Dyslexia Awareness Quiz

Is dyslexia a type of special need?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Dyslexia is a type of specific learning difficulty that is neurobiological in origin. It is identifiable as a developmental difficulty of language learning and cognition. It primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory and processing speed.

Read more at: https://das.org.sg/learning_differently/understanding-dyslexia/

_ in 10 Singaporeans have dyslexia.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Answer explanation

Dyslexia can be cured.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

What does dyslexia affect?

Clue: Select more than one option!

• Speaking

• Reading

• Writing

• Spelling

Answer explanation

Dyslexia is just a problem of children not trying hard enough.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

https://www.mccrystalopticians.com/dyslexia-facts-and-figures/

Dyslexia only affects people who speak English.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Dyslexia is genetic.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

First, it’s clear that there is a hereditary aspect of dyslexia because it runs in families. About 40 percent of siblings of kids with dyslexia also have reading challenges. And as many 49 percent of their parents do, too. The exact way genetics leads to dyslexia is still not well understood, however.

People often think about genetics in terms of one gene being passed down from parent to child. If a gene were associated with a condition, both parent and child would have that condition. But with dyslexia, there are multiple genes with differences, not just one.

These particular genes impact a process that forms connections across the brain. In people with dyslexia, this process is organized differently. Researchers believe this affects the ability to read.

Genetics isn’t the only factor that determines a child’s ability to read, however. Environment also plays a role. Quality of reading instruction can have a huge impact on all kids. But it’s especially true for kids who are more likely to have dyslexia. They need high-quality instruction early on.

https://www.understood.org/en/articles/is-dyslexia-genetic

What is NOT a sign of dyslexia?

• Struggle with spelling, grammar or writing

• Have issues with reading and comprehending texts

• Displays issues with letter reversal

• Finds it difficult to organise thoughts on paper

Answer explanation

Reversing letters or mirror writing isn’t necessarily a sign of dyslexia. Some kids with dyslexia have trouble with it, but many don’t. In fact, most kids who reverse letters before age 7 end up not having dyslexia.

For older kids who continue to reverse letters, there are a few other potential causes. A child might reverse letters because of a poor memory for how to form letters. Another possible cause is challenges with visual processing. In this case, a child might have trouble identifying how images are different (visual discrimination) or which direction they face (visual directionality).

https://www.understood.org/en/articles/faqs-about-reversing-letters-writing-letters-backwards-and-dyslexia

Can you read this?

• Yes, easily!

• Not really

• Yes, but with some effort

Answer explanation

Someone with dyslexia may see print like this instead of how we would read as a whole word. This illustrates the difficulties one with dyslexia might have with reading and why they need a longer time to read - to decipher the word, to form the sound then comprehend the word or sentence. The amount of effort needed differs from student to student depending on their difficulty.

How can a teacher support a student with dyslexia?

Clue: Select more than one option!

• Access to materials to reduce copying.

• Allow more time for reading.

• Make learning multisensory.

• Break down information into smaller chunks.

• Provide an overview/ "the big picture" to consolidate learning.

Answer explanation

Watch what these students say about learning in school and what works for them in IHL. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bKhaWJeZUQ