Learning Disorders in Reading/Dyslexia
Dyslexia refers to a pattern of deficits in word reading accuracy and fluency, decoding (i.e., the ability to pronounce words based on the sounds that letters and letter blends make), and spelling. While all individuals with dyslexia have a learning disorder in reading, not all individuals with a learning disorder in reading have “dyslexia” per se. For example, some individuals may struggle only with weaknesses in reading fluency (i.e., speed and accuracy of reading) or comprehension. As such, the term “dyslexia” refers to a specific pattern of reading and spelling weaknesses, despite being historically used as an umbrella term for all reading disorders.
Contrary to popular belief, dyslexia is not caused by vision-related issues (e.g., seeing a word backwards in your mind). Instead, individuals with dyslexia often have deficits in phonemic and phonological awareness, which refer to the ability to hear, identify and manipulate the sounds within words. Such individuals may have difficulty learning letter sounds, accurately sounding out unfamiliar words, and accurately spelling words by sounding them out. Individuals with dyslexia may also have impaired orthographic processing, which refers to one’s ability to visually recognize and memorize written words and parts of words. It includes the ability to immediately recognize letter sequences and patterns, and to spell phonetically irregular words. Such individuals may have difficulty recalling sight words despite repetition (instead sounding them out), and they often display weaknesses in spelling and letter reversal tendencies in reading and/or writing (e.g., b/d, p/q). As such, individuals with orthographic processing weaknesses often struggle with writing as well.
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Resources
Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
Dyslexia Help at University of Michigan
International Dyslexia Association
Explaining Dyslexia to Your Child
Video: How to Talk to Your Child about Dyslexia
Assistive Technology Resources
Referrals
Orton Gillingham Reading Specialists
Barton Reading & Spelling System
International Dyslexia Association-Upper Midwest Branch
Books for Adults
International Dyslexia Association Handbook
Books for Kids