Definition of Dyslexia
Research Definition used by the National Institutes of Health
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological 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
Revised Definition from the International Dyslexia Association
Dyslexia is a neurologically-based, often familial, disorder which interferes with the acquisition and processing of language. Varying in degrees of severity, it is manifested by difficulties in receptive and expressive language, including phonological processing, in reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, and sometimes in arithmetic.
Dyslexia is not the result of lack of motivation, sensory impairment, inadequate instructional or environmental opportunities, or other limiting conditions, but may occur together with these conditions.
Although dyslexia is lifelong, individuals with dyslexia frequently respond successfully to timely and appropriate intervention.
Reading therapy helps individuals who struggle with reading, writing and spelling, whether or not they have a diagnosis of dyslexia.
WARNING SIGNS OF DYSLEXIA
The International Dyslexia Association says that the problems displayed by individuals with dyslexia involve difficulties in acquiring and using written language. It is a myth that individuals with dyslexia "read backwards," although spelling can look quite jumbled at times because students have trouble remembering letter symbols and forming memories for words. Other problems experienced by people with dyslexia include the following:
- Struggles with reading and spelling
- Learning letters and their sounds
- Organizing written and spoken language
- Memorizing number facts
- Reading quickly enough to comprehend (fluently and accurately)
- Persisting with and comprehending longer reading assignments
- Learning to speak
- Learning a foreign language
- Correctly doing math operations
Not all individuals who have difficulties with these skills have dyslexia. Formal testing of reading, writing and language is the only way to confirm the suspicion of dyslexia.
If you, or someone you know struggles with reading and/or spelling:
"It could be dyslexia."
What causes dyslexia?
The exact causes of dyslexia are still not completely clear, but anatomical and brain imagery studies show differences in the way the brain of a dyslexic person develops and functions. Moreover, most people with dyslexia have been found to have problems with identifying the separate speech sounds within a word and/or learning how letters represent those sounds, a key factor in their reading difficulties. Dyslexia is not due to either lack of intelligence or desire to learn; with appropriate teaching methods, dyslexics can learn successfully.
There is no need to struggle. Contact The Literacy Center of Hampton Roads for a free consultation.
We can and will help!