What is Dyslexia?

What is Dyslexia? It is a term that is often misunderstood by a lot of people.

You may have heard of these typical signs of dyslexia: 

  • Dyslexia is all about letter reversals

  • Dyslexia is when kids don’t know how to read

  • Dyslexia makes spelling words tricky

But it is so much more, so let’s start off with the definition of Dyslexia: 

“Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words.” Source

Sound a bit complicated? Don’t worry we have a free video from one of our experts to explain everything about Dyslexia.

But let’s break it down quickly and look at some of the skills that a child with dyslexia may be struggling with (remember though that each person is different!): 

  • Decoding/Reading

  • Working memory

  • Anxiety 

  • Phonological processing 

  • Comprehension

  • Coordination

  • Sequencing

  • Reversals

  • Encoding/Spelling

  • Confidence/Self-Esteem

  • Processing speed

  • Shame 

Dyslexia is often misunderstood because our kids have so many skills and abilities — and they are really good at surviving, as a result, kids with dyslexia:

  • May not get the support or accommodations for dyslexia — that they need

  • May feel isolated from others

  • May feel defined by a label 

  • May feel anxiety and shame about the way they learn

  • May not understand the beautiful gifts and strengths that also accompany dyslexia

So how do we better support children with dyslexia?

Is there one specific program or treatment that will help all children with dyslexia? Definitely not. Because dyslexia is not a one-size-fits-all term. It is a broad category that represents children who have struggles and strengths (just like we all do!). The key is to understand what dyslexia is, and how it may affect a child’s learning (in ways that bring struggle and strength!). 

Through support, information and guidance, we want to help to squash the misconceptions, share knowledge and shift how we support those with learning differences such as dyslexia! 

“I didn’t succeed despite my dyslexia, but because of it. It wasn’t my deficit, but my advantage. Although there are neurological trade-offs that require that I work creatively [and] smarter in reading, writing and speaking, I would never wish to be any other way than my awesome self. I love being me, regardless of the early challenges I had faced.”

-Scott Sonnen, Professional Athlete

Intrigued? We have a fantastic FREE resource to get you started! Check out Dyslexia: How It Presents!  We know you will love it!

DyslexiaSusan Schenkdyslexia, misunderstood, learning struggle