Dyslexia FAQs

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific reading disability occurring in about 15 to 20 percent of the population. It is a language-based processing problem that is characterized by problems in reading, spelling, and writing.

What causes dyslexia?

Neuroscientists have identified regions of the brain that develop and function differently in people with dyslexia.

These differences do not affect general intelligence, but they do create problems
in learning to read.

Can dyslexia be cured?

Dyslexia is not a disease; therefore it cannot be “cured.”

Is dyslexia inherited?

Yes. Dyslexia runs in families. If a parent has dyslexia, his or her children are at
increased risk for this learning disorder.

Can a child overcome dyslexia?

Yes. Most children with dyslexia can learn to read and succeed in school and work.

Results are best when children are identified early and given appropriate educational instruction. Without early intervention, dyslexia can create a gap between learning aptitude and achievement in school.

When is dyslexia typically identified in children?

Most dyslexia is not identified until third grade or later. By then, a child with reading problems has only a one in seven chance of catching up in reading.

How is dyslexia identified?

There are many proven tools and techniques to identify children who are at-risk for dyslexia. Some of the signs of dyslexia include:

• Problems with rhyming
• Problems with separating and blending sounds in words
• Problems with learning the connections between sounds and letters
• Problems remembering words they have seen many times
• Persistent reversals of letters and words
• Slow, labored reading
• Poor spelling

Is dyslexia linked with below-average IQ?

No. Dyslexia is not the result of low intelligence. Children with dyslexia are intelligent and often show significant gifts in the areas controlled by the right side of the brain. They tend to excel in artistic, athletic and mechanical endeavors; architecture; science; music; and creative problem-solving.

Generally, dyslexia describes a bright mind that learns differently.

Is dyslexia a vision issue?

No, dyslexia is not a result of a vision problem. Vision therapy, eye-tracking exercises and/or colored lenses will not help.

Is dyslexia a motivation problem?

No. Children with dyslexia work hard at learning to read.

Are certain ethnic groups more at risk for dyslexia?

No, dyslexia is an equal-opportunity disorder occurring in all ethnicities and across all socioeconomic groups. In addition, both girls and boys are equally affected by the disorder.