Looking for the Root

Looking for the root This discussion post centers on possible causes of learning disabilities, specifically that of dyslexia. Common symptoms of dyslexia are difficulty in the areas of speaking, pronunciation, reading fluency, decoding, comprehension, and word retrieval (Society for Neuroscience, 2012). However, in languages such as Finnish and Italian, which are more consistent in their relationship between letters and sounds, the only evidence of dyslexia may be slow reading (Society for Neuroscience, 2012). Physical differences and functional inefficiency in three areas of the left hemisphere have consistently been found in individuals with dyslexia. The parieto-temporal and occipito-temporal are affected in the posterior, and the inferior frontal region, or Broca’s area, is affected in the anterior region (Society for Neuroscience, 2012). It is common for dyslexia to run in families, yet no genetic irregularity has been found responsible, and the current research indicates multiple environmental and genetic factors as the cause (Society for Neuroscience, 2012). According to Jensen (2005), scientists commonly link a lack of vestibular stimulation in a child’s first years of life with multiple learning problems. Stimulation in the auditory, visual and sensory areas is regarded by scientists as critical in child development, and cannot be postponed without affecting progress. Although interventions for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities can be successful, focusing on sufficient stimulation from birth throughout the first years of life is known to improve neural development, and should be considered a proactive strategy in the area of learning disabilities.

References

Society for Neuroscience. (2012). BrainFacts: A primer on the brain and nervous system. Washington, DC: Society for Neuroscience. Retrieved August 27, 2013 from http://cup.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-344992-dt-content-rid-

References: Society for Neuroscience. (2012). BrainFacts: A primer on the brain and nervous system. Washington, DC: Society for Neuroscience. Retrieved August 27, 2013 from http://cup.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-344992-dt-content-rid- 6214149_1/courses/20141011171/resources/week1/brain_facts_2012.pdf Jensen, E. (2005). Teaching with the brain in mind. (2nd edition). Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development