WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?
Let's work together to uncover the truth truth about dyslexia.
THE OFFICIAL DEFINITION
An unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader.
And, is most commonly caused by a difficulty in the phonological processing which is the appreciation of the individual sounds of spoken language, which affects the ability of an individual to speak, read, and spell.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
Dyslexia is not a choice nor a lack of intelligence.
It is difficulty with appreciating and matching the spoken and written language.
Essentially, dyslexics use more effort to read, write and spell.
Questions You
Should Ask
If you answered Yes to any of these questions, take the time to learn more about dyslexia by reading the answers to our FAQ
1. Is your child a slow or struggling reader?
2. Did your child have speech delay?
3. Does your child have a difficult time learning and remembering the alphabet?
4. Does your child have a hard time learning nursery rhymes or rhyming in general?
Dyslexia is Often Misunderstood
Misleading and inaccurate information regarding dyslexia and dyslexic individuals abounds on the internet. Consider these facts:
1 in 5 people (20%) have dyslexia.
Dyslexia can present in multiple ways (reading, writing, and speaking) and can vary depending on the setting and the perceived level of pressure (such as a student asked to read aloud in the classroom).
Many children with dyslexia often don't receive a diagnosis or receive a misdiagnosis.
Most teachers aren't trained to recognize dyslexia in their students.
A child with dyslexia may have trouble reading, but their critical thinking skills are excellent. The myths and misunderstandings surrounding dyslexia and the lack of teacher training can lead to dyslexic students getting labeled "troublesome" or "lazy."
The best resources to help teachers present material to dyslexic students include training and understanding.
Dyslexia FAQs
Dyslexic individuals put in more effort when decoding words, reading, spelling and writing. All of this can sometimes be frustrating for dyslexic individuals to express their thoughts on paper.
Approaching dyslexia with compassion and understanding is crucial to maintaining the individual's self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Dyslexia Quiz: Perception vs. Reality
Test your dyslexia knowledge with our quiz on what popular perception is about dyslexia versus what is factual and real.
MORE BOYS HAVE DYSLEXIA THAN GIRLS.
DYSLEXIA IS JUST SEEING LETTERS AND NUMBERS BACKWARDS.
DYSLEXIA IS A VISUAL PROBLEM.
INDIVIDUALS WITH DYSLEXIA MAY ALSO HAVE DIFFICULTIES WITH SPELLING, HANDWRITING, AND MATH.
CHILDREN WITH DYSLEXIA CANNOT BE DIAGNOSED UNTIL THE END OF 2ND GRADE.
APPROXIMATELY, 1 IN 5 PEOPLE HAVE DYSLEXIA.
DYSLEXIC INDIVIDUALS HAVE AVERAGE OR ABOVE INTELLIGENCE.
GIFTED CHILDREN CAN'T BE DYSLEXIC OR HAVE A LEARNING DISABILITY.
ABOUT 80% TO 90% OF ALL “LEARNING DISABILITIES” ARE ACTUALLY DYSLEXIA.
The Bottom Line:
Children With Dyslexia Have a Sea of Strengths
We firmly believe in the research done by Doctors Sally and Bennet Shaywitz who have extensively explored the complexities of dyslexia.
By taking a closer look, they discovered that at its core lies a difficulty matching the spoken word with the written alphabet.
What’s more is that this perceived “weakness” is offset by an ocean-like abundance of strengths: higher level conceptual thinking, creativity, critical thinking as well as problem solving!
Despite struggling with traditional reading / writing methods, these same kids possess powerful analytical minds which can think quickly even if they read slowly -- truly highlighting dyslexics' special gifts.
Quick Links
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia Services
WHO WE ARE?
The Dyslexia Resource Center was started by a group of concerned parents, medical doctors, and advocates who simply want everyone to know the truth about dyslexia, based on the most current science, and how that knowledge can translate into success in the classroom.
WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?
An unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader.
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