[ **mood** | cheerful ] Hello, I'm rather new to this community, and it doesn't seem like it's getting any hits anymore, but still it's a nice thought that people like me who share dyslexia can get together. Here's a bit about myself:1) I'm a freshman, 14 years old2) I was diagnosed with Dyslexia in 2nd grade, but I was told I had it long before that. 3) I've consistently managed straight "A's" in all my gifted, AP, Honors, and Accelerated courses, so I'm managing well on my own, but it is hard to find people in the types of classes I'm in to relate to. 4) I think Dyslexia has been a great advantage to me as opposed to a handicap.5) I wan't to be a history teacher. That's all, I hope this community can get started back up soon. :)
Hi, I'm Alex, and I'm new :) Last week I decided to take advantage of my college's free dyslexia testing and booked myself in. I'd had these sorts of symptoms:Dizzines/ Nausia when reading and using my laptopDizziness/Nausia/Pain when under flourescent lighting (eg; in the supermarket or in class)Strain in all lighting, and difficulty finding a comfortable lighting (even when just walking around in the daylight I am strained and dizzy)Migranes/Eye based headachesDifficulty concentratingEverything seeming too brightDifficulty looking at or focusing on anything white, or anything patternedAfter talking to the person screening me for a while, he said it sounded as though I had severed Meares-Irlen Syndrome, and that sadly the college couldn't help, but I could get help outside of college. He also gave me a pink filter for my book, which is handy when reading, but obviously doesn't help with the pain the rest of the time!Well, I've been looking into it, and I've found a couple of ways of doing it. I could go for Irlen testing (http://www.irleneast.com), which is going to end up costing me about £300 just for diagnosis, then a further £90 to get any lenses I have tinted, I'd have to also find the money for frames seperatly. Or I could have tinted lenses fitted at an optitians using this method - http://www.ceriumoptical.com/index.aspx . The second option will work out cheaper by at least a couple of hundred pounds, so obviously I'd prefer to go down that route, but I am really worried they'll only be able to help me with glasses for reading....Is the Irlen testing worth the extra money? Has anyone gone the optitians route with bad Meares-Irlen and found their glasses are fine for wearing all the time and help with everything else (normal day to day walking around, shopping, bright lights etc)?I've been googling my heart out but just can't seem to find any reviews of either method :(Any help really is very much so appreciated - I've been suffering with this a long time, it's been really debilitating to the point where I can't even really go out because of the dizziness and nausia spells. I've cross-posted a little, I hope someone can help me! Alex x
codeman38 and I have just created visual_stress, for anyone who experiences symptoms of visual stress. It's also known as visual processing disorder, Meares-Irlen Syndrome, Irlen Syndrome, or Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, and it takes the form of unpleasant visual distortions or eyestrain when reading, sometimes with headaches or migraine as well. It's commonly treated with colour, for instance in the form of acetate overlays for paper or tinted spectacles. You can read more about it here. There's a strong connection with dyslexia, and some people with processing problems have co-existing auditory processing disorder or other neurological issues.You don't have to be diagnosed with visual stress to join, just to have difficulties in this general area. People with ME/CFIDS, migraine, MS, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders or ADD/ADHD, for example, often experience visual problems of this nature.
Hello - I am writing to ask if you could spare a few minutes to take part in our online research experiment. We are exploring the idea that people with longer than average Visual Persistence experience more difficulties with reading (tiredness, poor comprehension and visual disturbances - letter reversals, parts of letters or words missing, etc.) than people with shorter Visual Persistence. Visual Persistence is an interesting feature of our perceptual system. If we are exposed briefly to an isolated visual image (a letter of the alphabet for example), the image of the letter persists in our visual awareness for a period of around 40 - 250 milliseconds after the stimulus has been removed from view. When we are presented with a rapid sequence of images (such as when reading text or tracking movement) a backlog of images can build up with multiple letter images persisting simultaneously. The brain resolves this perceptual conflict by paying more attention to some images and ignoring others. In the literature, this phenomenon is called 'masking' because of the way images can be masked by subsequent images. This can result in a range of perceptual distortions which make it harder for some students to extract meaning of text. We have found that all our dyslexic students have a visual persistence score near the high end of this natural range, and we are interested to see how visual persistence correlates to ease of reading in a range of different professions. If you would like to take part in the experiment - this is what we would like you to do.Click on this link www.gts-training.co.uk and follow the link (top left) to the Visual Persistence Survey page, read the simple instructions (and the warning for anyone sensitive to flickering images), and click on the Start button which will display a cycle of letters and words at a speed (20ms to 300ms) which you control with a scroll bar. Take a note of 1) the speed at which you start to feel you are making an effort to read the display, and 2) the speed at which you start to experience visual distortions (dominant letters, greyed out letters, etc.). Stop the display, fill in and submit the short online response form - if you are so inclined.That you for your attention - and please encourage others to take the test and submit a form. We will not contact you again unless you opt to join our mailing list (an option on the response form).John EvansGraphical Thinking SkillsP.S. The tester is written in JavaScript and runs in your browser so there is no security risk to your computer or network
[ **mood** | busy ] Hello all,I’m a student at Napier University writing an MSc dissertation on teaching methods for dyslexics in the world of IT. I’m really interested in how people have found higher education compared to secondary school, and in particular dyslexics who are learning to program, especially in object-oriented languages. How well has it been taught to you? Is there enough support for you eg: extra time in exams, more accessible textbooks etc? Do you have any suggestions on how teaching might be improved in this area? Maybe a change in focus is needed?I’d be really grateful if you would fill in my poll here; LJ comments are also welcome, and anonymous commenting is on. All results will remain anonymous whether you participate under an LJ name or not. I’d also appreciate any detailed experiences if you have time: please email them to me at ljs56 at cam dot ac dot uk.Thank you so muchuisgebeatha
But how do you go about getting tested for dyslexia? I was never tested as a child but I have some of the symptoms and I'd like to know one way or the other! Is it expensive? I'm in Ireland and the IDA charge €400 for a test - surely there's a cheaper way?!
[ **mood** | happy ] Hi. I'm Cat, 22, new to the comm. I have dyslexia and was diagnosed 2 years ago, I'm partially deaf and have a speech disorder.What else? I like writing, a lot which I'm told is ironic by my personal tutor and I'm happiest with a sketch book or a musical instrument infront of me.Anyways hi.
I really have to post this and know that I am going to get some negative feed back. I have had dyslexia all of my life and know some of the hardships faced by this. Truthfully I have been raised in the American Public school system. I know what it feels like to be told to write and Essay, paragraph, or short answer without the accomidations of a computer and with no real concern from the school system. I have struggle to try to do well in that system and have relied on no one but myself. But I have to draw the line between discrimination and ignorance. Most people do not choose by will to alienate us but don't realise they are doing it. We ask for accomidations and most of the time we get it if it is needed in todays world. I don't consider a required writen test, or and Essay discrimination when I am accomidated for it. I should as a member of my socioty and of my own pride try to be as self relient as possible. This means that you should not consider a TEST as reason to call forth the cry of DISCRIMINATION. If one refuses to accomidate you then you may make that leap. The point I am trying to get at is that we, a group of people who have to deal with hardship, still need to have the want and drive to be independant and not to blame a test, exam, or required reading for comeing short of what we know we can do. My disability is not something that stops me, it just means I need to look at it from a different aproach.Instead I ask anyone of you to post some way that YOU have worked through the hardships without the accomidations of others.
I went for a job at my local council last week. It was an IT job. A job I could you in my sleep. But unfortunately, my local council, which is a beacon in the fight against discrimination and inequality etc etc blah blah had decided to give me a test. That would be OK if the test was a test of my ability to do the job - but this test was " use this pen and this piece of paper to write a report about......"I was astonished. I haven't been subjected to this kind of public sector PC EQ OPPS nonesense for a long time. I refused. The HR bimbo said she would fetch the chair of the interview panel. I said no. I do not wish to disclose my dyslexia to the panel as it does not effect my ability to do the job. I want to discuss the discriminatory nature of the test with a manager from HR. Bimbo came back with the chair of the interview panel and said to him," this applicant is dyslexic and doesn't want to do a written test.He was decent enough, but clearly had no idea what the problem was and agreed to give me a computer (provided all other applicants were also offered computers - equalities you know).I would be very interested to hear from any other dyslexics who have experienced such discrimination at Equal Opportunities interviews for the public sector, or any other sector).I would also like to hear from anybody else who has had a similar experience with discriminatory testing.
[ **mood** | hopeful ] Well, I finished my Orton-Gillingham course (http://www.ortonacademy.org/), and passed with flying colours :D I am still not on any meds for my ADHD, and I don't really think I need it. Plus, even if meds do magically make my ADHD go away, then I will still have to deal with dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, so I figure if it isn't messing up my life, why bother... Plus, I was just able to do this crazy intense course and I did super well on it :D I also like the energy and drive I get from the hyperactivity and hyperfocus part of the ADHD. Apparently I did so well in my course that my teacher and a local private school for dyslexics in my area are both trying to recruit me. I have a job interview today and one tomorrow :D I am really excited to start this new career! Who knew that dyslexia would be seen as an asset anywhere!?!?!?! It makes me really happy to have found a career that is totally Ok with the way I am, and is not just Ok with it, but totally gets it, and isn't condiscending and people who actually see my LDs as an asset to this career :D It makes me very happy! Life is really good right now :DAnyway, I am still on celexa for my anxiety and it is working out super well! I totally don't feel like a sedated drugged out zombie at all! I just feel like me but less of an anxious ball of spaz :D Yay :D
[ mood** | amused ] I woke up nice and early, got my car (that didn't even have enough battery power left to light up the dashboard) towed to the VW place in Richmond where they told me that there was no way that this was their fault. "There is a switch way up inside the dashboard that controls the break lights. It is nowhere near where we were working. It must have become stuck on when you pushed your break. This sometimes happens." WTF? Has anyone ever heard of break lights sticking on after you push your foot on the break?!?!?!?!? I sweare to whatever, I am cursed when it comes to cars and electronics! LOL!( Read more...Collapse )**
[ **mood** | amused ] Ok, this is really funny (if you have that kind of sense of humor...). So, I get up this morning and start getting ready because I have a vet appointment for Alice. I get out of the shower and am in my bra and undies and the dog walker comes to pick up Alice. I was so distracted by the fact that I was in my underwear that I totally forgot about Alice's vet appointment and let the dog walker take her! LOL! So, I just called my vet (I was super embarrassed) and had to explain it to them (I left out the underwear part...). Maybe I need to hire a personal secretary who handles all of my stuff for me and tells me "Go there now," "Do this now" and "Don't let this happen!" LOL!Oh well, I am bringing the kittens in to get their bums looked at again. So my appointment isn't a total waste :) We want to see if those meds worked or if we have to go on some more. One of these days I will have an organized life ;P LOL!
[ **mood** | hopeful ] I have decided to go on meds for my problems with anxiety. I have been going to cognitive behaviour therapy for about a year now, and while it has helped a lot with day to day functioning and avoiding panic attacks etc, I just don't think I am in the place I need to be to go back to school in two weeks and then enter the work force after that.This is not an impulsive decision in the slightest. I have given ample opportunity for alternatives to medications to work, and they haven't. So, I have decided why not give medications a try :) If they work and I can function without being an anxious ball of spazz 24/7 then YAY! I am also going to be keeping up with my CB therapy, because I think it is really helpful for situational/cognitive/behavioural things. I think that maybe I am one of those people who will benefit from the combination of meds and CB therapy. I guess we shall see :)I cleared everything with my psychologist and my GP, and my GP prescribed 10 mgs of Cilexa (Citalopram) (it's an SSRI for those who are curious) once a day, and my psychologist Oked this choice - it was her first pick for me as well :)). So for the next few weeks/months we are going to be monitoring my behaviour very closely so that we will be able to spot any negative side effects. Once I get stabilized on an anxiety med that works for me, I will consider taking something for my ADHD (especially if it will help me with my school work!). Anyway, my next appointment with my new GP is on Monday, and I see my psychologist again in two weeks :)So here's to hoping these meds work for me and I don't have to switch meds a bunch of times before I find the right one! *fingers crossed*
[ **mood** | awake ] Hi I just come across this community today it seems pretty interesting and I should hopefully gain a great deal out of it.I just wanted to run a scenario by you and ask what is everyone's thoughts, feelings and ideas on it. My boyfriend is 29 and when we first got together he told me he was unable to read I wasn't sure if it was because he merely fell though the cracks or there was more to it. As of last week he lost his job nothing to do with his inability to read, however with this issue it could make finding a new job difficult. Anyway I was reading over his file where a local TAFE college had conducted an assessment for a TAFE course he did a couple of years ago and he conducted a dyslexia screening test and out of 20 indicators he had 18 and when the staff asked him about his reading problem he said he was able to understand language spoken to him however was unable to comprehend written language. The report stated that he had a "phonological core deficit."He has completed a number of courses in adult education and he believes he has made "slow progress." And of course when he went to high school they pushed him through and he was not accurately diagnosed until he was 26. I guess I am just slightly worried he has just accepted it and is not going to attempt to do something about it.I guess I am just asking for responses to this scenario and possible ideas on approaching the issue thoughts feelings anything anyone wants to contribute would be gratefully acknowledged.♥Manda
Has anyone participated in the Fast Forward program? ("Based on more than 30 years of neuroscience research, Fast ForWord programs use computer technology to target the language and reading skills widely recognized as the keys to all learning.")If so, What were the results?For further inforamtion: http://www.scilearn.com/
[ **mood** | excited ] Hi, I'm new here :) I am on some other LD groups. I don't know how I missed this one when I was joining all of the other ones!Anyway, I am 32, live in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I have dyslexia, dyscalculia, (possibly dysgraphia as well, I don't know for sure yet) and ADHD. I just graduated with an MA in social anthropology, and now I am going to go on and become an Orton-Gillingham tutor (multi-sensory education for dyslexics) :DI just called Surrey College to ask about the status of my application. I found out that I am accepted into the Orton-Gillingham program (http://www.ortonacademy.org/) :DI have to go pick up my pre-course package (there is a lot of work to prepare for the program - I get to make fuzzy letters! Yay :D) any time after May 9th, and pay my deposit for the course :D*bounce*bounce*bounce*
From Myomancy.com:In a move designed to cause controversy, Channel 4 are showing a program entitled The Dyslexia Myth. It features Professor Julian Elliott who has also written a piece about it for the Times Education Supplement which has been picked up by the BBC.Professor Elliott's main thrust is that there is no clearly defined criteria for dyslexia. All the symptoms of dyslexia such as letter reversal, clumsiness and poor memory occur in non-dyslexics who are simply classed as poor readers. Dyslexics also vary widely in their symptoms and a diagnosis of dyslexia gives no useful guidance to how the child should be taught. In short, he claims that "dyslexia persists as construct largely because it serves an emotional, not scientific, function".I have a lot of sympathy for the Professor's point of view though I think he and Channel 4 are doing the subject a disservice by deliberately provoking argument. Dyslexia is a pretty useless diagnoses. It covers a huge range of symptoms and gives no clue as to the source of the problem or how to treat it. The only thing a diagnosis tells you is that a child's abilities in some areas are unusually poor when compared to their overall cognitive skills. http://www.myomancy.com/2005/09/the_dyslexia_my.html
cheerful ] Hello, I'm rather new to this community, and it doesn't seem like it's getting any hits anymore, but still it's a nice thought that people like me who share dyslexia can get together. Here's a bit about myself:1) I'm a freshman, 14 years old2) I was diagnosed with Dyslexia in 2nd grade, but I was told I had it long before that. 3) I've consistently managed straight "A's" in all my gifted, AP, Honors, and Accelerated courses, so I'm managing well on my own, but it is hard to find people in the types of classes I'm in to relate to. 4) I think Dyslexia has been a great advantage to me as opposed to a handicap.5) I wan't to be a history teacher. That's all, I hope this community can get started back up soon. :)
codeman38 and I have just created 
visual_stress, for anyone who experiences symptoms of visual stress. It's also known as visual processing disorder, Meares-Irlen Syndrome, Irlen Syndrome, or Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, and it takes the form of unpleasant visual distortions or eyestrain when reading, sometimes with headaches or migraine as well. It's commonly treated with colour, for instance in the form of acetate overlays for paper or tinted spectacles. You can read more about it here. There's a strong connection with dyslexia, and some people with processing problems have co-existing auditory processing disorder or other neurological issues.You don't have to be diagnosed with visual stress to join, just to have difficulties in this general area. People with ME/CFIDS, migraine, MS, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders or ADD/ADHD, for example, often experience visual problems of this nature.
busy ] Hello all,I’m a student at Napier University writing an MSc dissertation on teaching methods for dyslexics in the world of IT. I’m really interested in how people have found higher education compared to secondary school, and in particular dyslexics who are learning to program, especially in object-oriented languages. How well has it been taught to you? Is there enough support for you eg: extra time in exams, more accessible textbooks etc? Do you have any suggestions on how teaching might be improved in this area? Maybe a change in focus is needed?I’d be really grateful if you would fill in my poll here; LJ comments are also welcome, and anonymous commenting is on. All results will remain anonymous whether you participate under an LJ name or not. I’d also appreciate any detailed experiences if you have time: please email them to me at ljs56 at cam dot ac dot uk.Thank you so much
happy ] Hi. I'm Cat, 22, new to the comm. I have dyslexia and was diagnosed 2 years ago, I'm partially deaf and have a speech disorder.What else? I like writing, a lot which I'm told is ironic by my personal tutor and I'm happiest with a sketch book or a musical instrument infront of me.Anyways hi.
hopeful ] Well, I finished my Orton-Gillingham course (http://www.ortonacademy.org/), and passed with flying colours :D I am still not on any meds for my ADHD, and I don't really think I need it. Plus, even if meds do magically make my ADHD go away, then I will still have to deal with dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, so I figure if it isn't messing up my life, why bother... Plus, I was just able to do this crazy intense course and I did super well on it :D I also like the energy and drive I get from the hyperactivity and hyperfocus part of the ADHD. Apparently I did so well in my course that my teacher and a local private school for dyslexics in my area are both trying to recruit me. I have a job interview today and one tomorrow :D I am really excited to start this new career! Who knew that dyslexia would be seen as an asset anywhere!?!?!?! It makes me really happy to have found a career that is totally Ok with the way I am, and is not just Ok with it, but totally gets it, and isn't condiscending and people who actually see my LDs as an asset to this career :D It makes me very happy! Life is really good right now :DAnyway, I am still on celexa for my anxiety and it is working out super well! I totally don't feel like a sedated drugged out zombie at all! I just feel like me but less of an anxious ball of spaz :D Yay :D
awake ] Hi I just come across this community today it seems pretty interesting and I should hopefully gain a great deal out of it.I just wanted to run a scenario by you and ask what is everyone's thoughts, feelings and ideas on it. My boyfriend is 29 and when we first got together he told me he was unable to read I wasn't sure if it was because he merely fell though the cracks or there was more to it. As of last week he lost his job nothing to do with his inability to read, however with this issue it could make finding a new job difficult. Anyway I was reading over his file where a local TAFE college had conducted an assessment for a TAFE course he did a couple of years ago and he conducted a dyslexia screening test and out of 20 indicators he had 18 and when the staff asked him about his reading problem he said he was able to understand language spoken to him however was unable to comprehend written language. The report stated that he had a "phonological core deficit."He has completed a number of courses in adult education and he believes he has made "slow progress." And of course when he went to high school they pushed him through and he was not accurately diagnosed until he was 26. I guess I am just slightly worried he has just accepted it and is not going to attempt to do something about it.I guess I am just asking for responses to this scenario and possible ideas on approaching the issue thoughts feelings anything anyone wants to contribute would be gratefully acknowledged.♥Manda
excited ] Hi, I'm new here :) I am on some other LD groups. I don't know how I missed this one when I was joining all of the other ones!Anyway, I am 32, live in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I have dyslexia, dyscalculia, (possibly dysgraphia as well, I don't know for sure yet) and ADHD. I just graduated with an MA in social anthropology, and now I am going to go on and become an Orton-Gillingham tutor (multi-sensory education for dyslexics) :DI just called Surrey College to ask about the status of my application. I found out that I am accepted into the Orton-Gillingham program (http://www.ortonacademy.org/) :DI have to go pick up my pre-course package (there is a lot of work to prepare for the program - I get to make fuzzy letters! Yay :D) any time after May 9th, and pay my deposit for the course :D*bounce*bounce*bounce*