Dyslexia
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that can impact an individual’s ability to read, write, spell, and pronounce words. Research suggests that as much as 20% of the population and 80-90% of children identified with a specific learning disability present with some characteristics of Dyslexia; although not all require direct instruction or skill remediation. Dyslexia is the most common of all neurocognitive disorders. People of all backgrounds and intellectual ability levels can experience symptoms associated with Dyslexia. It is also a commonly shared experience within the family system.
Dyslexia can impact people throughout their lifespan; however, it is increasingly important to identify it early as an emerging reader. Dyslexia is associated with a Learning Disability because it can make it incredibly challenging for a student to progress through the typical curriculum and to develop age-appropriate reading skills without specific support. It is important to note that not all children with Dyslexia have the same severity of symptoms. Some children may present with mild symptoms which may require accommodations to ensure access to the curriculum; whereas others may require specially designed instruction with explicit instruction and annual measurable goals.
What are common signs of Dyslexia?
Individuals with dyslexia may experience difficulties in acquiring and using written language. It is a myth that individuals with dyslexia “read backward,” and they only flip letters around, although spelling can look quite jumbled at times because students have trouble remembering letter symbols for sounds and forming memories for words. Other problems experienced by people with dyslexia include the following:
Learning to speak
Learning letters and their sounds
Organizing written and spoken language
Memorizing number facts
Reading quickly enough to comprehend
Persisting with and comprehending longer reading assignments
Spelling
Learning a foreign language
Correctly doing math operations
Not all students who have difficulties with these skills have dyslexia. Formal testing of reading, language, and writing skills is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of suspected dyslexia. Additionally, it’s important to know that more and more adults are coming to understand that they’ve been living with Dyslexia. If you believe this sounds like you, we would be happy to partner with you to help provide clarity and link you with the reading support that you need. It’s never too late to receive help!
Do you have concerns regarding Dyslexia for you or your child?
Contact us today to learn more about what a Dyslexia evaluation entails.
Dyslexia resources
International Dyslexia Association
A family guide to building language comprehension through reading aloud
Adolescents and adults with Dyslexia
**Warburton Family Practice LLC and its providers are not responsible for the content or information in the provided links**