and English? Dr. Shaywitz's book is excellent in answering these questions. The first step in treatment is understanding the mechanism. A miswiring of the phonologic module explains so much and suggests likely remedies. Her book is written in layman's terms and is easy to read and understand. I wish I could give a copy of this book to all my friends and family it explains so much. Dr. Shaywitz knows her audience and writes with compassion and personal touch. The best part was learning that dyslexia can now be seen to have a physical manifestation by fMRI. Dyslexia is no longer a mysterious disability but has actual biological roots. Most disturbing to read was that in her estimates, 1 in 5 children have some form of dyslexia. As a child that almost slipped through the cracks, I failed kindergarten because I didn't know my ABC's, this is distressing to learn. How many intelligent and potentially successful adults were allowed to fail due to dyslexia? It was only through the diligence of my mother that I ever learned to read. Thirty years ago little was understood about "word blindness" but my mother did the primary research and tried every goofy theory on teaching including writing letters on my back with her finger and asking me to name the letter. Now Dr. Shaywitz gives good advice as well as current research and resources so parents have it all in one book. If you had only one book on dyslexia this would be it. I can't recommend this book highly enough. I give it many more stars then I'm allowed.