Dyslexia Defined
Dyslexia literally means "difficulty with language." Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. Dyslexia affects not only reading, but also spelling, word retrieval, articulation, directionality, and the ability to remember certain facts.
Quick Facts
- Dyslexia is hereditary. Children with a dyslexic parent have a 50% chance of inheriting the disability.
- Dyslexia affects 1 in every 5 people in America - that's 20%.
- Dyslexia is estimated to comprise 80% of all reading disabilities.
- 40% of individuals with dyslexia also have a form of ADD.
- Children are usually not identified as having a reading disability until the 3rd or 4th grade - which is past an optimal age for intervention.
- Children with dyslexia can be identified as early as 5 years of age.
Dyslexia Warning Signs
Early Clues: Preschoolers
- Delayed Speech
- Expressive language difficulties - not being able to produce the correct word, instead talking around the word
- Difficulties with articulation - mixing up sounds in words or not being able to clearly articulate certain sounds
- Failure or delay memorizing the alphabet letters and sounds, address, phone number, spelling of own name
- Left vs right confusion
- Childhood health - chronic ear infections
- Inability to rhyme words or no interest in rhyming
- Dominant hand established late
For a more comprehensive list, including elementary, high school and adult years, contact us using our contact submission form. If your child or a child you work with displayed three or more of these signs in their preschool years, has difficulty reading fluently, expressing ideas on paper, and is a poor speller, you will want to consider what steps to take next.
If you suspect you or your child may have dyslexia, you should view this free and informational webcast video.
ResourcesIt can be overwhelming and confusing searching for information on dyslexia. What information is reliable?
There are many theories and gimmicks that are not valid or research based. It is difficult to tell the difference. My suggested resource lists below are kept brief on purpose - so that they are not overwhelming. Instead, they are high quality resources, packed with reliable facts about dyslexia and learning disabilities. There are many other great resources available. Please contact me if you are looking for a resource on something more specific. I have an extensive list of reliable books and websites.
Top 8 Suggested Websites
Top 5 Suggested Books
Overcoming Dyslexia, by Sally Shaywitz, M.D.
Stages of Reading Development, by Jeanne Chall
Why Kids Can't Read, by Phyllis Blaunstein & Reid Lyon
The Writing Road to Reading, by Romalda Spalding
The Dyslexia Checklist: A Practical Reference for Parents and Teachers, by Sandra F. Rief & Judith M. Stern
R.E.A.D. Learning Services ~ Appleton, Wisconsin
