Letters

Sunday, Aug. 10, 2003
    • The New Science of Dyslexia

    It was great to see the story on new research and teaching approaches to dyslexia [SCIENCE, July 28]. Perhaps the instructors who applied behavior modification to my son will learn from your reporting. They determined that he was just "not ready" to read and gave him art projects. My son was truly a child left behind by his school system, but he is now happily able to read to himself — after we, his family, discovered programs based on research that our local school system could not find.
    BILL THOMPSON
    Port Orange, Fla.


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    I'm a 46-year-old woman with dyslexia, and I was happy to see that all areas of this disorder are being seriously researched. In spite of a lifetime of being considered stupid, weird or worse, I feel fortunate that my problem was noticed early and I was taught to read at home before beginning school. Still, I am just as likely today to walk into a doorjamb as to make it through a doorway successfully. I am, however, an imaginative, practical problem solver as well as ambidextrous. My creativity far outweighs dyslexia's negatives. Let's hope the stigma is lifted for all of us who see the world a bit differently.
    PENNY TASSIN
    Linden, Texas

    As the parent of a bright but dyslexic child, I find it especially helpful to share articles like yours with teachers, who are often skeptical about the condition and unaware of what can be done about it. My main concern is that you gave only one sentence to the fact that the "condition affects the ability to write as well as read." That aspect of dyslexia needs greater recognition too.
    BARBARA FRENZER
    Palatine, Ill.

    Thanks for your story. It will help the parents of dyslexics spare their children the shame that often accompanies the disorder. I was always told that I wasn't trying hard enough, that I wasn't college material. At 37, I learned that I was dyslexic, and for the first time in my life, I understood why school had always been so difficult for me. After many years of hard work, I earned my bachelor of science degree at age 45.
    DIANE THURMAN-GEORGE
    Rocklin, Calif.

    I would like to add a very important component to your "What You Can Do" list for parents: read to your children. Surround them with books. As soon as a child's ability to focus on a page develops, parents should be instilling a love of books. There is no substitute for an active, involved parent. We teachers cannot do it alone.
    JUDY PLAYE
    Whitinsville, Mass.

    Thank you for dispelling the myths about dyslexia. As a special-education teacher and language therapist certified by the Academic Language Therapy Association, I have witnessed the pain and frustration of many bright and talented students as they struggle each day with the printed word. Early identification and intervention are the key. With the right teaching, dyslexic students can learn how to deal with written language and grow up to contribute their gifts and talents to the world.
    MARTHA G. STEGER
    Taos, N.M.

    Homeland Insecurity

    RE "The War Comes Home," on Americans' doubts about the case for the Iraq conflict [THE FALLOUT, July 28]: Whenever a bright light is shined on one of President Bush's justifications for the invasion, it seems to have barely enough substance to cast a shadow. Misleading Congress and the American public into waging a war should attract the attention of the House of Representatives. Such behavior surely exceeds the standard for impeachment set for President Clinton over trivial untruths having nothing to do with his presidential duties.
    CHARLES J. PITTS
    Manassas, Va.

    A single casualty is one too many, whether in major combat operations or in the current guerrilla attacks, which were easily predictable. The extent of resistance faced by coalition troops is understandably troubling. Despite all the obstacles, Bush appears to be patient, strong and determined to see this matter through. And that is why I think his popularity ratings will soon revive.
    AGNIESZKA IDZIK
    Jaslo, Poland

    Considering that Bush's political bounce from the Iraq war has all but evaporated, what military action will this Administration commence in the fall of 2004 to gain an additional bounce heading into the next presidential election?
    ANTHONY L. BOLZAN
    Boston

    Suddenly, starkly, the cost of our Iraq adventure becomes clear in terms every American can understand: $1 billion a week. A body a day. Two questions: What are we buying with this outpouring of American treasure and lives? And how long will we pay the price?
    RON BONN
    San Diego

    While serving in the military, I learned that one of the most important factors in a leader's success is commanding the respect of his troops. Nothing was more infuriating than when a superior officer publicly blamed others for a collective misstep. Before belatedly taking responsibility for his words, the President allowed an important member of his Administration to be cast to the lions. The ensuing spectacle is deserved, and the President should not be surprised to see a drop in his Administration's morale and enthusiasm.
    JACK ROBERTS
    White Bear Lake, Minn.

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