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What is Dyslexia?

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Summary

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Dyslexia is a reading-related learning disability. Those with dyslexia often struggle to read fluently and accurately, and may find reading comprehension, spelling, and writing challenging. However, these difficulties are not linked to intelligence.

Table of Contents

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Frequently Asked Question

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My child is having trouble with reading. Do they need to be taught a special way?

For children with dyslexia, the most effective method is structured literacy. This approach is systematic, explicit, and diagnostic, helping children develop a solid foundation in reading skills. It’s particularly beneficial for those who often face challenges with basic reading skills.

Is reading connected to spelling?

Yes, reading and spelling are linked. Children who struggle with reading often find it difficult to recognize word sounds, making correct spelling challenging. Both skills require understanding how letters and sounds work together

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Scientific Definition

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Dyslexia is a common condition that affects language processing. Experts estimate that between 5 and 10 percent of people have dyslexia, while others suggest up to 17 percent show signs of reading difficulties.Dyslexia is lifelong, but teaching strategies can help improve reading skills and manage challenges. Individuals of any age can be tested for dyslexia, with different tests for adults and children.

Video Explanation

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How to Get Diagnosed With Dyslexia

  • A full evaluation, either at school or privately, is the only way to confirm dyslexia. Diagnosis (or identification in schools) can provide access to supports, services, and accommodations in education and work.
  • Professionals who can assess for dyslexia include school psychologists, clinical psychologists, and neuropsychologists. They use a series of tests to identify strengths and weaknesses.
  • School evaluations are free, but private evaluations can be costly. Some universities have clinics offering low-cost evaluations by students in training. Teaching hospitals may have research projects that provide free evaluations. The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) has local chapters that can help find free or low-cost options.

Signs and Symptoms of Dyslexia

  • Dyslexia affects individuals differently, so symptoms can vary. A common sign is difficulty decoding words, which means matching letters to sounds. Kids may also struggle with phonemic awareness, the ability to recognize sounds in words, which can appear as early as preschool.
  • Some people aren’t diagnosed until later, when they face challenges with complex skills like grammar, reading comprehension, fluency, sentence structure, and writing.
  • Dyslexia can also affect emotions and behavior. Those with dyslexia might avoid reading, feel anxious, or get frustrated, even after learning basic reading skills. Beyond learning, dyslexia can impact social interaction, memory, and stress management.
Aspect Details
Variability in Symptoms Dyslexia affects individuals differently, so symptoms can vary.
Key Sign Difficulty decoding words, or matching letters to sounds.
Phonemic Awareness Struggling with recognizing sounds in words, which can appear as early as preschool.
Late Diagnosis Some people aren’t diagnosed until later when they face challenges with complex skills like grammar, reading comprehension, fluency, sentence structure, and writing.
Emotional and Behavioral Signs Might avoid reading, feel anxious, or get frustrated, even after learning basic reading skills.
Impact on Learning Affects reading, grammar, comprehension, fluency, sentence structure, and writing.
Impact on Everyday Skills Can affect social interaction, memory, and stress management.
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