Cellfield and Its Advantages for Children with Reading Difficulties

15 May 2019
Cellfield and Its Advantages for Children with Reading Difficulties

When a student has a neurological disadvantage that causes him or her to have difficulties processing written information, the student has an increased chance of lagging behind classmates. Reading is essential in nearly every class and subject in school to comprehend instructions and course material, with most people agreeing that reading is the most important life skill.

This means that conditions such as Dyslexia create a significant barrier and a strenuous challenge; a challenge that must be overcome to bolster learning. But when teachers have to focus on the needs of over a dozen students at a time, how can someone with reading hardships get the help and attention he or she needs?

The Cellfield Intervention assists in creating new neural pathways

Up until recently, it was thought that neural pathways were permanent and could not be rewired—recent research has proven this to be inaccurate. Cellfield uses this information and understanding of neuroplasticity to help students make the connection between letters and their corresponding sounds. Reading requires continuous processing of fast-moving visual and auditory information, information that is processed differently when someone has Dyslexia.

The intervention is split into 10 sessions of one hour each which are typically completed over a 10-day period. Before the intervention beings, students are assessed using the British Dyslexia Screening Test that measures skills such as phonological awareness and working memory. Each student is also put through three tests: Vocabulary, Word Attack, and Comprehension. An optometrist will also assess the student for eccentricity and instability, a condition that makes it difficult for the eyes to fixate on the beginning of a word and move to the end.

In a mere 10 days, new, quicker and more effective neurological pathways are developed, allowing for students to make as much as a two-year gain in their Word Attack and Comprehension skills. From that point, most students find that they are better able to process information and are less stressed and more competent learners.

For more information on Cellfield and its effectiveness, read the information in this study.

What if my child has trouble with reading but isn’t Dyslexic?

Dyslexia is a primary focus of Cellfield but isn’t a requirement for the program. Many types of students are suitable for Cellfield, including those that have poor reading and/or writing skills, do not have basic sound/letter correspondence skills, have weak working memory or difficulty recalling what they read, as well as children with problems controlling eye movements. Students with Irlen Syndrome may also benefit from the program, particularly since Irlen Syndrome is present in approximately half of people who have reading or learning problems.

Students with extreme concentration issues or those that do not yet have basic sound/letter correspondence skills are not best suited for Cellfield. Because of the computer usage and software required, medical clearance will be required for students with epilepsy or sensitivity to bright lights.

Where is a Cellfield Centre near me?

If you are interested in Cellfield, there are numerous locations throughout New Zealand where you can go. In the Invercargill area, you can visit www.ontracklearning.co.nz or email Patria at invercargill@cellfield.co.nz with any questions or to set up an appointment. 

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