10 Facts About Dyslexia
Dyslexia is the most common learning disability. Some experts estimate that 1 out of 10 individuals have dyslexia. Despite how common the disability is, very few people really understand the learning disorder. In fact, researchers estimate that 40 million American adults are dyslexic, but only 2 million know it! Read below to find out more information regarding the condition.
1. Unlike what many people believe, dyslexia does not make a person “read backwards”! In fact, dyslexia is actually a processing disability with deficits in a person’s phonological processing (sound awareness). The deficits can impact a person’s ability to sound out words, recognize sight words, spell, and read fluently.
2. People with dyslexia can become average readers! Brain imaging studies show that typical developing readers and readers with dyslexia use different areas of the brain while reading. However, after successful remediation, individuals with dyslexia and typical developing readers look the same reading during brain scans!
3. Early intervention predicts the best outcome! Despite the approach of many professionals to “wait and see,” research strongly suggests that intervention is most productive as soon as possible.
4. Because dyslexia is a phonological processing disorder, it can actually be tested before a child learns to read! Screening evaluations can begin in preschool.
5. Dyslexia tends to run in families. If there is a family history of learning disabilities, it increases a person’s chances of having the developmental disability.
6. A person does not “out-grow” dyslexia. With appropriate remediation, a person can become a typical reader. However, without intervention, a person will not out-grow the learning disorder when they enter adulthood.
7. Some research suggests that individuals with dyslexia have real strengths. In fact, many famous people credit the disorder in helping with their creativity and strengths in the math and sciences!
8. One of the first signs of dyslexia is difficulty recognizing letters, understanding letter sounds, and rhyming.
9. Individuals with dyslexia often have a co-occurring condition, such as AD/HD.
10. Individuals with dyslexia have average to above average IQ!
Written by: Amy Rollo, M.A., LSSP, LPC-S
If you’re concerned that your child may have dyslexia, contact us today to set up an evaluation.
Amy Rollo is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and owner of Heights Family Counseling. Amy has been practicing for fifteen years. She has doctoral level training in the areas of child and adolescent counseling, marriage and family therapy, and adult counseling. Amy Rollo provides counseling and evaluation services in the Houston Heights and surrounding areas. Amy’s goal in counseling is to journey with her clients in order to foster positive changes and growth in their lives. Read more about Amy's counseling style by visiting www.heightsfamilycounseling.com