Dyslexia in children and adults is caused by a weakness in one or more of the fundamental cognitive skills required for reading. Science now knows that cognitive skills — learning skills — are not fixed. Like muscles, can be changed, strengthened if exercised appropriately.
This means that dyslexia should no longer be thought of as a permanent diagnosis, although it is a lifetime affliction if not treated.
It is not an issue of intelligence but rather how someone processes information. And not just written information but spoken information as well. And the problems identified in reading can often be reflected in other aspects of life as well.
Indigo Learning can help individuals with Dyslexia
Indigo Learning uses Fast ForWord software to develop the required auditory processing skills. The program identifies the student’s current processing skill level and builds from there, using adaptive exercises that build speed and complexity in tiny incremental steps.
More efficient auditory processing creates the ability to hear the individual sounds inside words more clearly. This improved listening accuracy improves word memory integrity and makes it easier for the brain to make automatic matches to the text when decoding, thereby making reading less exhausting, and a lot faster.
Once a cognitive foundation is in place, our individualised protocol aims to rebuild a student’s reading mechanics. Bad habits are eradicated and the fundamentals of spelling, language structure and vocabulary are revisited as needed.
Our goals are reading fluency, reading comprehension and finally, reading with metacognition. This is the ability to read and think about what you are reading and self-correct as you go. This critical skill cannot even begin to develop until reading is automatic.
Reading With Automaticity
If the brain is listening more accurately, decoding will be more automatic. If decoding is automatic reading is less exhausting and thinking resources can be devoted to comprehension. Hence better reading comprehension, less re-reading and more reading enjoyment. It’s a virtuous cycle once you are on it.
Fast ForWord participants will improve listening skills, speech and their reading and learning abilities.
The programmes improve memory and build attention as well as sequencing skills. After completing the recommended course they will be able to process information accurately and more quickly.
Students work systematically from phonemic awareness through phonics and vocabulary expansion to sophisticated comprehension. The marriage of cognitive skills to language development helps students make huge leaps in their academic abilities allowing them to truly realise their potential.
The effectiveness of the program has been verified by many studies including Harvard and Stanford Universities.
Click here to see how our Fast ForWord programmes have helped individuals with Dyslexia
Reading and the Link to Processing Speed.
An article in Advance Magazine for Speech and Language Therapists and Audiologists published in 2007. “Some children with dyslexia struggle to read because their brain isn’t wired properly to process fast-changing sounds. Sound training via computer exercises literally can rewire the brain, correcting the sound processing problem and improving reading, a new study has found …..”