Dyslexia is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — learning disorders. 

Let’s start with what dyslexia is not.

So, what is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disorder that results in deficits in specific language skills, particularly reading and writing. Most commonly, it stems from challenges in phonological processing — the ability to identify separate speech sounds within a word. 

Children without dyslexia usually pick up reading skills naturally with basic instruction and repeated exposure. For example, if they learn the word "catch," they can deduce that "match" follows similar patterns. But kids with dyslexia struggle to break down words into individual sounds, so they don’t pick up these skills as easily. 

Imagine trying to learn hieroglyphics without understanding the underlying language structure. You’d have to memorize the symbols, which is incredibly challenging and, ultimately, limiting. Similarly, and one of the most common dyslexia examples, is when children with dyslexia rely on memorizing words by sight. Some kids can get by for quite a while with a vocabulary built entirely on memorization, which is why some cases of dyslexia go undiagnosed for so long. 

That’s why children with dyslexia need explicit and systematic instruction to learn how to read. A classroom environment that relies on the “sound-it-out” method and repeated exposure alone won’t work for them. However, with the right methods, they can learn to read successfully.  In fact, research suggests that these teaching strategies benefit students across the board, not just those with dyslexia. 

Symptoms and Signs of Dyslexia

• Starting to talk later than usual
• Difficulty with rhyming games or remembering nursery rhymes
• Problems forming words correctly

It can be tricky to spot the signs of dyslexia before your child goes to school. Often, teachers are the first to recognize the signs of dyslexia as they become apparent during classroom learning.

• Struggles with reading fluency and comprehension
• Difficulty writing at a quick pace
• Poor spelling
• Difficulty decoding (sounding out unfamiliar words)
• Struggles with the sequencing of events

There’s a strong genetic component to dyslexia, so if one parent has diagnosed or suspected dyslexia, it’s worthwhile to keep an eye out for these signs.

Diagnosis and Assessment

Diagnosing dyslexia involves a comprehensive assessment by a qualified professional, such as a psychologist or reading specialist. This assessment may include:

• Standardized tests to assess reading, spelling, and writing skills
• Observation of reading and writing behaviors
• Assessment of phonological processing skills
• Review of family and developmental history

‍

Treatment and Interventions

Most children start learning to read by kindergarten or first grade. If your child struggles to keep up with her classmates, it’s worthwhile to pursue further assessments. 

This doesn’t mean that a delay in reading skills automatically implies dyslexia. However, ages four to seven are a critical time for children to develop reading skills, making this the best time to step in and provide that little bit of extra help if necessary. 

Without early interventions, like tutoring, special instruction, and lots of one-on-one practice, the reading gap tends to widen. And since the wait-and-see approach can negatively impact your child’s academic or social progress, there’s no harm in checking to see if your child has dyslexia.

What can I do to help my child if he does have dyslexia?

Here are some effective dyslexia interventions which can greatly improve your child’s ability to read and write on grade level:

If your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia, you’ll want to ensure they receive personalized, evidence-based support, which should get them on the path to success!