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Paperback
432 pages
1st edition
Knopf |
Sally Shaywitz, M.D., is a neuroscientist, a professor
of
pediatrics at Yale, and co-director of the Yale Center for the Study of
Learning and Attention. She is one of the world’s leading experts
on reading and dyslexia, the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and
practical book yet to help us understand, identify, and overcome the
reading problems that plague American children today. For the one in
every five children who has dyslexia and the millions of others who
struggle to read at their own grade levels—and for their parents,
teachers, and tutors—this book can make a difference.
Drawing on recent scientific breakthroughs—many of them in her own
laboratory - Dr. Shaywitz demystifies the subject of reading
difficulties and explains how a child can be helped to become a good
reader. She discusses early diagnosis in young children as well as the
diagnosing of older children, young adults, and adults. Dr. Shaywitz
explains why some bright adults can read only very slowly, and what
they can do about it. Her book makes clear how the latest research,
including new brain imaging studies, is uncovering the mechanisms
underlying dyslexia and has led to effective treatments for each age
group.
Dr. Shaywitz instructs parents in what they can do year-by-year,
grade-by-grade, step-by-step for a dyslexic child. She lays out a home
program for enhanced reading; guides parents in choosing the best
school for their child and in working with teachers; and suggests ways
of raising and preserving the child’s self-esteem. She provides
exercises, teaching aids, information on computer programs, and many
other invaluable resources.
In addition, her book corrects such popular (and harmful) myths as the
belief that dyslexia is primarily a male problem, that children with
dyslexia see words backward, that dyslexia is linked to intelligence.
She shows us how, although dyslexia cannot be outgrown, its effects
can, with careful planning and hard work, be overcome.
Dr. Shaywitz lifts the barrier of ignorance surrounding dyslexia and
replaces it with the comfort of knowledge. Here is a trusted source to
which you can turn for information, advice, guidance, and explanation.
In sum, here is cutting-edge research translated into an easy-to-follow
plan of action offering help—and hope—to all who have reading problems,
and their families. |