Information About Dyslexia

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.

Primary Reading and Spelling Characteristics of Dyslexia

*Difficulty reading real words in isolation.

*Difficulty accurately decoding nonsense words.

*Difficulty learning to spell.

Secondary Consequences of Dyslexia May Include...

*Variable difficulty with reading comprehension.

*Variable difficulty with written composition.

*Limited amount of time spent in reading activities.

You Will Also See…

*Success in the absence of print. The child can do great work orally but has a difficult time when looking at print (reading and writing.)

*Unexpected performance – The child has an average or above average IQ but does not perform at that level.

Facts About Dyslexia/Dyslexics

*Dyslexia is neurological. It occurs in the brain.

*It is hereditary.

*It occurs in all languages and all races and equally among boys and girls.

*A person who is dyslexic will always be dyslexic but can learn ways to successfully function in school and society.

*Dyslexics have average to above average intelligence.

*Dyslexics tend to be gifted in areas in which minimal print is required. (drama, sports, art, engineering, music, electronics, physics, etc.)

*It is often mistaken for laziness.

*A high percentage of dyslexics also have ADHD.