Characteristics
Dyslexia is a language processing disorder, so it can affect all forms of language, including spoken and written. Here are just some of the characteristics associated with the condition.
Oral Language
Difficulty acquiring vocabulary or using age-appropriate grammarDifficulty learning the alphabet and rhymingDifficulty pronouncing wordsLearning to talk lateTrouble following directions
Reading
Difficulty remembering names and shapes of letters, or naming letters rapidlyDifficulty with oral or silent readingOmits or misreads little wordsPersistent confusion with b, d, p, q (beyond first grade)Slow reading rate“Stumbles” through longer wordsTrouble with reversals and order of letters
Written Language
Difficulty organizing written language into sentences and paragraphsDifficulty proofreadingHandwriting strugglesMirror writing (writing letters, words, or even entire sentences backwards)Trouble learning to spell (people may do well on weekly spelling tests, but have many mistakes in daily work) Trouble copyingTrouble putting ideas on paperUncertainty with concepts of right or left
People can show symptoms of this condition at any age, but they tend to appear during childhood.
Causes
Researchers don’t know exactly what causes the disorder, but they think a problem during development that affects the way the brain processes information may be to blame. The severity of dyslexia may be influenced by environmental factors as well. There is also some evidence to suggest that the disorder is hereditary. According to one review, up to 60% of children born to parents who have dyslexia will also develop the disorder.
Diagnosis
There is no single test that can diagnose dyslexia. Instead, clinicians use a variety of tests and observational measures, depending on the person’s age. This means that the assessment a kindergartner receives may differ from that a high schooler receives. A physical exam will be done to examine your child for possible physical causes that could make reading difficult, such as hearing and vision impairments. If no physical cause is found, your doctor may refer your child to a psychologist for evaluation.
Evaluation
During the initial evaluation, the psychologist will review your child’s background and family history information. This includes intake forms, school records, IEP records, and previous evaluation reports. They will then administer standardized tests to measure some of the following areas:
Comprehension Decoding skills Fluency and accuracy Letter knowledge Listening comprehension Phonemic awareness Phonological awareness Reading rate Sentence writing Word recognition
After the test, you’ll receive a written report from the psychologist. This report is typically 8–10 pages and includes diagnosis, recommendations for therapy, activities for home practice, and school supports and accommodations.
Treatment
With proper help, many people with dyslexia can learn to read and write well, but early identification and treatment are key. Students with dyslexia often require intensive language, reading, and multisensory instruction to improve. Schools can also implement accommodations and modifications to help a student succeed. For example, a student with dyslexia can be given extra time to complete a task and permission to tape lectures rather than write notes. At home, they can use flashcards to develop sight word recognition and listen to books (rather than read them). They can also use computer software to check spelling and speech-to-text software to help with writing. Speech and language therapy can address articulation, phonemic awareness, receptive language, expressive language, and other speech and language disorder symptoms.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Child Has Dyslexia
If you believe your child has dyslexia, contact your school principal or counselor for information on how to make a referral for assessment. An IEP team meeting will be held to discuss your request. Before you attend, learn about your rights as a parent of a child with a potential disability. Students in college and vocational programs can contact their school’s advising office for information on policies, programs, and strategies to help achieve success.
