Early help crucial

The article ("One more centre to help children with dyslexia"; Tuesday) stated that the Ministry of Education "has help for those suffering from dyslexia... for Primary 3 and 4 pupils". But what about those children who already have this disability when they enter Primary 1?

As a special education teacher who has taught dyslexic children, I fully agree with Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) president Jimmy Daruwalla's statement that "intervention is much more effective for children at a younger age".

A child who was struggling in Primary 1 was referred to me by the Singapore Indian Development Association. She was later diagnosed as being dyslexic by the DAS. This is a clear example that early intervention - even at the pre-school level - is crucial.

It would be useful if the ministry could explain its position that intervention would start at Primary 3.

Much damage would have been done by then.

Padmini Kesavapany (Mrs)

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