Dyslexia
What is Dyslexia? Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent work recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth in vocabulary and background knowledge. (International Dyslexia Association)
In Alberta, dyslexia is most often referred to as a Learning Disability (LD) or in the context of a psychological assessment, a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD). Dyslexia is one type of LD and is considered the most common and well-recognized sub-type of SLD.
Dyslexia affects approximately 20 percent of the population and represents 80–90 percent of all those with learning disabilities.
Kids with dyslexia may have trouble reading smoothly, recognizing common words, sounding out words, spelling, writing, rhyming, understanding what they have read and solving word problems in math.
We can help kids with dyslexia by providing evidence-based structured literacy intervention, accommodations and access to assistive technology.
Dyslexia is a lifelong condition. With the right support kids with dyslexia can improve key skills and be successful learners.