What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability and refers to a cluster of symptoms pertaining to difficulties in developing different language skills. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with spelling, writing, reading, and pronouncing words. Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, its impact can vary at different stages in a person's life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment, and in its more severe forms, will qualify a student for special education, special accommodations, or extra support services.

Characteristics of dyslexia

It is a myth that individuals with dyslexia "read backwards," even though spelling can look quite jumbled at times because students have trouble remembering letter symbols effort sounds and forming memories for words. Other signs may include:

- difficulty learning to speak
- difficulty learning letters and their sounds
- difficulty organizing written and spoken language
- problems with memorizing number facts
- unable to reading quickly enough to comprehend
- unable to comprehend longer reading assignments
- problems with correctly spelling words
- difficulty learning a foreign language
- problems with correctly completing math operations

Not all students who have difficulties with these skills have dyslexia. Formal testing is the only way to confirm a diagnosis.

What is the treatment for dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a lifelong condition. With appropriate intervention, many people with dyslexia can learn to read and write well. Early identification and treatment is the key to helping individuals with dyslexia achieve in school. Most people need instruction from a teacher, tutor, or therapist who is specially trained in using a multisensory and structured language approach.

A complete list of these research-based, systematic training centers can be found on the International Dyslexia Association's website. A few examples of these include the Academy of Orton Gillingham Practitioners and Educators, Simultaneous Multisensory Institute of Language Arts (SMILA), Wilson Language Training, and Dyslexia Training Course at Scottish Rite Hospital. All approved training centers have explicit course expectations as well as required practicum hours. Many organizations that meet IDA requirements are certified through IMSLEC. Individuals are credentialed as a Certified Academic Language Practitioner or Therapist through the Academic Language Therapy Association.