In Lake Worth Beach, Florida, a critical issue is emerging in our educational system - the struggle to ensure our kids reach grade-level reading proficiency. Across the nation, a disheartening fact emerges: only 35 percent of public school students are proficient readers by grade 4. This led to a significant meeting on Wednesday, where minds came together to discuss a possible reason - misdiagnosed issues within students' brains.
Understanding Visual Processing Disorder (VPD)
One of the key conditions identified is Visual Processing Disorder or VPD. It is a neurological disorder that poses challenges for the brain in interpreting what it sees. Children and adults with VPD often face difficulties in distinguishing between letters and numbers, accurately judging distances, and coordinating hand-eye movements. This can have a profound impact on their reading and writing abilities.For instance, imagine a student struggling to recognize the difference between similar-looking letters like "b" and "d" or having trouble determining the correct sequence of words on a page. Such issues can lead to significant setbacks in their academic progress.Unraveling Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Another important disorder is Auditory Processing Disorder or APD. In this case, the brain has difficulties processing sound. Kids and adults with APD may encounter problems understanding speech in noisy environments, following directions accurately, and differentiating between similar-sounding words.Let's take an example of a classroom where there is background noise. A student with APD might find it extremely challenging to focus on the teacher's instructions and may misinterpret what is being said. This can lead to confusion and a decline in their learning outcomes.The Impact on Reading and Writing
Students with either VPD, APD, or both can face major challenges when it comes to reading and writing. These disorders can act as barriers that prevent them from fully engaging with the learning process and reaching their full potential.However, it's important to note that these disorders are not insurmountable. There are numerous successful cases of students diagnosed with VPD or APD who have received appropriate treatment and have made significant improvements.The Goal of the Roundtable
The roundtable hosted by Bright Minds Processing in Lake Worth Beach aimed to bring experts in APD and VPD together with community members. The objective was to spread awareness about these disorders so that more kids can be diagnosed and receive the help they need to improve their reading skills.As Bright Minds Processing founder Sue Mann emphasizes, "It's so important because our children are being misdiagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD. These doctors have shown that with the right help, they won't be in those categories. They'll have their own category, and it's totally fixable."The Limitations of Current Screenings
Optometrist Mark Marciano points out that the vision screenings and hearing tests conducted at schools and by pediatricians only scratch the surface. While it's good to know that a child can see in third grade, it's not the only aspect to consider. In fact, 30 percent of students may have 20/20 vision but still have a vision learning problem.This highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to assessing a child's visual and auditory abilities. By going beyond the basic screenings, we can better identify and address these underlying disorders.If you have questions about VPD or APD and how to determine if your child may have these issues, you can reach out to mlincoln@cbs12.com or visit https://brightmindsprocessing.org/. Stay updated with the latest local news by signing up for our newsletter and subscribing to our YouTube channel for the biggest stories and must-see videos.
