Dyslexia Myths

 Dyslexia and intelligence are NOT connected. Many dyslexic individuals are very bright and creative and have accomplished amazing things as adults. Dyslexia is defined as an "unexpected" difficulty to read in someone who otherwise has the intelligence to be a much better reader. 

www.dyslexiamyths.umich.edu

 A combination of a family history of dyslexia and symptoms of difficulties in spoken language can help identify a vulnerable child even before he/she begins formal schooling.  Professionals with extensive training in diagnosis can accurately identify the precursors to developing dyslexia as early as age 5. A definitive diagnosis could be made as soon as the child begins to struggle with learning to read, spell, and write. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the quicker the child can get help, and the more likely we are to prevent secondary blows to their self-esteem. 

www.dyslexiamyths.umich.edu

Dyslexia is not a vision problem. Dyslexia is a neurological problem affecting how people link the shapes of printed letters with the sounds of spoken language — not because they have problems with visual perception or memory. Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, but early intervention to address the core difficulties can substantially improve children’s reading ability 

 A 1990 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association by Drs. Sally and Bennett Shaywitz found that dyslexia affects comparable numbers of boys and girls. More boys are referred by their teachers for evaluation, but this appears to reflect the more rambunctious behavior of boys in the classroom. 

www.dyslexia.yale.edu

Often spelling and handwriting are poor as this is matching the same spoken word to print. Math can be difficult as well. Learning a foreign language will be extremely difficult for students with dyslexia.