Reading disorder affects approximately 20 percent of the US population and accounts for 80 to 90 percent of all learning disabilities. Despite its prevalence, many people with dyslexia are misdiagnosed, delayed or undiagnosed.
It creates processing challenges written and spoken language and is usually first noticed in childhood, sometimes even in preschool.
Signs of dyslexia include:
- Reversing sounds when pronouncing words.
- Slow reading speed.
- Difficulty recognizing letters.
- Problem with putting information in a consistent order.
- Avoidance of reading tasks and processing challenges in reading.
1. Myths about dyslexia
There are several pieces of misinformation in relation to dyslexia, which can be detrimental to those trying to navigate the process of identifying and managing this condition. These dyslexia myths often include:
Myth: The main sign of dyslexia is reading and writing letters backwards.
fact: Although this can happen, it is not always true, nor does it mean that the child definitely has dyslexia.
Myth: It doesn’t affect intelligent people.
fact: In fact, dyslexia and intelligence level are not related. People of all intelligence levels can have dyslexia.
Myth: It is based on vision problems.
fact: It is considered a hearing disorder.
Myth: Signs of dyslexia won’t be apparent until elementary school.
fact: Preschoolers (and sometimes even younger) may show signs such as being late.
Myth: The problem can be solved by trying harder or just reading more.
fact: This is not true. Those struggling with this disease need targeted intervention.
Myth: It’s something kids will outgrow.
fact: It is a lifelong condition.
Myth: This is not an actual condition.
fact: Several decades of research prove otherwise.
(Credit: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock) A teacher using learning aids to help a student with dyslexia
2. Testing for Reading disorder
For children with suspected dyslexia, testing and assessment are essential to get the right diagnosis and the necessary intervention. There is a multiple tests to assess reading, written and spoken language, motor skills, social skills and intelligence. Although testing is an integral part of dyslexia Evaluationas well as early educational history, family history, and information about language and speech development.
In addition to leading to correct diagnosis and treatment, assessments are essential for documentation. Appropriate documentation is required to receive special education approval. It is important to note that testing and other assessment tools must be supervised by a qualified professional—most commonly a licensed educational psychologist or speech-language pathologist (SLP). Sometimes a neurologist may be the right clinician.
Read more: How fonts affect learning and memory
3. It is often confused with other conditions
Dyslexia can and has been confused with other conditions, such as ADHD and autism. However, dyslexia is a learning disorder, while ADHD and autism are developmental disorders. The reason for misdiagnosis occurs because ADHD, autism and dyslexia share certain similarities — although the way symptoms manifest will be different.
Read more: Is ADHD really on the rise?
Although someone can have both Reading disorder and another disorder, such as ADHD or autism, these are different diagnoses. People with ADHD and dyslexia may experience deficits in memory and motor skills, problems with information processing speed, and potential self-esteem issues. Contrast this with those on the autism spectrum and dyslexic people who can are experiencing symptoms such as the presence of a genetic basis and disabilities with language and reading.
4. Help with Reading disorder
(Credit: Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock)
Although there is no ‘cure’, there are therapies that can help with dyslexia. These include intensive and multi-sensory methods focusing on spelling, phonics, reading comprehension and vocabulary. Practicing writing and reading skills daily leads to greater improvement. The Orton Gillingham The method is the most famous and considered the most effective.
In the US, schools are required by law to help students with dyslexia – and often do so through Individual education plan (IEP). Suppose a student is eligible for special education. In this case, the IEP will detail a specific education plan and any other services that will be provided to meet the student’s personalized needs.
Read more: Everything worth knowing about … Autism Spectrum Disorder