Nine Key Insights About Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a common learning difference. Below are nine key insights about dyslexia to help you better understand its prevalence and impact.
1. How Widespread is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia impacts 20 percent of the population and constitutes the majority, ranging from 80 to 90 percent, of individuals with learning disabilities. It stands as the most prevalent among all neuro-cognitive learning disabilities (Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity, 2022).
2. What are Some of the Signs of Dyslexia?
As clearly stated by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), "It is a myth that individuals with dyslexia “read backward.” They go on to say, "Although spelling can look quite jumbled at times because students have trouble remembering letter symbols for sounds and forming memories for words."
Here are nine indicators from the IDA that suggest a person may need formal testing for dyslexia in reading, language, and writing skills.
- Delayed speech
- Mixing up sounds and letters
- Organizing words in writing and speech
- Remembering number facts
- Reading with understanding at a fast pace
- Comprehending longer reading assignments
- Difficulty with spelling
- Learning a second language
- Accurately doing math operations
3. Is there a Genetic Component to Dyslexia?
Dyslexia tends to run in families. If a parent has dyslexia, there is a higher likelihood that their child may also have dyslexia.
Dyslexia is not related to a person's intelligence. Many individuals with dyslexia have average or above-average intelligence.
5. Dyslexia is a Lifelong Neurological Difference
Dyslexia is a life-long neurological difference. However, with the right support and interventions, individuals with dyslexia can develop effective reading and writing skills.
6. Dyslexia Varies from Individual to Individual
Dyslexia varies in how it presents in individuals. Some may have mild dyslexia and others may have more profound forms.
7. What are the Gender Differences in Dyslexics?
Dyslexia is more commonly diagnosed in males than in females, but it can affect people of all genders.
8. Dyslexics have Incredible Strengths!
Dyslexics tend to have strong auditory memory. They are often empathetic and great conversationalists. They are imaginative, abstract, creative, critical thinkers, who think outside the box.
9. Assistive Technology is a Game Changer for Dyslexics
Advancements in technology have provided dyslexic individuals with numerous tools and resources. These include text-to-speech software and speech-to-text software. Learning assistive technology and providing accommodations using technology is imperative for dyslexics.
Although it can be a difficult journey through elementary, middle, and high school, early identification, appropriate support, and accommodations, and a positive attitude toward learning can help individuals with dyslexia succeed and excel academically and in their careers. Our complimentary Diagnostic Decoding Surveys are an easy and efficient way to detect when students are having word-level reading difficulties, and pinpoint their specific decoding weaknesses.
Citations:
Elias, M. 2023, February 26. 21 Dyslexia Statistics: Facts: How Common Is It?
Petrova, Jillian. The Many Strengths of Dyslexics. Dyslexia Help at the University of Michigan
The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity
International Dyslexia Association. 2007. Dyslexia Fact Sheets
Florida ADHA, Dyslexia and Gifting Testing
Read about how RGR's approach contains critical, evidence-based components of dyslexia instruction.
