Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability which results in difficulty reading and writing. There are a number of interventions and accommodations that help people with dyslexia with printed text. Despite the word “dyslexia” being around since the 1870s, there are still a number of myths and mysteries around what it means to be dyslexic.
Myths
People with dyslexia write letters and numbers backwards
It is common to reverse numbers and letters when first learning print language, many young students do this while first learning to spell and write. Some people with dyslexia continue to have difficulty remembering the directions of certain letters, but others never have a problem with this. Common reversals include lowercase b and d, as well as p and q.
Dyslexia is a vision problem
In fact, a German eye doctor in the 1870s was the first to coin the term “dyslexia”, when he noticed patients who had difficulty reading words and letters despite having good vision otherwise. Dyslexia is language-based so is related to memory and processing of language, not visual memory or processing of images.
Dyslexia is a new phenomenon
Dyslexia has likely been around as long as humans have been speaking, writing, and reading language. Doctors, scientists, and teachers have been studying dyslexia for at least 130 years. If it seems that there are more cases being diagnosed today, that is due to advocacy by organizations to diagnose students early and provide interventions, rather than allow students to struggle and be pushed out of schools.
Mysteries
The cause of dyslexia
We know that dyslexia is brain-based, and often genetic. The exact cause of this learning disability is still being researched and debated.
What works for best for each student
Thankfully, this mystery is easily solved. By assessing and monitoring student progress, educators can determine whether a program or approach is a good fit.
What We Know
Structured phonics works
Phonics-based reading programs are the best way of teaching reading and writing to students with dyslexia. These include Orton-Gillingham based programs, which teach the patterns of sound and spelling in English words. Multi-sensory strategies that incorporate small and fine motor movements into learning letters are preferred.
Dyslexia can be accompanied by other disabilities
Often people with dyslexia can be diagnosed with ADHD, dysgraphia (difficulty in learning to write), and/or dyscalculia (difficulty in learning to work with numbers).
Dyslexia is common
Nearly 1 in 5 people have a diagnosis of dyslexia. For some, the day-to-day impact is minimal and they are able to read and write with limited difficulty. Others require more support, direct reading interventions and accommodations.
Further Reading
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