“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography. These difficulties occur along a continuum of severity and persist even with instruction that is effective for the individual’s peers. The causes of dyslexia are complex and involve combinations of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental influences that interact throughout development. Underlying difficulties with phonological and morphological processing are common but not universal, and early oral language weaknesses often foreshadow literacy challenges. Secondary consequences include reading comprehension problems and reduced reading and writing experience that can impede growth in language, knowledge, written expression, and overall academic achievement. Psychological well-being and employment opportunities also may be affected. Although identification and targeted instruction are important at any age, language and literacy support before and during the early years of education is particularly effective.”
-Adopted by the IDA Board of Directors on October 22, 2025.
Facts about dyslexia:
- Dyslexia occurs in people of all backgrounds and intellectual levels
- 15%-20% of the population have some of the symptoms of dyslexia
- Dyslexia runs in families
- With proper instruction people with dyslexia can learn to read and write well
Common Signs of Dyslexia:
Not all people experiece the same symptoms and/or the same degree of severity. The list below is comprised of some of the most common signs.
Not all people experiece the same symptoms and/or the same degree of severity. The list below is comprised of some of the most common signs.
- Difficulty producing rhyming words
- Difficulty in identifying and manipulating sounds in words
- Difficulty in learning to speak
- Difficulty in learning letters and their sounds
- Difficulty in organizing written and spoken language
- Reading quickly enough to comprehend
- Persisting with and comprehending longer reading assignments
- Poor spelling
- Mixing up sounds and syllables in long words
- Difficulty in memorizing the alphabet and math facts
- Difficulty in learning a foreign language
- A close relative with dyslexia
Can someone with dyslexia become a successful reader?
According to the International Dyslexia Association, "With proper help, many people with dyslexia can learn to read and write well. Early identification and treatment is the key to helping individuals with dyslexia achieve in school and in life. Most people with dyslexia need help from a teacher, tutor, or therapist specially trained in using a multisensory, structured language approach. It is important for these individuals to be taught by a systematic and explicit method that involves several senses (hearing, seeing, touching) at the same time. Many individuals with dyslexia need one-on-one help so that they can move forward at their own pace. In addition, students with dyslexia often need a great deal of structured practice and immediate, corrective feedback to develop automatic word recognition skills."
According to the International Dyslexia Association, "With proper help, many people with dyslexia can learn to read and write well. Early identification and treatment is the key to helping individuals with dyslexia achieve in school and in life. Most people with dyslexia need help from a teacher, tutor, or therapist specially trained in using a multisensory, structured language approach. It is important for these individuals to be taught by a systematic and explicit method that involves several senses (hearing, seeing, touching) at the same time. Many individuals with dyslexia need one-on-one help so that they can move forward at their own pace. In addition, students with dyslexia often need a great deal of structured practice and immediate, corrective feedback to develop automatic word recognition skills."
|