Understanding Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities

by Linda Siegel

Understanding Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities addresses how our educational system has failed to identify many children with learning disabilities and calls for the adoption of straightforward diagnostic techniques so that treatment options can be implemented at a young age. Many children who struggle with learning become discouraged in the classroom and isolated from their peers. Many adults whose learning disabilities were not recognized in school suffer from deep feelings of inadequacy that often prevent them from developing close relationships, finding rewarding employment, or living happily. In this accessibly written book, Linda Siegel challenges the use of complex and time-consuming testing that is currently used to diagnose learning disabilities. In their place, she outlines simple and pragmatic techniques for testing for disabilities in reading, mathematics, spelling, and writing. The text is enlivened by first-hand accounts of people living with learning disabilities, case studies from literature, and profiles of highly accomplished individuals who have achieved success despite their learning disabilities. Their stories encourage people with learning challenges and those who support them to recognize and nurture each person's special talents. Understanding Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities implores families, teachers, and other educational professionals to provide resources and services for all those struggling with learning so that no more lives are compromised. Linda Siegel is a professor in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology and Special Education at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, where she holds the Dorothy C. Lam Chair in Special Education. She has conducted research on the development of reading and of mathematical concepts, language development, dyslexia, mathematical learning disabilities, early identification and intervention to prevent reading difficulties, and the development of reading and language skills in children learning English as a second language. She has consulted on the development of reading skills in elementary school age children in Hong Kong, China, Barbados, Brazil, Argentina, and many places in the US and Canada. In 2010, she was awarded the Gold Medal for Distinguished Contributions to Canadian Psychology from the Canadian Psychological Association. In 2012, she received the inaugural Eminent Researcher Award from the organization Learning Difficulties Australia. She has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Gothenburg (Sweden).

298 pages, Paperback

First published July 25, 2013

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your reading about dyslexia for the first time or have been around the block and are looking for a refresher with some new ideas, this is the book for you. Linda Siegel's writing flows easily for the average reader, whether a parent or a professional dealing with dyslexic children. Her fresh ideas and approaches will keep you pushing to read on. Unlike some of the older books, she breaks down the differences between dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia - there is little out there on the last two. I also personally found her information on working memory very helpful. It's difficult enough learning to read with dyslexia, but even more so with a kiddo with low working memory. Siegel then discusses the methodologies of identification. I appreciate how she points out that IQ tests are not the most accurate when dealing with dyslexic students. Some people put so much stock in the numbers, but many tests are bias against those with dyslexia. Siegel goes on to discuss coping mechanisms and real-world solutions, including up-to-date advice on various assistive technology solutions to aid dyslexics in being successful in and out of the classroom. This would be a great book to add to a professional or personal collection regarding dyslexia.

[Tami · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as helpful as I'd hoped. Too many anecdotes and cautionary tales. Lots of surface information, but I was looking for more in-depth substance.