What is 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.”
-Adapted by the IDA (International Dyslexia Association) Board of Directors, Nov. 12, 2002
People with dyslexia have difficulty learning to read. They struggle to identify a letter or group of letters and their corresponding sound(s). Individuals with dyslexia often misread or omit words when reading. Their reading is typically slow and strained. This affects their ability to comprehend what they have read. Individuals with dyslexia also have difficulty spelling words correctly, expressing thoughts on paper, and often struggle with vocabulary and grammar.
Dyslexia can exist alone or with other conditions. Some conditions that can coexist with dyslexia include ADHD, Dysgraphia, Language Disorders, and Dyscalculia, although this is not an exhaustive list.
ADHD
ADHD is a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to control impulses, focus, and organize. It is not a learning disability. There are three subtypes of ADHD, which are primarily hyperactive-impulsive type, primarily inattentive type, and primarily combined type.
Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia is a learning disability that impairs handwriting, which can interfere with the ability to spell words and write in a fluent manner.
Dyscalculia
Definition one: Dyscalculia is a condition that affects the ability to acquire arithmetical skills. Dyscalculic learners may have difficulty understanding simple number concepts, lack an intuitive grasp of numbers, and have problems learning number facts and procedures. Even if they produce a correct answer or use a correct method, they may do so mechanically and without confidence.
The National Numeracy Strategy (DfES, 2001)
Definition two: DSM-5 defines Dyscalculia as a specific learning disorder, an impediment in mathematics, evidencing problems with:
· Number sense
· Memorization of arithmetic facts
· Accurate and fluent calculation
· Accurate math reasoning.
DSM -5 is the fifth edition update to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (APA, 2013)
Discover other helpful, state resources for your child:
Learning Disabilities Association of Texas
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