943 William D. Fitch Suite 301 College Station, Texas 77845

979-260-5400

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Dyslexia

Dyslexia is not a disease. Dyslexia describes a different kind of mind –often gifted and productive — that learns differently. Dyslexics are not lacking in intelligence. In fact, many dyslexics have above-average intelligence. The problem is, also, not one of vision; dyslexics do not “see backward.” Dyslexia results from differences in the structure and the function of the brain.

The following characteristics may accompany dyslexia:

  • Difficulty in learning to read
  • Difficulty in reading comprehension
  • Repeated spelling errors
  • Difficulty with handwriting
  • Difficulty in learning the alphabet
  • Difficulty in learning printed words
  • Cramped or illegible handwriting
  • Lack of awareness of sounds in words
  • Poor sequencing of numbers, or lettering words, when read or written
  • Difficulty expressing thoughts orally or in written form
  • Delayed spoken language
  • Confusion about directions in space or time
  • Difficulty in mathematics

Communication disorders affect approximately six million children in the United States. However, some show special talents in areas that require visual, spatial, and motor integration. Current research indicates the condition is primarily familial. Located at the College Station Medical Center, the Language Learning Center is staffed by a certified Academic Language Therapist and dedicated clinicians specializing in dyslexia. Our multisensory teaching techniques utilize the Scottish Rite Dyslexia Training Program to provide the linkages between the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic senses. The program extends sequentially from the very basic abilities such as letter recognition to sophisticated levels of reading comprehension. It is enriching to report that our children are making vast improvements in decoding skills, word recognition, and reading comprehension. These improvements result in providing self-esteem, which in the long term will increase the social and career development of each child. Equally important, all services are available regardless of race, creed, color or the family`s socioeconomic status.

Since 1965 The Luke Waites Child Development Center at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas has made great strides in identifying and diagnosing children with dyslexia. However, these efforts are only half the battle. Implementing an effective treatment program is the important second step for the dyslexic child. Thus, the Language Learning Center, a Texas non-profit corporation was created in April 1996 for just such a purpose.

Though we have achieved a measurable level of success, we still have a long way to go. There are more children on our waiting list than we have the ability to treat. Our services and facilities must be expanded to accommodate the growing demand for our program. Through your support, our program will continue to grow and improve the lives of the children we are able to touch — carrying them to a brighter future.