Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and effective classroom instruction. It can also impact reading comprehension and reduce a child’s reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.
There are many misunderstandings when it comes to dyslexia. Here are some of the most common ones I have heard:
- Dyslexia is rare or uncommon.
- Dyslexia is incurable and permanent.
- People with dyslexia cannot read.
- People with dyslexia see things backward and letters reversed.
Dyslexia manifests itself in many different ways. Two people with dyslexia can have very different deficits. It is estimated that 5-10% of the population has dyslexia. While dyslexia cannot be outgrown, with proper intervention dyslexic children can rewire their brain and learn to read. Many students who are learning to read and write are going to have letter reversals, it is developmentally appropriate. While dyslexic students may have difficulty attaching labels or names to letters, there is no evidence that dyslexic students see letters backward.
If your child has a reading difficulty or a diagnosis of dyslexia, I am here to help. I have been trained by the Dyslexia Training Institute with the Orton-Gillingham Approach. It is an individualized, structured, and systematic approach to teaching phonics. Contact me to learn more!
Mindful Moments Tutoring 