About Dyslexia

What is Dyslexia?

Put simply, dyslexia is a term used when an individual has difficulties with reading and/or spelling because it is hard to play with sounds in words.

According to the International Dyslexia Association, "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."

— International Dyslexia Association (IDA), 2002 & NICHD

  • 🔍 Demystifying Dyslexia:


    🚫 MYTH —VS— REALITY ✅


    Often it is helpful to
    share what dyslexia is and is not >

  • 🚫 Myth: Dyslexia is simply letter reversals.

    ✅ REALITY:

    While letter and word reversals can be a part of learning struggles, dyslexia is a complex language processing disorder that extends beyond visual issues.

  • 🚫 Myth: Dyslexia indicates lower intelligence.

    ✅ REALITY:

    People with dyslexia have normal to above-average intelligence and often demonstrate exceptional creativity. 

  • 🚫 Myth: Children outgrow dyslexia

    ✅ REALITY:

    Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, though early intervention can significantly improve reading outcomes. However, a “just read more” approach is not an effective intervention.

  • 🚫 Myth: More reading practice will solve dyslexia.

    ✅ REALITY:

    Structured, systematic instruction in phonological awareness is required, not just increased exposure to text.

  • 🚫 Myth: You must wait until 2nd or 3rd grade to test for dyslexia.

    ✅ REALITY:

    Early signs of dyslexia can be identified in preschool years, and early intervention is more effective than waiting for a child to fail before providing support. 

  • 🚫 Myth: Children with dyslexia are lazy.

    ✅ REALITY:

    Dyslexia is a neurobiological condition; affected children often work harder than peers but still struggle due to processing differences.

  • 🚫 Myth: Dyslexia is rare or not a real condition.

    ✅ REALITY:

    Dyslexia affects approximately 15-20% of the population, making it one of the most common learning differences, with well-documented neurobiological origins. 

About Dyslexia FAQs

  • According to the International Dyslexia Association, "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."

    — International Dyslexia Association (IDA), 2002 & NICHD