Understanding Dyslexia

What is Dyslexia?

This is the definition provided by the International Dyslexia Association which provides leading expertise in the area of Dyslexia:

• “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.”

Are there Different Types of Dyslexia?

The diagnostic criteria in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistic Manual) used by psychiatrists and psychologists do not specify specific types of Dyslexia.  However, within some clinical literature there are specific types described.  They are as follows:

• Phonological Dyslexia (delays or weaknesses with oral language, phonology, phonology in writing/spelling)
• Visuo-Attentional Dyslexia / Surface Dyslexia (delays or weaknesses with attentional processes, sustained or shared attention, making reading and spelling very effortful)
• Dyspraxic (initial reading disorder which seems to improve over some time, but then the student predominantly has difficulty with handwriting, writing speed, spelling)

 Early Signs of Dyslexia (what to look for in young children):

• Speech or language delays
• Phonological Processing delays or deficits (recognition of specific sounds when they hear them or difficulty segmenting sounds within words)
• Sight Word delays or deficits
• Early Phonics Skills deficits
• Spelling delays
• Inconsistencies with the above

Common Signs in Mid to Upper Elementary Age (what to look for in later elementary):

• Speech or language delays
• Phonological Processing delays or deficits
• Sight Word delays or deficits
• Phonics Skills deficits
• Spelling delays
• Inconsistencies with the above
• Delays with reading when compared to same age peers

Signs in Middle School and High School (what to look for in middle or high school):

• Delays with word reading accuracy
• Delays with phonics
• Delays with reading fluency
• Delays with spelling and written expression
• Procrastination and taking longer to complete assignments
• Avoiding assignments
• Assignments turned in late or incomplete

What Information Should You Collect if Dyslexia is Suspected?

• Curriculum Based Monitoring, keeping track of reading rate per minute
• Standardized Test Scores
• Spelling samples and tests
• Informal tests (classroom)