Dyslexia: An Overview
2007-02-23

By D. E. Herrod, B.Ed.E, M.Div

The International Dyslexia Association defines dyslexia as: “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.” (1) Literally dyslexia means poor language. It comes from the Greek dys meaning poor and lexia meaning language.(2) Dyslexia is the most common reading cause of reading problems. (3) One common misunderstanding is that dyslexia is simply seeing or reading things backwards. Dyslexia is much more than reversing letters it is a processing problem that can affect both written and spoken language.

Difficulty reading and learning to read is the most common characteristic of dyslexia. Due to the differences in the way the brain processes information phonological awareness or the ability to distinguish individual sounds in words can be a difficult task for someone with dyslexia.(4) It can be difficult to make the connection between letters and sounds. Letters are viewed as a shape or symbol and are no different than a triangle or square. A simple assignment of writing spelling words in syllables or in phonetic form can become an arduous task for a student with dyslexia. Phonemic awareness or the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words is another area of weakness. (5) This is why a child with dyslexia has difficulty sounding out words. Difficulty with comprehension and fluency are also problems.

Dyslexia can affect oral language as well. Language development and vocabulary development may be delayed. Following oral directions as well confusion of concepts such as before/after, right/left, and over/under can be a difficult for someone with dyslexia. (6)

Difficulty with written language is another characteristic of dyslexia. While many people with dyslexia are very creative the task of getting ideas on paper can be difficult. Problems with spelling and proofreading are also common for someone with dyslexia. (7)

Dyslexia can also affect more than the ability to read or acquire language. Poor coordination and lack of motor skills are common problems. Limited or poor organizational skills are also a problem. (8)

There are also disorders related to dyslexia. Dysgraphia is difficulty with handwriting. Poor handwriting, messy papers and difficulty copying things are common to dysgraphia. Dysgraphia also affects fine motor skills. Difficulty with math is known as dyscalculia. Counting, number reversal, problems learning math facts and calculation errors are characteristics of dyscalculia. (9)

The good news is that people with dyslexia can learn. They learn differently and many skills may take longer to learn. Direct one-one or small group instruction is need to teach reading, spelling and writing. A structured approach that incorporates reviews of previous skills as well as teaching new skills is needed. A student with dyslexia often requires more repetitions of skills or lesson before they “get it”. A multisensory approach that teaches the same concept through visual, auditory and kinesthetic channels is desired. (10) There is no cure of dyslexia but with proper support and hard work it is possible for a child with dyslexia to become a successful adult. Albert Einstein, Charles Schwab, Nolan Ryan, Tommy Hilfiger, and Whoopi Goldberg are just a few examples of successful individuals who also have dyslexia. (11)

Notes:

1. International Dyslexia Association. “Dyslexia FAQ” [http://www.interdys.org/servlet/compose?section_id=5&page_id=95]

2. International Dyslexia Association. “Dylexia & Related Disorder” [http://www.interdys.org/fact%20sheets/Dys&RelDis%20FS%20N.doc]

3. International Dyslexia Association. “Dyslexia FAQ” [http://www.interdys.org/servlet/compose?section_id=5&page_id=95]

4. University of Indiana “Phonological Awareness” [http://www.indiana.edu/~fluency/phonaware.htm]

5. Institute for the Development of Educational Achievement “Phonemic Awareness”[http://reading.uoregon.edu/pa/]

6. International Dyslexia Association. “Dylexia & Related Disorder” [http://www.interdys.org/fact%20sheets/Dys&RelDis%20FS%20N.doc]

7. Ibid.

8. Ibid.

9. Ibid.

10. Ibid.

11. Davis Dyslexia Assocation International. “Famous People with the Gift of Dyslexia” [
http://www.dyslexia.com/qafame.htm]