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Understanding Dyslexia

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a neurobiological, language-based learning disability. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. (University of Florida Literacy Institute, UFLI)

 

What are some common myths about dyslexia?

Reversals

  • Myth: People with dyslexia see and write letters and words backward. Writing letters and words backwards means that a child has dyslexia.
  • Reality: Many young children reverse letters when learning to read and write. Reversing letters is not necessarily an indicator of the presence or absence of dyslexia in beginning readers, although its persistence may indicate dyslexia.

Visual Issues

  • Myth: Dyslexia is a vision problem. It can be corrected or mitigated by using colored overlays, tinted lenses, or vision therapy.
  • Reality: Dyslexia is not a vision problem. It is a language-based issue. Therefore, treating dyslexia with therapies to improve visual function or tinted lenses/filters is not indicated.

Intelligence and School Success

  • Myth: If you perform well in school, you must not have dyslexia or related conditions.
  • Reality: Reading ability is not a direct measure of intelligence. Students with dyslexia may perform well or poorly in school depending on factors such as effective instruction, accommodations, supports, and personal coping strategies.

Reading Ability

  • Myth: Individuals with dyslexia cannot learn to read.
  • Reality: Students with dyslexia can learn to read with comprehensive, responsive, and targeted instruction. However, for some, it takes greater effort.

Effort

  • Myth: If students with dyslexia just tried harder, they would learn to read.
  • Reality: When students with dyslexia excel in certain areas, others may wrongly assume they just need to try harder to read. This misunderstanding can contribute to low self-esteem, anxiety, and other emotional struggles, even when students are already working their hardest.

 

What are some common characteristics of people with dyslexia?

Many of the traits below are common in early readers, but also in students with dyslexia. For students with dyslexia these challenges persist despite quality instruction and practice:    

  • Trouble with phonological processing (e.g., learning letter names/sounds, blending sounds, multisyllabic words)
  • Slow, inaccurate, or effortful oral reading
  • Difficulty with spelling
  • Struggles with quickly naming familiar objects

Dyslexia often runs in families, so a family history of reading or writing difficulties can be helpful to know. It may also co-occur with other conditions like ADHD, speech and language disorders, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.

 

How does Lake Geneva Schools support students with dyslexia?

Our staff is trained to identify indicators of dyslexia and uses research-based reading strategies to support struggling readers. Students are screened for foundational literacy skills three times a year, and those with significant reading difficulties receive targeted interventions. Please note that our district does not diagnose dyslexia; formal diagnosis must come from a qualified professional, such as a neuropsychologist. If you suspect your child may have dyslexia, we suggest contacting your family doctor.

 

Where can I find dyslexia resources?

                 

References

  • Wisconsin’s Informational Guidebook on Dyslexia and Related Conditions
  • University Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI)
  • International Dyslexia Association (IDA)