Working Memory and Dyslexia
Dyslexia often goes hand in hand with working memory challenges. In this article, we delve into the intricate connection between dyslexia and working memory. By understanding this link, parents and educators can implement targeted strategies to support dyslexic learners effectively
The Role of Working Memory In Learning
Working memory refers to the brain’s ability to temporarily hold and manipulate information needed for cognitive tasks. It helps us retain and manipulate information, follow instructions, solve problems, and make connections. Working memory acts as a cognitive “workspace.”
For instance, we use our working memory when we:
- Remember someone’s name who we just met
- Follow multi-step directions
- Actively think of a concept while elaborating or clarifying it
- Retrieve information when answering a question
- Hold a long-term plan in mind while focusing on a short-term goal
Understanding Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects the way individuals process language and acquire literacy skills. It is not related to intelligence but rather to the way the brain processes language.
Dyslexia can pose significant challenges in acquiring reading and writing skills. Children with dyslexia may struggle to recognize and decode words, experience slow reading speed, and have difficulties with spelling and comprehension. These challenges can affect academic performance and overall confidence. Please follow our link to Understanding Dyslexia In 4 Points if you would like a more in-depth view.
Working Memory And Dyslexia
Children with dyslexia or other reading difficulties often have deficits in working memory. Any dyslexia evaluation will include a working memory component. Working memory helps children retrieve, recall and remember information. Let’s examine the way working memory can affect dyslexic learners.
Reading:
Working memory allows us to hold and manipulate information, such as letter sounds, word meanings, and sentence structures. It helps us keep track of the words we’ve read and connect them to the larger context. Decoding new words is a working memory task. Children must break the word into individual pieces, remember the sound for each letter, hold those sounds in memory long enough to finish the word, and then blend all the sounds together. Students with dyslexia often struggle with reading words accurately and fluently, in part, due to poor working memory.
Spelling:
Working memory aids in retrieving and manipulating letter patterns. It enables us to remember the spelling patterns and rules, apply them accurately, and monitor our spelling as we write. Deficits in working memory make spelling one of the most exhausting tasks for dyslexic learners.
Writing:
When we write, our working memory helps us maintain focus on the task at hand, organize our thoughts, and retrieve relevant information from our long-term memory. It allows us to hold multiple ideas in mind simultaneously, arrange them coherently, and make connections between different concepts. Dyslexic learners may struggle with generating ideas, organizing their thoughts, and maintaining the flow of their writing.
Comprehension:
Think about a student who is reading a sentence. They decode every word but forgot the first few words of the sentence by the time they finished reading it. They were successful in decoding every word but unfortunately, cannot comprehend what they just read. Working memory helps us keep track of the words we’ve read and connect them to the larger context. Individuals with stronger working memory capabilities often demonstrate better reading comprehension and faster word recognition, as they can efficiently process and retain information while navigating through text.
Vocabulary:
When it comes to vocabulary, working memory plays a crucial role in expanding and retrieving new words. As we encounter new words, our working memory helps us store and process their meanings, making connections with existing knowledge. It’s like a mental filing system that allows us to retrieve and use words in different contexts. A student with dyslexia might face hurdles when it comes to remembering and using a wide range of vocabulary. They might struggle to grasp new words, recall them when needed, or connect them with the right meanings.
Addressing Working Memory Challenges in Dyslexic Learners
Understanding the connection between dyslexia and working memory is pivotal for supporting dyslexic learners effectively. By recognizing the impact of working memory challenges, parents, educators, and professionals can implement strategies to help your child succeed. With tailored support, dyslexic learners can overcome challenges, unlock their full potential, and thrive academically and beyond.
Multisensory Instruction: Employing multisensory teaching techniques can enhance working memory engagement. By incorporating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements, dyslexic learners can better process and retain information.
Chunking and Breaking Tasks: Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks helps dyslexic learners navigate complex assignments. Providing clear instructions and scaffolding their learning can reduce working memory load, enhancing comprehension and task completion.
Teach Concepts Through Experiences: Use experiments, projects, and dramatizations to help your child learn new information. They are more likely to process new information through experiencing the learning.
Memory Strategies and Mnemonics: Teaching memory-enhancing strategies, such as mnemonic devices or visualization techniques, can support dyslexic learners in retaining and recalling information. These strategies provide memory aids and improve working memory efficiency.
Visual Cues: Creating visual cues such as concept maps can help information stay in you in your learner’s memory. The goal is to provide information in different formats that are easy to digest.
Repeat and Review: Give your learner several opportunities to repeat and review the new information. It is more likely to stay embedded in their memory if they have multiple exposures to it.
Discuss: Discuss what is retained, and review what is forgotten with your learner. You may find some helpful insights as to what helps them remember information by talking to them.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: What are the signs of working memory challenges in dyslexic learners?
Dyslexic learners with working memory challenges may exhibit signs such as forgetfulness, difficulty following multi-step instructions, poor organizational skills, and struggles with complex problem-solving tasks. They may also have trouble maintaining focus during reading or writing activities. These challenges can impact their overall reading and learning experiences
Q: Can working memory difficulties be improved in dyslexic learners?
Yes, working memory difficulties can be improved in dyslexic learners. While working memory capacity may have some inherent limitations, targeted interventions and strategies can help strengthen working memory skills. With appropriate support and practice, dyslexic learners can enhance their working memory efficiency and minimize the impact of working memory challenges on their reading and learning abilities.
Q: When should parents consider seeking professional assistance for working memory challenges in their dyslexic child?
Parents should consider seeking professional assistance when they notice significant and persistent working memory challenges that impact their dyslexic child’s academic performance and overall well-being. Dyslexia therapists, educational psychologists, or speech-language pathologists can provide comprehensive evaluations, targeted interventions, and personalized recommendations to address working memory challenges effectively.
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