Dyslexia is a language processing disability due to difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition, poor spelling (encoding), and the ability to sound out unfamiliar words (i.e. decoding). Dyslexia is often due to a deficit in an individual’s phonological and/or orthographic processing. That is, a difficulty in processing how language sounds and how it looks.
This deficit is unexpected in relation to the person’s average or above-average intelligence. Dyslexia may also impact a person’s ability to comprehend what they have read, accurately interpret and solve math equations, as well as learn a foreign language.
Dyslexia is the most common learning disability.
According to the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity, 1 in every 5 children have dyslexia. Dyslexia touches the lives of twenty percent of the student population. This means that in a typical classroom, a teacher could encounter around 5 students with dyslexia in each class. This is why teacher training in dyslexia and appropriate literacy remediation is critical.
Some students with dyslexia are considered Twice Exceptional. This means that the child has some gifted abilities and also struggles with a learning disability, such as dyslexia. Dyslexia, like a lot of other disabilities, can occur on a continuum from mild to severe. Wherever your child lands on that continuum, they can benefit from effective remediation and appropriate accommodations to help them access the curriculum.
Dyslexia is not a reflection of a person's intelligence or effort.
People with dyslexia may need specialized instruction and accommodations to help them overcome their challenges, but with the right resources and strategies, they can achieve their goals and thrive in their personal and professional lives. They have unique strengths and perspectives that can enrich our communities and society as a whole.
Our friends at the Dyslexia Training Institute have created this video to help everyone understand what dyslexia is and how it affects individuals with this learning difference.
As an educational advocate with over a decade of experience, Lorraine and her team are here to answer your tough questions and share the possibilities that exist when you hire a team of Certified Dyslexia Advocates to help your child.
Are you worried that your dyslexic child is falling behind in school?
Are you ready to see your child learn and thrive?
If so, let's start with a consultation where we will provide you with personalized and professional recommendations. Click the link below to schedule your consultation today!