Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). Dyslexia affects areas of the brain that process language.

Child with Dyslexia Reading from Book

What is Dyslexia?

You’ve likely been exposed to the term dyslexia in your life. This common condition is often misunderstood and generalized as reading letters backwards. The truth is, there is far more to dyslexia.

Dyslexia is not a learning disability tied to an individual’s intelligence or vision.

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). Dyslexia affects areas of the brain that process language.

How Dyslexia Affects Learning

Dyslexia is more common than most realize. Experts say that anywhere from 5-15% of people show signs of dyslexia. Early identification is crucial for receiving help and guidance to overcome this learning difference.

Dyslexia affects the brain differently from person to person. Brain-imaging studies show that, while reading, most individuals activate areas of the left temporal cortex and regions of the left hemisphere. Dyslexic readers are underactive in these regions. Scientists continue to gain insights by using functional brain imaging. Some dyslexic readers show abnormalities in several regions and pathways in the brain associated with language.

Dyslexia affects more than reading, writing, and spelling. Students with dyslexia might struggle with following directions, interpreting body language, and expressing ideas in an organized way.

Individuals with dyslexia can overcome their learning differences, transforming their weaknesses into strength. With proper support and technique, students with dyslexia can get better at reading, writing, and spelling.

Dyslexia Causes and Symptoms

Dyslexia is linked to genetics. People with dyslexia are most likely to receive a diagnosis as children or young adults. Although there are studies that show aging tends to cause mild dyslexia, most are diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age.

A young person with dyslexia may:

  • Struggle sounding out written words
  • Have a speech delay
  • Understanding what’s read
  • Repeat or omit short words (and, the, but)
  • Rhyming
  • Reverse letters and numbers when reading

Dyslexia may also impact social, emotional, and executive skills. Students who struggle with reading can develop low self-esteem and avoid social situations. 

Overcoming Dyslexia in Learning

t’s important to understand that being diagnosed with dyslexia does not permanently limit your child’s ability to read, write, spell, and learn. All children learn differently and a child with dyslexia is no different.

Early identification of dyslexia is the key component necessary to help students achieve academic success.

Creating customized solutions and processes that work for the individual can help a learner overcome dyslexia and improve their reading, writing, and spelling. The Orton-Gillingham Approach has been a proven methodology to teach individuals with dyslexia.

At Edge Fearless Learning, we are committed to individualizing the student experience in order to discover, empower, and ignite the confidence and passion of learners immersed in a nurturing environment.

Common ways we help those who struggle with Dyslexia:

  • Focus on mastering each concept of reading before moving on
  • Allow students to show what they know (speaking instead of written reports)
  • Create special environments for testing and assessments
  • Use of assisted technology to enhance learning
  • Individualized or small group learning
  • Teaching Multisensory decoding skills

Emotional support for those with dyslexia is vital for progression. Acknowledging efforts and celebrating hard work helps to create a culture of confidence and belonging. Students with dyslexia can enjoy learning.

Edge Fearless Learning and Dyslexia

We offer support and guidance to students and families that want to overcome the struggles of dyslexia and other learning differences. We offer on-campus and virtual tutoring options so your child can love learning.

We are a nationally recognized Specialty school site for the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and former accreditation site. All tutors are trained teachers with specialized training in the Orton-Gillingham approach or related multisensory methods. We have proven success with both virtual and on-campus tutoring.

Learn more and connect with one of our specialists at Edge Fearless Learning.

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