Sharjah, May 4, 2024: The Sharjah Center for Learning Difficulties (SCLD), in partnership with the Sharjah Academy for Education, organized a seminar on “Dyslexia.” on May 4th. The seminar featured a panel of experts and specialists discussing the latest practices in diagnosing and treating dyslexia and presented positive examples of individuals who have overcome reading difficulties.
The seminar coincided with the Gulf Learning Difficulties Day and was held both physically and remotely under the theme “Together We Overcome Dyslexia.” It aimed to raise awareness among education and learning difficulties specialists, teachers, parents, and community members about the nature of dyslexia and how to overcome it.
Latest Therapeutic Programs
Dr. Hanadi Al Suwaidi, Director of SCLD, stated that the seminar focused on presenting the latest practices and therapeutic programs in overcoming the challenges faced by people with dyslexia, which deprives them of the joy of reading. The seminar also enlightened participants about the possibility of treating this difficulty by increasing awareness of its causes and treatment methods. Moreover, it highlighted that the desire of these individuals to benefit from reading like their peers helps them overcome the challenge and reach a stage where, under the supervision of specialists, they can read better.
Priority Topics
Dr. Hanadi Al Suwaidi further emphasized that the center prioritizes addressing topics relevant to individuals with learning difficulties across its various programs and activities. She pointed out that experts highlighted during the seminar sessions the importance of the role parents can play by employing effective therapeutic practices to assist children with dyslexia. They revealed that dyslexia is one of the limited difficulties affecting only 10% of school-aged children. Standing by the child from a young age can support them in developing reading skills, which are fundamental to their academic journey.
Importance of Diagnosis
The experts and specialists participating in the seminar shed light on dyslexia and explained how it affects the brain’s ability to process language and causes reading difficulties in individuals with normal intelligence and sound visual abilities.
The speakers at the seminar provided an overview of its symptoms, which include difficulties in decoding letters and words, slow and intermittent reading. They emphasized the importance of collaboration between special education professionals and parents, as well as following the latest guidelines and treatment methods when dealing with children facing this challenge.
The first session addressed the importance of early detection and diagnosis of dyslexia, as well as therapeutic strategies for dyslexia. The second session featured a presentation on the experience of SCLD in providing solutions and treatments to overcome dyslexia. The third session showcased the effectiveness of the Arabic Reading Challenge and presented a success story on overcoming dyslexia difficulties.
Since its establishment in 2016, the centre has received various segments of society of all ages and nationalities who face learning difficulties and provided them with a package of services and support. The centre has served around 1,000 people and is committed to strengthening cooperation with various local, Arab, and international centres and associations to achieve the best results through its programs and the employment of an integrated set of activities and events to spread awareness and scientific knowledge of learning difficulties.
