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A dyslexic brain is not diseased, it is different. Would we want to 'cure' dyslexia and rid the world of some of the most creative thinkers that we have? Along with negative aspects of dyslexia, there are many positive aspects too.
The offer of a 'magic cure', however, can be tempting to even the most logical individual, especially if your child is struggling at school. But we counsel caution.
Painting a child’s face with a brush for example, is one obscure treatment that we have encountered over the years. Whilst not physically damaging, offering false hope could prove psychologically harmful to both parent and child. |
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There are some interventions that make sense, but still they do not work for everyone. LCP - long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation can have a beneficial effect. It is not a cure.
Now and then, Centres spring up and dyslexia 'cures' are presented with a slick 'hard-sell' format. Endorsement by celebrities on TV and newspapers can be persuasive, but again we would urge you to stop and think. In the case of therapists it is wise to ask them their qualifications and experience. Where therapies are concerned, ask yourself - does it make sense? |
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Parents want to do everything possible to help their child. It is understandable that sometimes they will risk wasting time and money on a 'one in a million' scheme that just might work. They should never fall into the trap of risking the health of a child. We have known physical therapists who have claimed to ‘cure’ dyslexia. Manipulation will not alter a dyslexic brain. It can damage soft tissue permanently. Moreover, there is serious risk attached to manipulation of the cervical spine (neck).
An individual who does not perform well on ability tests can display many dyslexic signs. But this ‘cross-over’ of symptoms can be related to more global difficulties. |
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The academic manifestations of dyslexia are persistent problems with some, or all, of the following: reading, spelling, writing and/or maths.
Following research by our Centre into the neurophysiological basis of dyslexia, we are working on a computer program aimed at boosting areas of the brain that are underfunctioning. Better literacy acquisition results in a brain which is in balance. There is some evidence to support the fact that the ability to balance is in itself associated with the ability to read. We believe that people with poor balance and poor short-term memories have more dyslexic type difficulties. But as much as it might help, improved balance will not 'cure' dyslexia. |
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Even if it could make a brain more receptive to language acquisition, teaching work would still have to take place. Even then, this would be dealing with just one aspect of a multi-faceted syndrome.
We think our own program will help many people with poor reading and spelling levels, whether dyslexic or not. But, it is not a cure.
Our final words are again cautionary. If a treatment sounds too good to be true - it probably is! |
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