How can you tell if a child has dyslexia or some other vision problem?

Question

I tutor a 3rd grader in reading. He tells me he has trouble seeing the words, he confused b and d sometimes, he had to think so hard when decoding words we have just sounded out. His mother has had his vision tested. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

Answer 1

Dyslexia and other learning disabilites are not vision problems, they are brain processing problems. He should see an educational psychologist for testing, the school board may have one available. Otherwise , the child's family doctor or pediatrican can refer him for testing.

Testing is usually not done until grade 3 as some children simply are not ready to read until age nine. If he is still confusing letters and struggling with decoding at this stage, testing should be recommended.

Answer 2

The are no school labels for Dyslexia. It is a medical term. In schools we may use the label, Specific Learning Disability which involves deficits in information processing, memory and visual motor integration. There is also label for a child with an underlying language disorder which also affects reading. And yes, there are children who do not have the innate ability to read well. However, only testing by a school psychologist will be able to tell if this is the case. There are quite a few cases in which testing shows that children are a very low normal or mentally retarded.

Answer 3

Some vision problems won't be picked up by a regular eye exam. Try having him tested by a developmental optometrist or one that tests for visual processing problems.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

His mother is going to have to have him tested for it. Maybe his doctor will do that or can refer his mother to somebody that can.