Dyslexia Facts
DYSLEXIA:
- is a specific learning disability characterized by having difficulties relating to language, particularly reading.
- causes the brain to process written and spoken language in such a way that it will likely limit a dyslexic’s ability to become a competent reader, writer, and speller.
- requires being taught with the proper teaching methods.
- occurs in people of all backgrounds and runs in families.
- is estimated to affect 20% of our population.
- is typically diagnosed by evaluating a person’s intellectual achievement and language skills.
DYSLEXIA IS NOT:
- reading backwords.
- a sign of low intelligence or laziness.
- due to poor vision.
- only characterized by the reversal of written letters and numbers.
Dyslexia Myths
Don’t Believe What You Have Heard
- 1. It’s a boy thing.
Not True – An equal number of boys and girls have dyslexia. - 2. People with dyslexia read or see backwards.
Incorrect – Dyslexia is a neurological disorder that is attributed to neuron pathways, not vision. - 3. People with dyslexia need to try harder.
It’s not about trying; it’s about adapting. Those with dyslexia work much harder than those without the learning disability to do what typical readers consider simple tasks. The brain is working overtime. - 4. Dyslexia is a sign of a low IQ.
Not True – Many accomplished people have been diagnosed with dyslexia, including famous scientists, medical doctors, actors, attorneys, and more. While people with dyslexia are slow readers, they are often very fast and creative thinkers. - 5. Dyslexia is curable.
Not exactly -Dyslexia is a medical condition that has an educational remedy. However, one is never cured. There are strategies one can use to succeed.
Defining Dyslexia
According to the International Dyslexia Association, dyslexia is a neurobiological condition. Learn More