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. 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 with reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.                                                 International Dyslexia Association/definition-of-dyslexia                                                                                          

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Common Dyslexia Myths:

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Myth #1:  Dyslexia is seeing words backward or having words move around on the page.

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Fact:  Dyslexia is a language-processing disorder, not a visual disorder.  Evidence based treatments for dyslexia are designed to work with the language processing areas of the brain to improve connections related to phonological awareness, decoding skills, and language comprehension.

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Myth #2:  Dyslexia can't be diagnosed until a child is at least in third grade.

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Fact:  Dyslexia can be diagnosed as young as age 5. There is also research being done with preschool aged children who exhibit signs of dyslexia.  Research shows that early intervention is essential for academic success.

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Myth #3:  A child with dyslexia will eventually learn to read when he is ready. He just needs more time.

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Fact:  Most children with dyslexia are trying and want to learn to read. Many are frustrated after being told to "try harder".  Their brain will not learn to read the same way as a typical child. Dyslexic children need explicit, systematic, and structured instruction in order to master reading and writing. The earlier a child receives intervention, the more likely he / she is to read on grade level. The later a child starts interventions, the more likely he / she is to lag behind academically.