What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a common and lifelong learning difference that affects reading and spelling. It can also affect reading comprehension, writing and math.
Learning differences are often classified as specific learning disabilities (SLDs), and dyslexia is the most common of them. Estimates by experts vary, but the percentage of children and adults with dyslexia is generally thought to range between 5% and 20%.
People don’t “outgrow” dyslexia, so it is common in children and adults. As mentioned, dyslexia is lifelong, but the difficulties caused by it vary in nature and intensity at different stages of life.
Since it affects reading, there is a common myth that dyslexia is a vision issue. This is not true. Dyslexia is an issue with language processing, and not vision. A fundamental part of reading involves the ability to recognize and use the sounds and symbols of language, and since dyslexia is a language processing issue, it makes these tasks more difficult. Working with the sounds and symbols of language is called phonological awareness.
Dyslexia comes with a wide variety of possible signs and symptoms, and as a result, it doesn’t appear exactly the same in each child or adult with dyslexia. However, there are typical signs and symptoms of dyslexia that are incredibly common among those who have dyslexia, and this commonality makes it easier to recognize dyslexia for those who are knowledgeable about it.
There is no “cure” for dyslexia, since it is lifelong. However, there are highly effective instructional methods available that make it possible for a child or adult with dyslexia to learn to read and spell, or improve their reading and spelling. The most well-known of these methods is the Orton-Gillingham Method. There are also closely related methods to Orton-Gillingham that are highly effective, and we refer to these methods as being in the Orton-Gillingham family.
In addition to specialized instruction, a child with dyslexia may also receive dyslexia accommodations that help them complete academic work at school and at home.
What Causes Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a neurological issue and is caused by differences in how the brain functions. This is also true of other learning issues, such as ADHD and dysgraphia.
Researchers into dyslexia have used brain-imaging scans (fMRIs) to study it. They have compared brain scans of people with and without dyslexia when they process language, and have discovered that people with dyslexia process language differently. In a person with dyslexia, different areas of the brain are active while processing language, compared to a person who does not have dyslexia.
Dyslexia is genetic, and for that reason, it is common to see it run in families. If one person in a family has dyslexia, there are typically others in the immediate or extended family who also have dyslexia.
Symptoms of Dyslexia
Signs and symptoms of dyslexia, and difficulties caused by dyslexia, can vary from person to person. Additionally, these signs and difficulties may seem to change over time. An adult with dyslexia may describe the effect of dyslexia on them as being different from when they were a child. However, it is generally accepted that these changes are caused by the person’s development and the creation of coping mechanisms, rather than a change in the nature of their dyslexia. There are many specific signs and symptoms of dyslexia, but in general, kids and adults with dyslexia struggle with the following areas:
Decoding (sounding out and reading words)
Encoding (spelling words)
Fluency (reading accurately at a decent speed)
Dyslexia Symptoms in Kids
There are many possible signs and symptoms of dyslexia in kids, but here is a sample of some that are very common.
- Trouble learning letter names.
- Trouble recognizing letters and the sounds they make.
- Confusing letters that have a similar shape but are rotated differently, such as b, d, p and q.
- Difficulty reading short words, such as “cat”.
Trouble sounding words out, such as “c – a – t”. - Many others.
Dyslexia Symptoms in Adults
Here are some common symptoms of dyslexia in adults.
- Slow reading.
- Anxiety at having to read out loud.
- Finding reading to be exhausting.
- Guessing at unfamiliar words.
- Avoiding reading.
- Many others.
How Dyslexia is Diagnosed and Tested
An official diagnosis of dyslexia must be provided by a doctor or psychologist who specializes in learning issues. In addition to dyslexia diagnosis, there are also other types of evaluation and identification that are used for dyslexia.
In public schools, the term “specific learning disability in reading” may be used after evaluating a student who has dyslexia. That is the specific term in the special education law known as the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Evaluations in schools are typically performed to determine if a student qualifies for special education services, and these evaluations are free. If a student is identified as having a specific learning disability (SLD), it is not the same as an official diagnosis of dyslexia.
If a child is evaluated for a dyslexia diagnosis by a doctor or psychologist, the diagnosis of dyslexia will refer to “a specific learning disorder with impairment in reading.” This is the official term provided in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Evaluations that can provide an official diagnosis of dyslexia are often expensive. Insurance companies may, or may not, cover this type of evaluation.
Since reading and literacy involve many skills, such as decoding, encoding, comprehension and others, evaluators use a variety of tests to identify specific areas of difficulty. The tests that are used for both children and adults being evaluated for dyslexia are similar. Official evaluations that can provide a diagnosis of dyslexia are extensive and may last between three and eight hours.
Dyslexia tutors can often provide an informal evaluation for dyslexia. Such an evaluation will not provide a diagnosis, but it can provide illuminating information about why a student is struggling with reading and spelling, and whether they show signs of dyslexia.
Treatment for Dyslexia
Dyslexia cannot be treated with medication, but there are highly effective instructional methods that help kids and adults with dyslexia learn and improve reading, spelling and reading comprehension.
One method that is highly effective and respected is called the “Orton-Gillingham Method”. Orton-Gillingham, or “OG”, as it is sometimes called, is a highly structured and methodical approach to reading and spelling. Orton-Gillingham is widely used and also serves as the basis for very similar methods that are referred to as being in the Orton-Gillingham family, such as Wilson and Slingerland. These methods may be called “structured literacy” or “science of reading” methods by certain professionals.
Orton-Gillingham provides a building block approach to reading and spelling, and also features multi-sensory techniques that help individuals with dyslexia learn sounds and concepts. These techniques also help make learning more engaging.
The right type of instruction does more than just improve skills for kids and adults with dyslexia, because research has shown that it can actually change how the brain functions in regards to language and create pathways needed for reading and spelling.
Is a Diagnosis of Dyslexia Needed to Get Treatment?
No, a diagnosis or evaluation for dyslexia are not needed for a child or adult to get the help they need to make progress in reading and spelling. The Orton-Gillingham Method and related methods are highly effective for any kids or adults who struggle with reading and spelling. So, even if a child child or adult has not received a diagnosis or an evaluation for dyslexia, they can still work with a tutor or teacher trained in this method and start making progress.
What Are the Next Steps?
If your child struggles with reading and spelling, specialized instruction using Orton-Gillingham or one of the methods in the OG family can help them start making progress in reading and spelling. In addition, sessions with a qualified dyslexia tutor or teacher can help them gain confidence and understand their dyslexia better.
Summary
Dyslexia is the most common learning issue, and it can affect reading, spelling, comprehension, writing and other areas. It is lifelong, and a person who has dyslexia will always have dyslexia.
Dyslexia is neurological in origin and tends to run in families, since it is passed on genetically.
There are no medications that help with dyslexia, but instruction from a trained and qualified dyslexia tutor or teacher using a method such as Orton-Gillingham can help children and adults with dyslexia make progress in reading and spelling.
An official diagnosis of dyslexia can be provided by a doctor or psychologist who specializes in learning issues and can administer an official evaluation. Other evaluations can provide information about a student’s struggles with reading and spelling, and may be able to indicate whether the student shows typical signs of dyslexia.
A diagnosis or evaluation for dyslexia is not needed for a child to receive instruction that will help them make progress in reading and spelling. The Orton-Gillingham Method and related methods are highly effective in helping any students with reading difficulties make progress, whether they have dyslexia or not.
If your child is identified as having dyslexia, or receives a dyslexia diagnosis, the information can be tremendously beneficial. First, it can be a relief to know what the specific issue is and have the opportunity to research it further. Additionally, the information can provide a path forward, since there are specific steps that can help a child with dyslexia learn to read and spell, or improve their skills in those areas.
