What is the Definition of Dyslexia?
According to the International Dyslexia Association, "“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or 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 the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.”
Dyslexia can appear in many different ways in children. Below are some of the most common characters laid out by age. If your child or a student you suspects has Dyslexia, contact Jennifer Jacobsen Consulting for support and guidance.
There is no known cure for Dyslexia, but early detection leads to better academic, emotional, and social behaviors.
• difficulty learning letter names and letter sounds
• family history of reading struggles
• difficulty rhyming words
• repeatedly pronounces some words
• speech is delayed
• difficulty remembering basic sight words (for example, on, it, me, and, etc.)
• repeatedly mixing up letters (for example, b, d, p, q)
• spells words the way the sound (phonetic spelling)
• oral language skills are a strength (for example, comprehension is higher when text is read aloud)
• difficulty blending sounds together to make words
• demonstrate ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) characteristics
poor spelling skills
• reading rate is slow
• dislikes reading and avoids reading at all costs
• prefers to listen to books
• has difficulty learning a foreign language
• timed tests without accommodations are difficult
• continues to struggle with spelling
• excel in areas not involving reading (music, art, etc.)
• may have low self-esteem
• may have depression
• poor speller
• reading rate is slow
• prefers listening to text versus reading text
• higher comprehension skills when able to listen to text
• may pronounce words incorrectly even with corrections
• may demonstrate ADHD behaviors
• may have a test profile showing strengths and weaknesses
• a family history or reading difficulty
Click below and get the free Teaching Reading to Students with Dyslexia booklet sent right to your email box!