A Parent's Guide to Understanding Dyslexia

Receiving a dyslexia diagnosis for your child can feel overwhelming, leaving you with many questions and concerns. It is a journey that many families embark on, and the first step is to understand what dyslexia is and what it is not. This guide provides a foundational understanding of dyslexia, drawing from the expertise of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), to empower you with factual, helpful information to support your child.

What is Dyslexia?

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 [1]. 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 [1]. It is important to understand that dyslexia is not a matter of intelligence or a lack of desire to learn. In fact, many individuals with dyslexia are very bright and creative, with unique strengths in areas like problem-solving, reasoning, and visual arts [1].

"Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading." - International Dyslexia Association [1]

Common Signs and Characteristics

The signs of dyslexia can vary by age and individual. However, some common characteristics to look for in school-aged children include:

Category	Common Signs
Reading	Difficulty reading single words, such as on a list or in isolation. Slow, inaccurate, or labored reading. Avoiding reading activities.
Spelling & Writing	Difficulty with spelling. Trouble putting thoughts into writing. May have messy handwriting.
Language	Difficulty pronouncing words. Trouble with word retrieval or finding the right word. Mispronouncing familiar words or using "baby talk."
Other	Trouble remembering sequences like days of the week or the alphabet. Difficulty learning a foreign language.

Many children may exhibit some of these signs occasionally. The key is a persistent pattern of difficulty over time.

The Root Causes and Prevalence

Research, including brain imagery studies, shows that there are differences in the way the brain of a person with dyslexia develops and functions [1]. Specifically, these differences are often found in the parts of the brain involved in language processing. Dyslexia is also known to run in families, indicating a genetic component.

Dyslexia is more common than many people realize. It is estimated that 15-20% of the population has some of the symptoms of dyslexia, including slow or inaccurate reading, poor spelling, and poor writing [1]. This means that in a classroom of 25 students, it is likely that at least a few are struggling with dyslexia.

The Path Forward: Support and Intervention

While dyslexia is a lifelong condition, its impact can be effectively managed with the right support. Early identification and intervention are key to helping individuals with dyslexia succeed academically and in life. The most effective approach is structured literacy instruction, which is explicit, systematic, and multisensory. This type of instruction teaches the structure of language, including phonology, orthography, and morphology, in a way that is logical and cumulative.

With the right support, your child can learn to read and write well. The journey may have its challenges, but by building a strong support system, advocating for your child's needs, and celebrating their strengths, you can help them thrive.

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References

[1] International Dyslexia Association. (n.d.). Dyslexia Basics. Retrieved from https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/

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Related reading:

• Elementary Red Flags: When Reading Struggles Signal Dyslexia
• Preschool Warning Signs: Is It Too Early to Worry About Dyslexia?
• What is Structured Literacy? A Parent's Guide