Dyslexia
Understanding Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a neurologically based learning disability that causes difficulty with reading. Dyslexia is a lifelong condition that occurs in children of all intelligence levels. Dyslexia may have a genetic component to it, and appears to be linked to a number of different genes, but the exact cause is unknown.1
Reading is a very complex process. People with dyslexia struggle with the understanding how speech sounds make words and recognizing letters and words.2
Symptoms of dyslexia vary with severity and sometimes overlap with other learning disabilities. Formal testing can confirm dyslexia. Symptoms of dyslexia can include difficulty with:
- learning to speak
- organizing written and spoken language
- learning letters and their sounds
- memorizing number facts
- spelling
- reading
- learning a foreign language
- correctly doing math operations3
Fact Sheets and Frequently Asked Questions
- The International Dyslexia Association has fact sheets on dyslexia in general as well as information geared towards parents, professionals, adults, and college students.
Other Resources
- KidsHealth provides information on dyslexia and examples of what young children may be experiencing.
- The North Carolina Branch of the International Dyslexia Association studies the prevention and treatment of dyslexia.
- Dyslexia Facts has information about warning signs and tutoring for children with dyslexia.
- LD Online has articles on identifying dyslexia, reading techniques, and other information.
Advocacy and Social Connection
To connect with other parents and families who also have a child with dyslexia, contact the Family Support NetworkTM of North Carolina.
References
- Mayo Clinic (2011). Dyslexia. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dyslexia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353552
- KidsHealth (2009). Dyslexia. Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/dyslexia.html
- The International Dyslexia Association (2007). What are the signs of dyslexia? Retrieved from http://www.interdys.org/SignsofDyslexiaCombined.htm