Dyslexia

WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?

Dyslexia is a learning disability which affects word recognition, reading comprehension, phonological awareness and recognition and decoding of words. A child with dyslexia has difficulty learning to read and write despite normal intelligence and classroom instruction.

Dyslexia affects 15-20% of the population, but it tends to appear twice as often in boys than in girls. Oftentimes dyslexia is genetic, but it can be acquired as a result of head injury or trauma. Dyslexia can actually grow more pronounced with age in some individuals.

If your child presents with various signs listed below, please consult your pediatrician to coordinate a full evaluation with a team of professionals who specialize in the disorder. Once your child has been properly diagnosed, therapy with a speech-languge pathologist can help address your child's learning needs.

SIGNS OF DYSLEXIA

Difficulty associating a letter with its sound

Letter reversals or word reversals

Difficulty reading single words

Difficulty spelling single words

Difficulty copying letters/words from a board or book

Difficulty understanding what is heard

Difficulty organizing work, materials and time

Difficulty retaining new information

Difficulty with writing tasks

Awkward fine motor skills

Incoordination

Behavioral problems

Dislike of reading