14 Common Myths and Facts About Dyslexia
We know a lot about dyslexia, but unfortunately, there are still many myths and misconceptions about dyslexia that are common. These myths are harmful, because they lead to confusion about the true nature of dyslexia. Here are fourteen common myths about dyslexia and the truth about them.
Myth #1: The Main Sign of Dyslexia is Reading and Writing Backwards
Fact: It is very uncommon for a child with dyslexia to read or write backwards consistently. It is fairly common, however, for them to occasionally read or write a single word backwards, or reverse certain letters when they write them.
Myth #2: Kids With Dyslexia Could Read if They Just Tried Harder
Fact: This is false, because dyslexia is not caused by a lack of effort. Many kids with dyslexia work extremely hard.
Myth #3: Smart Kids Do Not Have Dyslexia
Fact: Dyslexia and level of intelligence are not connected. Dyslexia exists across the entire spectrum of intelligence. Many kids with dyslexia are brilliant and go on to accomplish remarkable things as adults.
Myth #4: Dyslexia is Rare
Fact: Dyslexia is not rare. Experts estimate that 5% to 20% of people have dyslexia. So, it is quite common.
Myth #5: Dyslexia is Just a Catch-All Term
Fact: This is false. Dyslexia is a very specific learning difference and we know a great deal about its signs and symptoms. We also know which methods are effective at treating dyslexia.
Myth #6: Dyslexia Can Be Outgrown
Fact: Dyslexia is a neurological difference that is passed on genetically. If a person has dyslexia, they will have dyslexia for their entire life.
Myth #7: Dyslexia is a Vision Problem
Fact: Since dyslexia is a neurological difference, and it has nothing to do with vision. As a result, vision therapy will not improve issues that are caused by dyslexia.
Myth #8: Dyslexia is Caused By Not Reading Enough at Home
Fact: Dyslexia is genetic and it is a neurological difference. No amount of reading, or not reading at home, will change whether a child or adult has dyslexia.
Myth #9: Dyslexia Goes Away Once a Child Learns to Read
Fact: If a child has dyslexia, they will always have dyslexia.
Myth #10: Kids and Adults With Dyslexia See Things Backwards
Fact: This is false, because dyslexia is not a vision issue.
Myth #11: Dyslexia Does Not Show Up Until Elementary School
Fact: Signs of dyslexia may show up in preschool, or even earlier. Dyslexia affects language skills that are important for reading, and difficulty with certain language skills at an early age may be an indicator of dyslexia.
Myth #12: More Boys Than Girls Have Dyslexia
Fact: This is false. Most research indicates that the percentage of boys and girls that have dyslexia is fairly even.
Myth #13: If My Child Has Dyslexia, Their Teacher Will Know
Fact: Identifying and treating dyslexia is a special skill set, and many teachers do not receive training in this area. As a result, many teachers do not recognize dyslexia, unless they have received special training.
Myth #14: Kids and Adults With Dyslexia Cannot Learn to Read
Fact: This is completely false. With the right type of instruction, kids and adults with dyslexia can learn to read and spell.
