Definition:

Simply put, Dyslexia is a language based learning difference that often runs in families. This difference can make it difficult to learn to read & spell (see symptoms tab). However, with the right type of intense instruction, dyslexic students can be successful readers. Individuals with dyslexia are not less intelligent and often have gifts related to the way their brain is wired.

Officially: “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. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.”     Adopted by the International Dyslexia Association, Nov. 12, 2002.

Symptoms

Reprinted by permission from Susan Barton @ www.BrightSolutions.us – www.dys-add.com/dyslexia.html#anchorSymptoms.

In Preschool:

• delayed speech
• mixing up the sounds and syllables in long words
• chronic ear infections
• stuttering
• constant confusion of left versus right
• late establishing a dominant hand
• difficulty learning to tie shoes
• trouble memorizing their address, phone number, or the alphabet
• can’t create words that rhyme
• a close relative with dyslexia

In Elementary School:

• dysgraphia (slow, non-automatic handwriting that is difficult to read)
• letter or number reversals continuing past the end of first grade
• extreme difficulty learning cursive
• slow, choppy, inaccurate reading:
  – guesses based on shape or context
  – skips or misreads prepositions (at, to, of)
  – ignores suffixes
  – can’t sound out unknown words
• terrible spelling
• often can’t remember sight words (they, were, does) or homonyms (their, they’re, and there)
• difficulty telling time with a clock with hands
• trouble with math
  – memorizing multiplication table
  – memorizing a sequence of steps
  – directionality
• when speaking, difficulty finding the correct word
  – lots of “whatyamacallits” and “thingies”
  – common sayings come out slightly twisted
• extremely messy bedroom, backpack, and desk
• dreads going to school
  – complains of stomach aches or headaches
  – may have nightmares about school

In High School:

All of the above symptoms plus:

• limited vocabulary
• extremely poor written expressions
  – large discrepancy between verbal skills and written compositions
• unable to master a foreign language
• difficulty reading printed music
• poor grades in many classes
• may drop out of high school

In Adults:

Education history similar to above, plus:

• slow reader
• may have to read a page 2 or 3 times to understand it
• terrible speller
• difficulty putting thoughts onto paper
  – dreads writing memos or letters
• still has difficulty with right versus left
• often gets lost, even in a familiar city
• sometimes confuses b and d, especially when tired or sick

Reprinted by permission from Susan Barton @ www.BrightSolutions.us.