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MP brands dyslexia as a 'fiction' MP brands dyslexia a 'fiction'
(about 1 hour later)
A Labour MP has claimed dyslexia is a myth invented by education chiefs to cover up poor teaching methods.A Labour MP has claimed dyslexia is a myth invented by education chiefs to cover up poor teaching methods.
Backbencher Graham Stringer, MP for Blackley, describes the condition as a "cruel fiction" that should be consigned to the "dustbin of history".Backbencher Graham Stringer, MP for Blackley, describes the condition as a "cruel fiction" that should be consigned to the "dustbin of history".
He suggests children should instead be taught to read and write by using a system called synthetic phonics.He suggests children should instead be taught to read and write by using a system called synthetic phonics.
But Charity Dyslexia Action said the condition was "very real" to the 6m people in the UK affected by it.But Charity Dyslexia Action said the condition was "very real" to the 6m people in the UK affected by it.
Writing in a column for website Manchester Confidential, Mr Stringer said millions of pounds was being wasted on specialist teaching for what he called the "false" condition.Writing in a column for website Manchester Confidential, Mr Stringer said millions of pounds was being wasted on specialist teaching for what he called the "false" condition.
To label children as dyslexic because they're confused by poor teaching methods is wicked. Graham Stringer MPTo label children as dyslexic because they're confused by poor teaching methods is wicked. Graham Stringer MP
Mr Stringer claims the reason so many children fail to be taught to read and write properly is that the wrong teaching methods are used.Mr Stringer claims the reason so many children fail to be taught to read and write properly is that the wrong teaching methods are used.
"The education establishment, rather than admit that their eclectic and incomplete methods for instruction are at fault, have invented a brain disorder called dyslexia," said the MP."The education establishment, rather than admit that their eclectic and incomplete methods for instruction are at fault, have invented a brain disorder called dyslexia," said the MP.
"To label children as dyslexic because they're confused by poor teaching methods is wicked."To label children as dyslexic because they're confused by poor teaching methods is wicked.
"If dyslexia really existed then countries as diverse as Nicaragua and South Korea would not have been able to achieve literacy rates of nearly 100%."If dyslexia really existed then countries as diverse as Nicaragua and South Korea would not have been able to achieve literacy rates of nearly 100%.
"There can be no rational reason why this 'brain disorder' is of epidemic proportions in Britain but does not appear in South Korea or Nicaragua.""There can be no rational reason why this 'brain disorder' is of epidemic proportions in Britain but does not appear in South Korea or Nicaragua."
He claims the "fictional malady" has also been wiped out in West Dunbartonshire where the council has introduced the synthetic phonics system of teaching, also known as linguistic phonics.He claims the "fictional malady" has also been wiped out in West Dunbartonshire where the council has introduced the synthetic phonics system of teaching, also known as linguistic phonics.
It is concerning that an MP does not recognise dyslexia, which affects 10% of his constituents... British Dyslexia Association spokeswoman
Currently, 35,500 students are receiving disability allowances for dyslexia at an annual cost of £78.4m, Mr Stringer claims.Currently, 35,500 students are receiving disability allowances for dyslexia at an annual cost of £78.4m, Mr Stringer claims.
Comments 'frustrating'
"Certified dyslexics get longer in exams," he said. "There has been created a situation where there are financial and educational incentives to being bad at spelling and reading."Certified dyslexics get longer in exams," he said. "There has been created a situation where there are financial and educational incentives to being bad at spelling and reading.
"It is time that the dyslexia industry was killed off and we recognised that there are well known methods for teaching everybody to read and write.""It is time that the dyslexia industry was killed off and we recognised that there are well known methods for teaching everybody to read and write."
Dyslexia Action said the condition was not just a reading difficulty, but a combination of abilities and difficulties that affect the learning process.Dyslexia Action said the condition was not just a reading difficulty, but a combination of abilities and difficulties that affect the learning process.
Comments 'frustrating'
Chief executive Shirley Cramer said: "Once again dyslexia seems to be making the headlines for all the wrong reasons.Chief executive Shirley Cramer said: "Once again dyslexia seems to be making the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
"It is frustrating that the focus should be on whether dyslexia exists or not, when there is so much evidence to support that it does. "It is frustrating that the focus should be on whether dyslexia exists or not, when there is so much evidence to support that it does."
"The dyslexia community has over 30 years experience in working with individuals with a range of complex specific needs. The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) campaigns for the use of phonics and multi-sensory teaching to help solve child literacy problems, but said the MP had failed to grasp the issue.
"For this reason it has never been more important for us to work in partnership with government, local authorities and individual schools to ensure that those at risk... are identified early." "Mr Stringer assumes that literacy will solve the issue of dyslexia, however although many dyslexics have acquired the skills of reading, there is no doubt that they still remain dyslexic," a spokeswoman said.
"It is concerning that an MP does not recognise dyslexia, which affects 10% of his constituents, even though his government have taken steps to make sure dyslexic children and young people with dyslexia are recognised and supported."