What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a language-based learning condition resulting in difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading, spelling, and written communication. Dyslexia results from differences in the structure and function of the brain. Although dyslexia is a life-long condition and its impact may vary at different stages of a person's life, timely and appropriate intervention can have a very positive effect.

Characteristics of Dyslexia

• learning sounds of letters
• separating words into sounds
• slow and inaccurate reading
• poor comprehension due to decoding errors
• organization of ideas in written work
• spelling phonetically

What is Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing abilities. Poor handwriting alone doesn't mean a person has Dysgraphia. It is a processing disorder that produces difficulties in spelling, handwriting, and trouble putting thoughts down on paper.

Characteristics of Dysgraphia

• Tight awkward pencil grip
• Illegible handwriting
• Avoiding writing or drawing tasks
• Tiring quickly from writing
• Saying words aloud while writing
• Unfinished or omitted words while writing
• Poor/phonetic spelling
• Difficulty organizing thoughts on paper
• Difficulty with syntax, structure and grammar
• Large gap between written ideas and ideas demonstrated through speech.

Intervention offered to identified Dyslexic and Dysgraphic students in Cypress Fairbanks ISD?

• Dyslexic students - small group lessons that incorporate explicit, multisensory and phonetic lessons to provide students with tools to improve as readers and writers. The program typically takes 2 years to complete.
• Dysgraphia students - small group lessons that incorporate kinesthetic, sequential lessons to improve pencil grip, legibility, and organization of writing on the page. Pope also includes instruction on learning to keyboard in order to give students with dysgraphia an alternative way to communicate ideas. The program typically takes 1 1/2 years to complete.
• *The above information comes from readingrockets.org and the CFISD dyslexia brochure.