What is dyslexia?
"Dys-" means difficulty with. "-Lexia" has to do with words. So, dyslexia is a type of learning disorder that causes problems with reading.
People with dyslexia have difficulty connecting letters and words with the sounds they represent.
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Children with dyslexia may start talking later than other children
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They may have trouble speaking, blending sounds, or recognizing the sounds in words
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They may make mistakes or take more time when they spell, write, and read out loud
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To tell if your child has dyslexia, school professionals will give your child tests, such as academic and intelligence (IQ) tests
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Dyslexia can’t be cured, but teachers will help your child learn to recognize written words
Dyslexia is different from low intelligence (intellectual disability). Children with intellectual disability have problems with many different things that require thought. Children with dyslexia typically have trouble only with reading words and letters.
What causes dyslexia?
What are the symptoms of dyslexia?
Preschool-age children with dyslexia may:
School-age children with dyslexia may have trouble:
Many children with dyslexia confuse letters that look similar, such as b and d, or w and m, or n and h. They may also reverse letters of a word they’re writing, such as writing on instead of no. This isn’t always a sign of dyslexia, as many young children without dyslexia also make these mistakes in early elementary school.
How can I tell if my child has dyslexia?
How is dyslexia treated?
Dyslexia is treated with special teaching methods. These methods help your child learn to recognize words.
Teachers use multisensory instruction (teaching that includes sight, hearing, movement, and touch activities) to help children:
Older children with dyslexia may be helped by technology, such as:
In the United States the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires public schools to provide free and appropriate education to children with dyslexia. Education must be provided in the least restrictive, most inclusive setting possible—that is, settings in which the child has every opportunity to interact with non-disabled peers and have equal access to community resources.
