What is Dyslexia?

“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word 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 effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.”

Defined by the International Dyslexia Association and adopted by many states including Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and more.

In the classroom, dyslexia may be the reason a student falls behind in reading, spelling and/or writing.

Facts About Dyslexia

Adapted from the International Dyslexia Association

  • As many as 15–20% of the population may be dyslexic
  • Dyslexia occurs in people of all backgrounds and intellectual levels
  • Boys and girls are equally affected
  • Dyslexia is hereditary (parents with dyslexia are very likely to have children with dyslexia and may often recognize the signs before educators notice a problem in the classroom)
  • People with dyslexia can be very bright (often gifted in areas such as art, computer science, design, drama, electronics, math, mechanics, music, physics, sales, and sports)
  • A Structured Literacy curriculum (multisensory, systematic, explicit instruction) will benefit dyslexic learners