The Mysteries of Dyslexia, an Interview with Dr. Nadine Gaab
By Selena Sheaves
Dr. Nadine Gaab is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School. She conducts her research at the Labs of Cognitive Neuroscience at Children’s Hospital. In the interview below, she graciously shares her expertise about dyslexia, a learning disability that affects more than 5% of elementary school students.
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is not defined by what it is, rather by what it is not. If a child’s reading difficulties are not caused by eye and ear problems, the child has average to above average IQ, and is still struggling to read, the likely diagnosis is developmental dyslexia.
What are the signs of dyslexia?
The early signs are problems with manipulating sounds, difficulty repeating multi-syllable words, problems with rhyming, and an inability to pronounce made-up names. Often a child will score normal or above average IQ on neuropsychological tests, yet reading difficulties persist.
How early can dyslexia be diagnosed?
There may be signs as early as preschool, or even earlier, but most children are diagnosed in second grade. Dyslexia cannot be diagnosed in pre-readers, but children can be identified as children at risk.
What tests are used to diagnose dyslexia?
A good neuropsychological evaluation. A good psychologist can also help with the diagnosis.
Do children with dyslexia also have other
disabilities?
It is estimated that approximately 40% of all persons with dyslexia will also have ADD or ADHD.
Do children with dyslexia have difficulty in other subject areas?
Reading is integral to every subject, so children with dyslexia often have trouble in other areas. For instance, a student may be gifted in math, yet be unable to complete word problems. Science and social studies also require larger amounts of reading. Additionally, social difficulties can arise from lack of confidence and self-esteem directly related to the disability.
What is the recommended remediation strategy for dyslexia?
Every child is unique; remediation must be individualized for each child. The type of remediation will depend on the outcome of the neuropsychological evaluation, and how the child responds to a particular intervention.
Do you recommend specific reading programs?
My recommendations depend on the child’s neuropsychological profile. There are a lot of good programs out there, and while one might work best for one child, it may not for another. There is also a misconception that the most expensive is the best. I do not believe this to be the case. Again, the strategies used will depend on the individual child.
If a child with dyslexia receives optimal services/ remediation throughout the elementary school years, would you expect that they could go on to high school and college without further supports?
It depends on the child. Some will succeed without supports, some will not. I see support as a good thing, not a bad thing. It’s okay if a student needs to continue with supports. The parents have put up a long fight for supports and services; use them.
Is there an ideal school situation for students with dyslexia?
If a school that specializes in dyslexia is not available, then work with the school to put supports in place as early as possible. Optimally, these supports should consist of strong social and psychological supports and teachers with experience with learning disabilities.
Why is a neuropsychological evaluation
important?
The tests are comprehensive and generally include: language assessment, rapid naming, writing, phonological language, fluency and comprehension. These evaluations offer insight and can provide the blueprint for doctors and therapists to develop a plan that will fit your child.
What resources may help parents support their student with dyslexia at home?
Proust and the Squid by Maryanne Wolf is a great book; Useful Web sites include LD Online at www.ldonline.org and the National Center for Learning Disabilities at www.ncld.org.
Do you have any words of wisdom for families who are struggling to support their child with dyslexia?
Get the neuropsychological test! And, even more important, create a comfortable, loving environment where your child can be happy. Let your child know he can still be a strong person! Teach her to be proud of who she is; it can prepare her for dealing with other challenges in life!
Read about Dr. Gaab’s research and contact her through the web site at www.childrenshospital.org/research/gaablab.
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