Powerful documentary exploding myths about dyslexia

This documentary by Mills Productions first screened in the UK in 2005. It should be called 'The Dyslexia Myths' as it deals with many misconceptions about this learning disability.

The first myth is that IQ can be used to distinguish between two groups of poor readers, even though their literacy difficulties are both caused by the same thing - deficits in phonological awareness (and associated speech and language difficulties). There has never been any evidence that IQ influences the ability to decode words or spell, so it is completely invalid to call those with an IQ above 90 dyslexic, whilst those with an IQ below 90 are just 'garden variety poor readers'. Professor Julian Elliott argues that the solution to this historical dilemma is to dispense with the term 'dyslexia' altogether. However, for very good reasons, the UK decided to take a more inclusive stance. Sir Jim Rose was asked in 2009 to head an enquiry into 'Identifying and teaching children and young people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties'. All children with literacy difficulties associated with poor phonological awareness are now included in the term 'dyslexic' and are entitled to the same support.

Myth number 2: That dyslexia is only the result of genetics. There are several environmental factors that occur after birth that contribute to children developing the same literacy difficulties as those who were born with dyslexia. These include glue ear and very young or very busy parents neglecting to speak to their infants. Poor methods of reading instruction (whole language, multi-cueing) can also create and/or exacerbate literacy difficulties that already exist; whilst synthetic phonics and Orton-Gillingham instruction can ease the difficulties dyslexics face and bring their literacy levels up to those of their peers. Only around 50% of dyslexia can be attributed to genetics.

Myth 3: Dyslexia is a visual problem that requires coloured lenses.

Myth 4: Literacy difficulties affect boys more than girls.

The mother of Tina, the young dyslexic girl who features in this documentary, wrote to the Mills a few years after this programme was screened to advise them that Tina got the good quality support that she needed and improved her reading and spelling age-appropriate levels.

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