Thanks...
I did not know about the acronym "Specific Learning Disabilities (SpLD)". And your comment on focusing on finding a fix for the job related issue was suggested by another source..see comment by him in the following text.
Just to archive this info for the next person looking for this...
A head of neurology at a teaching hospital suggested I contact the STERN CENTER in Burlington VT. They have a day long diagnostic screening ($1,800 $US).
A neurosurgeon friend of a neighbor (the rewards of being a volunteer EMT are unexpected!) suggest we talk to a collegue of his who is a "cognetive neurologist".
It was suggested by a librarian that I read the book "Overcoming Dyslexia" by Dr. Sally Shaywitz of Yale. ( http://por.med.yale.edu/listings/ses4.html ) ISBN# 0-0735-40012-5
from the publisher... Dr. Shaywitz demystifies the subject of reading difficulties and explains how a child can be helped to become a good reader. She discusses early diagnosis in young children as well as the diagnosing of older children, young adults, and adults. Dr. Shaywitz explains why some bright adults can read only very slowly, and what they can do about it. Her book makes clear how the latest research, including new brain imaging studies, is uncovering the mechanisms underlying dyslexia and has led to effective treatments for each age group.
Dr. Shaywitz instructs parents in what they can do year-by-year, grade-by-grade, step-by-step for a dyslexic child. She lays out a home program for enhanced reading; guides parents in choosing the best school for their child and in working with teachers; and suggests ways of raising and preserving the child?s self-esteem. She provides exercises, teaching aids, information on computer programs, and many other invaluable resources. In addition, her book corrects such popular (and harmful) myths as the belief that dyslexia is primarily a male problem, that children with dyslexia see words backward, that dyslexia is linked to intelligence. She shows us how, although dyslexia cannot be outgrown, its effects can, with careful planning and hard work, be overcome.
Dr. Shaywitz lifts the barrier of ignorance surrounding dyslexia and replaces it with the comfort of knowledge. Here is a trusted source to which you can turn for information, advice, guidance, and explanation. In sum, here is cutting-edge research translated into an easy-to-follow plan of action offering help?and hope?to all who have reading problems, and their families. "
It was also suggested by one correspondant...
"" I can certainly sympathize with you and your wife's situation, whether or
not she has dyslexia. You are absolutely right that resources for diagnosing/treating reading disorders in adults are almost nonexistent (and probably zero in upstate NY). From the information you provided, however, it is not clear that dyslexia is even the culprit. I am attaching a very lengthy paper by the late Anne Fowler and Hollis Scarborough, prepared a decade ago for the National Center on Adult Literacy, which may help clarify what dyslexia is and why it's so hard to diagnose with confidence in adulthood.
I would like to add that there's no rigorous evidence, to my knowledge, that eye-tracking problems cause dyslexia, although there may be a causal link in the other direction. That is, it's possible that someone who doesn't read much or read well will have inexpert-looking eye movements due to lack of skill/practice.
But in any case, at this point the only fix will probably be to figure out a way to compensate to get the job done, rather than to improve her reading skills per se -- which could take a long time even if you found someone with the skills to work on that with her. There are no magic bullets for improving skills, whether it's playing the piano, swinging a golf club, doing Sudoku, or reading. ....""
Also a search on Sally Shaywitz on Google Scholar yeilds some intereting leads...
Hello.
Even with so much advancement in the knowledge about Specific Learning Disabilities (SpLD), assessment methods and treatment of adults with SpLD as relatively untouched areas.
Intelligence testing may not be necessary at this age. Cognitive assessment on the Woodcock Johnson's III Battery of tests may be helpful. The Achievement part of the WJ III should be performed. The test can be done in children as well as adults. There are age and grade estimates.
In your wife's case, the relevance of the assessment is the job she is involved in. I guess, a special educator may be able to find out the key areas of difficulty and suggest appropriate remedial measure.
Even I am not experienced in assessing and diagnosing SpLD in middle aged people. But it may not be that difficult a task. I wish I could help you more.
Regards