Can Dyslexia be ‘cured’ by AI?
Can Dyslexia be ‘cured’ by AI?
AI programmes like ChatGPT are always in the news these days. Used correctly, they can be incredible tools, but just how useful are they in helping students with neurodivergence?
Of course, we have to be very careful when using words like 'cure' when it comes to thing like dyslexia. It is not a disease or defect which needs to be medically treated, but rather a different way of viewing the world. Like any neurodivergent condition, there is nothing 'wrong' with someone who has dyslexia, but it is certainly true that they will experience learning differences and other challenges when trying to fit into a world designed for people without their cognitive difference. When we talk about the possibility of AI 'curing' dyslexia, what we really mean is to ask if it can be a useful tool in overcoming these challenges.
“rewriting by hand helped him organise his jumbled thoughts and process ideas effectively”
For example, the parent of a dyslexic student recently expressed to me their concern about their son's preference for writing essays longhand instead of using speech-to-text software. Despite being offered assistive technology, the student found that writing and rewriting by hand helped him organise his jumbled thoughts and process ideas effectively. It could be a long process, but he found that, through multiple revisions, he was able to produce high-quality work.
This was of great interest to me, as it was clear that the student wasn’t interested in technology which would simply do the job for him, but would rather find a way to deal with his challenges. Going back to the “illness” analogy, speech-to-text software was only masking the “symptoms” – have trouble writing? Then don’t! Just speak and I’ll do it for you. What the student really needed was a way to organise and express his thoughts in the way he wanted to.
This is not to say that assistive technology isn’t useful – it is, very much so. It has played a significant role in education, offering tools to support students in all kinds of ways. Spelling and grammar software, for example, is widely used, and not just by individuals with dyslexia, as it helps improve spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. These tools enhance the ideas generated by individuals and guide them to ensure accuracy.
However, Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to take assistive technology a step further. ChatGPT can provide multiple options and ideas when asked a question, serving as a valuable starting point. It can be very effective for students like the one above, and a whole host of others. However, some individuals with dyslexia, particularly those who struggle with reading, may find it challenging to sift through the responses. So, what can be done to maximise its usefulness?
“How many numbers from your phone can you honestly say you can remember?”
AI technology can help those with disorganised thoughts bring some order to their ideas and form them into coherent arguments. This is something that assistive technology cannot do alone. For example, if the above student had access to AI technology that could assist him in both writing up his thoughts and managing paragraphs into a logical order, it would greatly benefit him. With repeated use, the student could acquire the necessary techniques themselves, and learn the organisation process independently.
ChatGPT can suggest improvements, correct factual errors, and enhance the readability of the content. This can be especially valuable for dyslexic individuals who struggle with remembering and recalling details, such as in a history project where dates and facts must be accurate.
Overall, AI technology can be a powerful ally in education, assisting students with dyslexia in organising their thoughts, improving the quality of their work, and enhancing their overall learning experience.
However, an over-reliance on AI could inhibit the child’s ability to think creatively for themselves. Take our use of mobile phones, for example. Before, we had to remember frequently dialed numbers. Now, we don’t have to.. until we lose the phone, that is, and we discover our capacity for remembering numbers has been reduced. How many numbers from your phone can you honestly say you can remember?
AI needs to be used in moderation and it needs to be used judiciously – we must always be careful we are using it to its best effect, and make sure we understand how it affects students.
3 key things to considering when using AI:
1. Personalised learning needs: Every student with dyslexia has their own unique learning needs and preferences. While AI can offer personalised recommendations and suggestions, it may not always cater to the specific learning styles, paces, or individual needs of students with dyslexia.
2. Lack of contextual understanding: AI systems operate based on algorithms and patterns derived from vast amounts of data. While they can provide information and generate responses, they may lack contextual understanding and nuanced interpretation.
3. Emotional and social aspects: Learning involves not only acquiring knowledge but also emotional and social engagement. AI, although beneficial in certain aspects, cannot fully replace the emotional connection and support provided by human interaction.
Students with dyslexia have unique learning needs that require a personalised approach, and AI will never be able to replace that. Combining the benefits of AI tools with human support can create a more effective and well-rounded learning experience.
“a dyslexia teacher can make a significant positive impact on the academic and personal development of students with dyslexia.”
For this reason, if you plan to use AI with your child, you should also make sure you are finding them the right human support, too. So:
What skills does a good dyslexia teacher need?
A good dyslexia teacher possesses several qualities that enable them to effectively support and empower students with dyslexia. Here are some key qualities of a good dyslexia teacher:
1. Knowledge and expertise: They are knowledgeable about evidence-based interventions, instructional techniques, and accommodations that can support students with dyslexia.
2. Patience and empathy: Dyslexia can present challenges for students, and a good dyslexia teacher demonstrates patience, understanding, and empathy towards their struggles.
3. Differentiated instruction: They employ a variety of teaching strategies to cater to diverse learning styles and strengths.
4. Structured and multisensory approach: They use techniques that engage multiple senses, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, to enhance learning and memory retention.
By possessing these qualities, a dyslexia teacher can make a significant positive impact on the academic and personal development of students with dyslexia, helping them thrive and reach their full potential.
Are you interested in learning more what therapies and methods could be combined with AI to help a dyslexic child achieve their potential? Get in touch to find out more.
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About the Author
Usha Patel is a Neurocognitive Therapist and Director at Raviv Practice London. Parents searching to help their suspected/neurodiverse child can get evidence-based solutions with results in as little as 8 weeks. Those in search of jargon-free help can get started straight away.
