Dyslexia: A Reading Challenge, Not a Thinking One
- Every person with dyslexia has a different story about being diagnosed—if they are lucky enough to be diagnosed at all. Some are diagnosed at a young age thanks to parents or teachers who know the signs and advocate for early testing
- Other children mask symptoms of dyslexia for years by compensating with extraordinary memory and enormous effort. And, sadly, some never receive the life-changing diagnosis and support they need to succeed. This section gives you, as parents and educators, the basic information and road map to identifying dyslexia in children
- Dyslexia is an unexpected difficulty with reading and writing, despite normal intelligence and adequate instruction. It is a specific language-based learning difference that is neuro-biological in nature, and therefore tends to run in families. Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties with processing the individual sounds (phonological components) of language; it is not a vision or behavioral problem.
Dyslexia falls under a larger umbrella term of Language-Based Learning Disorders* (LBLD*).
LBLDs affect skills involving listening, speaking, reading, writing and reasoning.
In addition to dyslexia, they include dysgraphia (writing), dyscalculia (math), verbal language (speaking and understanding) and nonverbal language (body language, facial expression, and coordination).
It's Not Laziness — It's Dyslexia: Know the Signs
- Signs of dyslexia and related learning disabilities vary by developmental stage and individual child. Investigate further if you notice difficulties that persist over time,
- particularly if they appear to impede learning. Talk about your concerns with your child’s pediatrician and ask for referrals. Discuss observations with your child’s teacher and request that they carefully monitor your child for signs of language-based learning differences.
From Struggles to Strategies: The Power of Early Support
Dyslexia can't be cured, but children can learn successfully with the right support. Treatment includes:
Structured reading programs like Orton-Gillingham that teach phonics step-by-step
Multisensory techniques: combining sight, sound, and touch to help with reading.
Assistive technology: tools like text-to-speech or audiobooks
School support: extra time on tests, fewer writing tasks, and oral options.
Emotional support: building confidence and reducing frustration.