What Is Dyslexia?

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LD Basics | Language & Math | Reading

What Is Dyslexia?

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By NCLD Editorial Staff
Published: March 5 2009 | Updated: May 4 2012

Watch: Dyslexia Explained

As with other learning disabilities, dyslexia is a lifelong challenge that people are born with. This language processing disorder can hinder reading, writing, spelling, and sometimes even speaking. Dyslexia is not a sign of poor intelligence or laziness. It is also not the result of impaired vision. Children and adults with dyslexia simply have a neurological disorder that causes their brains to process and interpret information differently.

Dyslexia occurs among people of all economic and ethnic backgrounds. Often more than one member of a family has dyslexia. According to the National Institute of Child and Human Development, as many as 15 percent of Americans have major troubles with reading.

Much of what happens in a classroom is based on reading and writing. So it's important to identify dyslexia as early as possible. Using alternate learning methods, people with dyslexia can achieve success.

What are the Effects of Dyslexia?

Dyslexia can affect people differently. This depends, in part, upon the severity of the learning disability and the success of alternate learning methods. Some with dyslexia can have trouble with reading and spelling, while others struggle to write, or to tell left from right. Some children show few signs of difficulty with early reading and writing. But later on, they may have trouble with complex language skills, such as grammar, reading comprehension, and more in-depth writing.

Dyslexia can also make it difficult for people to express themselves clearly. It can be hard for them to use vocabulary and to structure their thoughts during conversation. Others struggle to understand when people speak to them. This isn't due to hearing problems. Instead, it's from trouble processing verbal information. It becomes even harder with abstract thoughts and non-literal language, such as jokes and proverbs.

All of these effects can have a big impact on a person's self-image. Without help, children often get frustrated with learning. The stress of dealing with schoolwork often makes children with dyslexia lose the motivation to continue and overcome the hurdles they face.

What are the Warning Signs?

The following are common signs of dyslexia in people of different ages. If you or someone you know displays these signs, it doesn't necessarily mean you have a learning disability. But if troubles continue over time, consider testing for dyslexia.

Young Children

School Age Children

Teenagers & Adults

Trouble with:

Recognizing letters, matching letters to sounds, and blending sounds into speech
Pronouncing words, for example saying"mawn lower" instead of "lawn mower"
Learning and correctly using new vocabulary words
Learning the alphabet, numbers, and days of the week or similar common word sequences
Rhyming

Trouble with:

Mastering the rules of spelling
Remembering facts and numbers
Handwriting or with gripping a pencil
Learning and understanding new skills; instead, relying heavily on memorization
Reading and spelling, such as reversing letters (d,b) or moving letters around (left, felt)
Following a sequence of directions
Trouble with word problems in math

Trouble with:

Reading at the expected level
Understanding non-literal language, such as idioms, jokes, or proverbs
Reading aloud
Organizing and managing time
Trouble summarizing a story
Learning a foreign language
Memorizing

How is Dyslexia Identified?

Trained professionals can identify dyslexia using a formal evaluation. This looks at a person's ability to understand and use spoken and written language. It looks at areas of strength and weakness in the skills that are needed for reading. It also takes into account many other factors. These include family history, intellect, educational background, and social environment.

How Is Dyslexia Treated?

It helps to identify dyslexia as early in life as possible. Adults with unidentified dyslexia often work in jobs below their intellectual capacity. But with help from a tutor, teacher, or other trained professional, almost all people with dyslexia can become good readers and writers. Use the following strategies to help to make progress with dyslexia.

Expose your child to early oral reading, writing, drawing, and practice to encourage development of print knowledge, basic letter formation, recognition skills, and linguistic awareness (the relationship between sound and meaning).
Have your child practice reading different kinds of texts. This includes books, magazines, ads, and comics.
Include multi-sensory, structured language instruction. Practice using sight, sound, and touch when introducing new ideas.
Seek modifications in the classroom. This might include extra time to complete assignments, help with note taking, oral testing, and other means of assessment.
Use books on tape and assistive technology. Examples are screen readers and voice recognition computer software.
Get help with the emotional issues that arise from struggling to overcome academic difficulties.

Reading and writing are key skills for daily living. However, it is important to also emphasize other aspects of learning and expression. Like all people, those with dyslexia enjoy activities that tap into their strengths and interests. For example, people with dyslexia may be attracted to fields that do not emphasize language skills. Examples are design, art, architecture, engineering, and surgery.

This article is made possible by a grant from the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation.

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38 Comments

Yo this article can make you feel like you are a victim or the disorder!

Posted by: peta on Sunday, 20 May 2012
I Hate This Stuff , :)

Posted by: Lexy Ross on Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Buffoon thats the name I was giving to me by my 2nd drade teacher. this was the seconcond time in this grade. of course I didnt no what it ment. I got trough school cause i was an over average athilite. coache were my teachers. i new i was different then other ever since i was young. could never pass test. left the Marine Corps cause i was not able to pass my NCO test. left the Sherriffs Dept. cause i couldnt pass the deputy test. so i went and became a truck driver, a good one. no that im 50 and disabled, i feel kinda lost with dreams that are yet to fullfilled. single and living with my daughter. what to do what to do? Ray

Posted by: buffoon on Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Dr. Horowitz, thank you for this article. We share your passion in spreading proper understanding of dyslexia, and offer learn to read remediation specifically designed for older struggling readers ( ages 7+). To learn more about what we offer please go to https://dynaread.com.

Posted by: JD7777 on Thursday, 10 May 2012
One of the issues with being dyslexic is that people who are average thinkers call the way dyslexic's think as a learning disorder. However the way we think is often gifted, creative and should be celebrated. It is different, not a disorder. If you are a lefty and are forced to use your right hand only, you will have problems. If you or your child is forced to fit into a learning/education system/communication style that is designed for something different, and then they are blamed for not getting it right.... then a problem is created. Celebrate those that think differently and start here by changing the nomenclature from "neurological disorder " to different learning style. I don't have a neurological disorder, I have a different way of thinking. I am dyslexic.

Posted by: alexandra Jump on Friday, 20 April 2012
i have dyslexia and im trying to overcome poverty and all my life i been getting bad grades since elementary,watching students get awards for what they were good at made me fill like i couldn't do nothing and teachers always yield at me because i was considered to be lazy and did nothing but draw that's tha only thing i am good at but right now i am 20yrs old and still looking for ways to overcome my disability.

Posted by: cordelro on Monday, 09 April 2012
I was disagnosed as being dyslexic while I was in elementary school, and for many years, I allowed my LD to hinder my academic career. Today, I am college graduate who is a year away from obtaining a doctorate. I have three other degrees (two in English and Specialist Degree in Community College Teaching). For those of you who have been recently diagnosed with dyslexia, please do not give up! There is help. Check with your local city government/community support and outreach for testing (children to adults). Parents, PUSH for testing of your children if you believe that there is an issue. Kids, talk to an adult, your guidance counselor, a pastor, anyone about whatever problem you are having with your learning environment. If you believe that you are entitled to special accommodations, DO NOT BACK DOWN. You are ENTITLED BY LAW to special accommodations if your qualify for them by means of a proper evaluation and assessment.

Posted by: Brandy on Thursday, 05 April 2012
My 14yo has been struggling with dyslexia since 3rd grade. Because he is bright and makes good grades the school will provide no help for him. His teachers have never corrected his spelling errors and his on demand writing is very poor. He is going into high school and I am fighting now for a 504. He also has issues with eye tracking and convergence. We are starting vision therapy and a private tutor is working with him to help with his spelling and writing. Any suggestions on how to get the school to provide necessary accommodations? I am afraid the high school teachers will not be so friendly.

Posted by: Elizabeth on Saturday, 24 March 2012
i think i have it and i never knew what this was in till now i hope i get better at writing and reading

Posted by: jeka on Tuesday, 20 March 2012
I have dyslexia and before I moved to a different school they did not know how to teach me and the teachers said I was lazy and didnt try hard enough but I did try hard but it was a sruggle because I have dyslexia. I am dyslexic and proud! It makes me who I am!

Posted by: Katie on Wednesday, 07 March 2012
The Lindamood-Bell Methodology has done miracles for my childs reading. Key is that it has to be taught by highly trained instructors (not necessarily liscensed teachers) and the program needs to be delivered with fidelity.

Posted by: Peggy on Tuesday, 06 March 2012
Any suggestions for help with oral expression delays associated with severe dyslexia?

Posted by: Connie Sadowski on Thursday, 01 March 2012
Teachers are a front line defense b both recognizing the signs of dyslexia/LD and also by teaching students using a multisensory, structured language approach (MSL). All students benefit from this approach, but for LD students it is a critical component according to reading research by the NICHD and NRP. We provide MSL professional development to thousands of teachers and consistently are asked why all primary grades are not using this method of teaching to give all students the very best start with language, reading and spelling. A very good question! Our Orton-Gillingham based accredited program, Phonics First (www.rlac.com), gives teachers extensive tools to use on a daily basis in the classroom to meet the needs of struggling learners with great success. I encourage anyone with dyslexia/LD or professionals who teach them to seek information on MSL programs that are designed to meet the unique needs of these learners. (www.rlac.com; www.imslec.org; interdys.org are great places to start)!

Posted by: Laurie Wagner on Wednesday, 29 February 2012
I am writing concerning my self and the difercultly of having to live add or this dyslexia it has been very hard communicating and holding a job and trouble seeking testing if you could direct me where i can go to be tested to help me over come this night mare it would be very appreciated.

Posted by: Peter Di on Tuesday, 28 February 2012
yeah it's fun having a learing disabilities then again learing in new ways really are experiences nobody but the one who has the learning disability can learn from

Posted by: gitoya on Tuesday, 28 February 2012
I would like to share with you this wonderful program which is helping my friend's daughter a graet deal. http://www.srlearningcenter.org/

Posted by: Claudia Smith on Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Dyslexia 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. International Dyslexia Association (2002)

Posted by: Tony on Tuesday, 28 February 2012
There are many terrific Orton-Gillingham based based programs out there for treating dyslexia. The International Dyslexia Association website offers a side by side comparison of certified programs on its Matrix of MSLE programs (Multisensory Structured Language Education). And yes, as a dyslexic with a degree in music, I can tell you it does affect reading music as well as words. However as this article suggests, there is more to dyslexia than just reading difficulties. Dyslexia affects spelling, oral expression, handwriting, written expression, and math. For O-G based math and study skills programs, check our The Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center in Maryland (www.asdec.org).

Posted by: Marilyn Zecher, M.A., CALT on Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Will you please elaborate on speaking delays ? " This language processing disorder can hinder reading, writing, spelling, and sometimes even speaking. Dyslexia is not a sign of poor intelligence."

Posted by: Connie Sadowski on Tuesday, 28 February 2012
I love dyslexia!

Posted by: Lewis on Tuesday, 10 January 2012
I have a son who has been attending Dyslexia Tutoring for the past 12 months, he was way behind in reading when he first started. He has improved so much. He is still behind, but not nearly as before. Earlier today, my wife and I were discussing the way he is being taught at school. They are using this program called “Lexia” and my son kept telling us that he did not want to use it because he was getting confused. So I decided to call Susan Barton, the founder of Barton Reading and Spelling System for Dyslexia, to ask for her opinion. She confirmed what my son had been saying. “He will get confused if he is being taught on two different methods”. His private tutor is using Orton Gillingham vs. school using some other method.I would highly recommend that you visit the following website(s): http://www.bartonreading.com/ http://www.susanbarton.com/The public schools try hard, but unfortunately are not up to date on the latest research. Hope this helps someone out there.

Posted by: Juliomz on Thursday, 01 December 2011
tengo 2 hijos de 15 años con dislexia, comprendera mi situacion ..., no recibo ajuda informacion , hay consejos para mi.. gracias

Posted by: mihaela on Thursday, 17 November 2011
America--so glad to hear you feel like you are on the right track now with getting help for your daughter. Properly identifying LD is a huge step! Knowing that others have struggled with LD and succeeded is really inspiring, too. We share a lot of success stories of people with LD on our LD Insights blog (http://ncld.org/ld-insights)--definitely check that out if you haven't yet.

Posted by: Kaleigh (NCLD Staff) on Wednesday, 16 November 2011
My 9-year-old daughter is proudly dyslexic, just found out a week ago. We had been trying for the last 7 years of her life to get help for her, without success until now. The first time in year that I feel that we are in the right path. We had, would, will, try whatever in order to help her success. Never giving up, from therapy, medication, different types of psychological therapy. For her knowing that John Lennon, Albert Einstein, Edison, Lincoln, JFK, Agatha, Henry Ford, Leonardo, and more of brilliant minds that had change the world in all areas, had a reading-writing disability as her is the most motivating tool never found. We still have a long way to go, and tons of reading to do (for her to be re-educated, for me to support her) but we won’t give up :)

Posted by: America on Wednesday, 16 November 2011
tengo un hijo de la edad de 5 anos y creo que tiene disxlecsia y consejo me puden dar o que terapia nesesyta podian orientanme

Posted by: marcos jesua ruiz roque on Monday, 07 November 2011
Thanks for the most informative words and encouraging steps. Understand so many famous people such as Richard Bronson has dylexia and accomplished his career by encouraging those with this challenge. Could you share his story and others for we know the dyslexia student sees things in manners that is opposite from the set standard and system of education but these students sees.

Posted by: Jerry W. Arrington on Sunday, 25 September 2011
What Is Dyslexia?
For those who asked if Dyslexia affects chances of getting into colleges i think the answer is it doesn't have to. I am dyslexic and was able to get into a good school. I looked for one that doesn't take test scores too seriously because standardized tests are not my strong suit. I also sent them a letter explaining that the SATs were not a good evaluation of my intelligence because of dyslexia. I even wrote my college essay about how being dyslexic has affected my life in some ways although it has enhanced my ability to work hard and to think outside of the box. In short don't let it stop you, use it to your advantage. Most schools just want someone who is going to work hard. I spend so many years working twice as hard on spelling and writing as others it is now coming in handy.

Posted by: mmakma on Sunday, 20 March 2011
What Is Dyslexia?
Here at www.kildonan.org we are huge advocates of multi-sensory instruction and Orton-Gillingham tutoring. These methods have helped our students tremendously.

Posted by: Kildonan School on Thursday, 27 January 2011
What Is Dyslexia?
I was diagnosed with mild dyslexia when I was little and I never recived treatment or any accomadations for the disorder. I love reading but, I cannot spell worth anything and have to run everything through spell check. However, by working hard I am now in college on a full tution scholarship for academics. I just want to say to keep your hopes up and work hard because you can fight this disorder and win if you stay positive. So for those of you questioning schooling because of this disorder, do not worry; a school cannot by federal law not admit you because of a handicap. I work for my college admissions office and personally they love to see students who have overcome a difficulty in their life. So stay positive and work hard and schools will gladly accept you.

Posted by: Katie on Friday, 10 December 2010
Dyslexia
I don't have Dyslexia, but I just watched a show with some one with Dyslexia. Like how do you teach them, and how do you exactly know if you have it or not? Every now and then I'll forget how to spell somthing like squirll, or chipmunk. I'm in 6th grade so I wanted to look it up. Thank you. :)

Posted by: Abby on Saturday, 04 December 2010
Dyslexia
Will Having Dyslexia affect my chances of getting accepted to colleges?

Posted by: bird on Friday, 05 November 2010
Dyslexia
i have had dyslexia since 4th grade and i have a hard time with spelling and music

Posted by: miranda on Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Dyslexia
I have dyslexia, I have 39 year. Do you know about the test for adult in Spanish that identify level the dyslexia? if you know about that. where is possible do the test in New York how is the price? thanks

Posted by: marcela maldonado on Thursday, 14 October 2010
Dyslexia
My best friend Has Dyslexia and She wasn't accepted into the schools Because of it. Personally I think it is wrong Not To. Just because you Have a reading/writing Disorder Doesn't Mean you should get treated Completely Different. Yes, I think People With Dyslexia Need Special Help to Help with their Writing and Stuff Like that But, I don't think They should get kicked out of school, Or even Get horrible grades Because of their writing or spelling.

Posted by: Haille McKown on Friday, 08 October 2010
Dyslexia
I have dyslexia and ADHD, and the funnyest thing about dyslexia is that it seems like the school district dosnt want to help me, my handwritting is horrable i cant spell ive talked to my concelor and then to this guy for accomodations and pretty much i got told for my dyslexia my accommadtion is im sorry but for my medacated ADHD i Might get an acommadation. all through elementry school and most of middle school i had to purposely get bad grades be4 the had even thought of concidering me when my writting was and still is horrable i cant even read it somtimes. The school systems dont seem to care about dysleixa which is wrong because im sick of getting my papers back from my teachers saying take your time or type. spell check dosnt help much because if i cant spell the word and it dosnt write the way it sounds when spell check gives me suggestions i cant find the right one. just wanted yall to know that some school districts dont consider dyslexia as a disablity

Posted by: Aaron neel on Monday, 27 September 2010
Dyslexia
I have dylexia. And I think it does effects how I learn music. I started studying paino since I was 5. And when I was 10 i realized that I wasn't getting any better at reading the music notes. The only way that I learnrt how to play paino was to look at how my teacher played.

Posted by: Bee on Saturday, 28 August 2010
Dyslexia
Does the program Learn to Learn help students that have dyslexia?

Posted by: Donna Wood on Sunday, 13 June 2010
Dyslexia
I wonder if it affects your ability to learn how to read music. For years I wanted to learn how to read music.. It just looks like a bunch of dots on a page to me....

Posted by: Eliz on Saturday, 12 June 2010

We invite your comments on this article, but we are unable to answer personal questions. If you have a question, you may find these LD.org resources helpful: Resource Locator; LD Basics section; Frequently Asked Questions.

Take Our Poll!

Watch: Dyslexia Explained

What are the Effects of Dyslexia?

What are the Warning Signs?

Young Children

School Age Children

Teenagers & Adults

How is Dyslexia Identified?

How Is Dyslexia Treated?

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