Dyslexia

[anthony pappas]

I have for many, many years been having, though not debilitating,  errors of writing and speaking that people have told me resemble dyslexic symptoms. These kinds of mistakes where I flip-flop numbers, words, whole parts of sentences (oftentimes without catching myself) have become a problem in school( I am currently doing a pre-med program) and teachers are not very sympathetic to this. I also can read a whole sentence and think I have read one word where there really is another word; this also happens when I listen to people.
My parents and friends tend to laugh this off, but I don't. I have gone to a professional vision center that did find something  awkward about my reading habits but the testing that they proposed for dyslexia was way too expensive ($1500) and I am a full-time student.
I have always been drawn to the arts but I enjoy the sciences as well, but when one gets a low grade on a test its difficult to keep up the enthousiasm for the course, though the intellectual enthousiasm still burns.
Do you have any recomandations on reasonable testing sites and/or therapies that I can try on my own.
Thanx for your considerations.

[HFHS-M.D.-HG]

Dear Anthony P.

Reading disorder is defined as reading achievement that is below the expected level for a person's age, education and intelligence. Reading disorder is characterized by an impaired ability to recognize words, slow and inaccurate reading and poor comprehension. A battery of neuropsychological tests will be helpful in coming to a conclusion of what the problem is. Unfortunately, these tests are expensive. Diagnosing a reading disorder without a comprehensive testing is not advisable.  Treatment consists of a well matched educational approach, improving coping strategies by participating in structured reading groups and psychotherapy on a regular basis. I would recommend that you talk to your physician about your concerns and obtain a referral for neuropsychological testing.

Sincerely

HFHS-M.D.

[anthony pappas]

Dear Tracy,
Thanks for the reply. I will try to contact those organizations.

[tracy]

My son has dyslexia and I understand your frustration. OHSU in Portland OR (which is also a teaching hospital) has some great info and resources. They were very helpful to us. I'm not sure what the law is when it comes to people of majority age but look into IDEA, the federal mandates about educating people w/ LD. Also you might try the IDA(international dyslexia assoc) web site or if you live in a major city they possibly have an office close to you. very reputable organization, very informative. Good luck.