When it comes to reading and learning, not everyone has the same hurdles. For some folks, it’s not just about understanding the material, it’s about making sense of the words on the page. This is where visual dyslexia comes into play, a condition that’s often misunderstood but can have a large impact on a person’s life.
We recently visited an incredible business in the Highlands called the Alison Lawson Centre. Located in Moss Vale the team are here to help locals who may be experiencing visual dyslexia with their unique and effective treatment that’s been making a difference for Highlanders and beyond.
Started by the amazing Alison Lawson and now run by her daughter Maria Thomas, the centre is still doing the fantastic work Alison started, with the same care and energy. Maria is all about keeping her mum’s legacy alive, making sure local families get the help they need.
Read on to find out more.
What Is Visual Dyslexia?
Let’s start with the basics. The term “dyslexia” comes from the Greek words “dys” [meaning difficult] and “lexis” [meaning words], so it literally translates to “difficulty with words.”
But what does that actually mean? Well, for those with visual dyslexia, reading, spelling, and sometimes even writing can feel like an uphill battle. The letters might dance on the page, words might blur together, or comprehension might be slow and frustrating.
Visual dyslexia is a specific type of dyslexia that relates to how the brain processes visual information. Think of it like this: your eyes are the camera, capturing the image, but it’s the brain’s job to make sense of that image. In cases of visual dyslexia, there’s a hiccup in that process, making it difficult for the brain to interpret what the eyes are seeing. This can lead to challenges in reading and other visual tasks, which, as you can imagine, can be incredibly frustrating, especially for kids in school.
Signs + Symptoms
So, how do you know if someone might be struggling with visual dyslexia? As each person is unique and so are their symptoms of dyslexia.
As a parent or carer, you might spot some early signs before your child even starts school. Look out for things like late talking, trouble learning new words, and mixing up how words are formed. They might also struggle to remember letters, colours, or numbers and have trouble focusing or coordinating their movements.
When school starts, these issues can become even more noticeable. Your child might be reading and spelling far below what’s expected, adding or skipping words, or guessing a lot while reading. They could have trouble keeping their place in a book, see blurry text, or notice words that seem to jump around on the page. Other signs include difficulty blending sounds, pronouncing new words, remembering sequences, or understanding what they hear.
If your child is avoiding reading-related activities, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. Without help, these struggles can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and behavioural issues. So, keeping an eye out for these signs early on can make a big difference!
If you’re noticing these signs in your child or student, it’s worth taking a closer look. The good news is that visual dyslexia is treatable, and that’s where the Alison Lawson Centre comes in.
The Story Of Alison Lawson Centre
For decades, the Alison Lawson Centre has been a go-to spot for people dealing with visual dyslexia. Started by Alison Lawson, an incredibly experienced orthoptist with over 60 years of work in Australia and England, the centre has become known for its fresh and effective approach to treating dyslexia and learning difficulties.
Alison noticed something pretty simple but important: for learning to work smoothly, our eyes and brain need to be in sync. When that connection isn’t right, reading and understanding can be a real challenge.
In 1979, Alison created the Lawson Anti-Suppression Device [LASD], a game-changing machine designed to directly help the part of the brain that handles visual info. The LASD has been a big win for many people struggling with visual dyslexia. It’s a proven, non-invasive treatment that doesn’t involve drugs, glasses, or hypnosis. Instead, it works by getting the visual neurons in the brain activated and teaching the eyes and brain to work together better.
How incredible is that???
How Alison Lawson Centre Is Helping The Highlands And Surrounds
At the Alison Lawson Centre in Moss Vale, Maria Thomas and her team are all about making a real difference for their patients. They know that getting a dyslexia diagnosis can be a bit overwhelming, but they’re here to support you every step of the way. Their treatment plan includes sessions where patients get to work with the LASD machine, helping to stimulate the visual cortex and boost reading and learning skills.
What’s cool about the centre is their all-around approach. It’s not just about the sessions; they work closely with patients, parents, and teachers to make sure the progress made in the centre sticks in everyday life. They set up structured home exercises to back up the treatment and are all about teamwork. They understand that success comes from everyone being on the same page.
What really makes the Alison Lawson Centre stand out is their focus on long-term results. By the end of the treatment program, patients often have a sharper focus than the average person, with full binocular vision at every level of gaze, WOW!
This means the improvements aren’t just short-term, they last a lifetime. Incredible!!!!
Why It Matters
Visual dyslexia is more common than you might think, affecting about 10% of the population, with 4% being severely impacted. It’s hereditary and can often go undiagnosed, leading to years of frustration and low self-esteem. That’s why the work being done by Maria Thomas and the team at the Alison Lawson Centre is so important. They’re not just treating a condition, they’re giving people their lives back, helping them unlock their full potential.
If you think your child or someone you know might be dealing with visual dyslexia, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The Alison Lawson Centre in Moss Vale is ready to give a detailed visual assessment and come up with a treatment plan that’s just right for them. With their expertise and genuine passion for making a difference, you can feel confident that you’re in great hands
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