Are We “Curing” Dyslexia? As a parent, you may have heard the term “curing dyslexia” and wondered, Is that really possible? You’re likely frustrated, watching your bright, capable child struggle with reading, spelling, and writing. You’ve probably tried everything-extra tutoring, accommodations at school, or special reading programs-yet nothing seems to work permanently. So, can dyslexia actually be “cured”? The truth is, “cure” is a medical term, and dyslexia isn’t a disease. It’s a learning difference-a specific way the brain processes language. As non-medical professionals at Stowell Learning Centers, we don’t claim to “cure” dyslexia in the traditional sense. …
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, but for parents of children with dyslexia, every month is a reminder of the daily struggles their child faces. If you’re a parent of a dyslexic child, whether here in Irvine CA or elsewhere, you know the frustration, the worry, and the endless search for answers. You may also feel the isolation of watching your child fall behind while others seem to be thriving. Raising awareness about dyslexia is critical—not just during Dyslexia Awareness Month, but every day of the year. Why? Because with more awareness comes more understanding, more support, and better opportunities for…
For too long, dyslexia has been framed as a limitation that students must learn to live with. At Stowell Learning Centers, we see things differently. We believe in correcting dyslexia through proven, research-backed methods that address the root of the learning challenges, not just the symptoms. And we’ve done that successfully for 40 years. Our educational philosophy is based on the understanding that the brain is adaptable and capable of significant change, known as neuroplasticity. Through intensive, customized interventions, we help students develop the necessary skills to read and process information efficiently. This correction approach transforms the educational experiences and…
Dyslexia, a common learning disability characterized by difficulties with reading and spelling, is often misunderstood as a permanent barrier. At Stowell Learning Centers (Chino, Irvine, Pasadena), we challenge this notion by emphasizing not just accommodation, but correction of dyslexia. Our approach is rooted in the latest brain research which shows that with targeted and frequent training, the brain can develop new pathways to process information more effectively. Correction: Removing the Barriers Posed by Dyslexia Imagine a talented soccer player hindered by a stone in their shoe. Traditional methods would teach them to manage the discomfort, but wouldn’t it make more…
Having been on lockdown for most of the past year, it’s been fun to sit at our local outdoor food court as things are re-opening. There is a huge round fountain in the center. The raised edge encircling the fountain is about 18 inches wide. What is such fun about this fountain is watching little children with their cute little (COVID) masks run around the edge of it with absolute delight and laughter. There are two things that particularly strike me when I watch these little children. First, I am amazed at the coordination of the toddlers and slightly older…
Managing in the Pandemic Part 2: Structure and Routines that Reduce Anxiety and Increase Performance
Reduce anxiety and stress with consistent routines and expectations for our kids . Everyone does better with predictability and routine. There is greater compliance if everyone knows exactly what to expect. And, those initial shifts that create a new habit are kind of like knocking over the first domino. They tend to start a chain reaction that helps other good habits take hold. Studies have documented that families who habitually eat dinner toge ther seem to raise children with better homework skills, higher grades, greater emotional control and more confidence. Making your bed every morning is correlated with higher…
Halloween masks can be great fun, but there are students in every school who are wearing “masks” all year long. Mike was funny and gregarious. He showed his smarts in class discussions, but when it came to doing any kind of seat-work, he could be found entertaining his classmates. At home with all his unfinished schoolwork and homework, his mom sat with him in order to get through the load, inadvertently becoming his reader to speed up the process. Work came back to school correct, causing Mike’s teacher to think the problem was lack of motivation and attention. Mike was…
“Can you hear me now? Wait…What?…You’re cutting in and out.” Recognize this conversation? Of course, you do. We’ve ALL experienced a bad cell phone connection. And it’s incredibly irritating! Can you imagine what it would feel like to spend your whole day, everyday, listening through a bad cell phone connection? Think about how lost and anxious you would feel? Thankfully, a call back on a cell phone usually solves the problem. But for children and adults with auditory processing problems, this may be just the way life is. Auditory processing has a profound impact on learning, but, it can mask…
Could YOU use a little “positive” in your life right now? You’re not alone. 2020 has given us all a run for our money. Here are 3 tips for staying positive: Perspective A 16-year-old with ADD shared that she has learned to say to herself: “Everyone has challenges. Mine is ADD.” This attitude has allowed her to problem-solve her challenges instead of stressing about them. Take Control of Your Self-Talk Science has proven that our words are powerful. Beating ourselves up for mistakes or challenges never helps. You can’t change the past, but you can learn from it. Taking a…