What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is an unexpected difficulty mastering literacy skills such as reading, writing, spelling, expository writing and/or arithmetic. People with dyslexia have normal or better intelligence. Dyslexia has been studied scientifically through federally sponsored research for over 25 years. Dyslexia is identified in federal special education law (IDEA) as a disorder to be included in the term "specific learning disability".*- Dyslexia is a neurological trait and most often is genetic in origin.
- It is not the result of "not trying", or attention deficit disorder. However ADHD may be present.
- Dyslexia is not the result of social/emotional problems. However, social/emotional problems may result from frustration at school.
- People with dyslexia often have strengths in areas such as art, drama, sports, music, science, creative writing, mathematics, mechanics, computers or aviation.
- Many high achieving people are dyslexic - especially those who have had appropriate specialized instruction.
- Appropriate remedial skill teaching is effective at all ages.
*International Dyslexia Association/ National Institutes of Health Definition www.interdys.org
*Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), Definition in Part A, General Provisions U.S.C. 1401. Definitions.
Common Characteristics
- inaccurate reading
- poor spelling
- trouble "sounding out" words
- labored oral reading
- reversal and/or transposition of letters, syllables and/or numerals
- guessing on multisyllable words
- dislike of reading
- dislike of school
- poor reading comprehension, especially in complex materials
- labored, "childish" handwriting
- trouble learning the alphabet and basic math facts
- trouble writing school papers
- difficulty organizing ideas and details to write and/or speak
- difficulty following directions
- disappointing scores on benchmark tests
- trouble learning grammar
- low self esteem
- relatives with similar problems