Frequently Asked Questions
- What is dyslexia?
- What are the causes of dyslexia?
- How do you identify dyslexia?
- How many individualas struggle with dyslexia?
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- Is it true that individuals with dyslexia may be unusually capable in created activities?
- Can individuals with dyslexia learn to read and write?
- How does an individual with dyslexia best learn?
- Do individuals tend to have other problems too?
- How can DII help me or my child who has dyslexia?
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Q: WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?
A: The word dyslexia comes from the Greek words dys, meaning difficulty with, and lexia, meaning language. It is a specific learning disability affecting intelligent individuals who, despite conventional learning experiences, do not learn to read, spell, and write in the traditional sense. Such individuals, unless they receive appropriate instruction, typically struggle to reach their true potential.
Q: WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DYSLEXIA?
A: Difficulties in learning to read may be caused by any number of factors. The causes of dyslexia are unclear. Most current medical research points to differences in brain structure causing atypical neurological development. The developmental differences associated with dyslexia appear not to impact general intelligence, but make language learning and reading more difficult.
Q: HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY DYSLEXIA?
A: Persons with dyslexia do not necessarily exhibit identical characteristics. However, most exhibit common difficulties in reading, spelling, and writing including persistent reversals, substitutions, omissions and additions of sounds, letters, syllables, or words. Psycho-educational testing is required to diagnose dyslexia.
Q: HOW MANY INDIVIDUALS STRUGGLE WITH DYSLEXIA?
A: Estimates of the number of people with dyslexia in the United States reach as high as 20% of the total population. The severity of dyslexia varies within this population.
Q: IS IT TRUE THAT INDIVIDUALS WITH DYSLEXIA MAY BE UNUSUALLY CAPABLE IN CREATIVE ACTIVITIES?
A: Individuals with dyslexia are typically of average or above average intelligence. While found in all walks of life, many excel in architecture, engineering, the arts, science, and math.
Q: CAN INDIVIDUALS WITH DYSLEXIA LEARN TO READ AND WRITE?
A: If an individual’s problems are recognized and appropriate instruction is provided, they can become competent in reading and writing. While the traditional classroom approach may not be effective for dyslexic learners, participation in multisensory language instruction can help them overcome their learning differences.
Q: HOW DOES AN INDIVIDUAL WITH DYSLEXIA BEST LEARN?
A: Persons with dyslexia learn best when information is structured in a sequential fashion moving from the simple to the complex. The rules of language need to be directly taught. For some, one-on-one instruction is essential. A multisensory approach is the first step in an instructional program that enables students with dyslexia to become independent learners.
Q: DO INDIVIDUALS TEND TO HAVE OTHER PROBLEMS TOO?
A: Many (but not all) individuals with dyslexia exhibit delayed speech, hyperactivity, attention deficits, and allergies. Secondary emotional problems can arise as a result of repeated failure and feeling misunderstood at school or in the workplace. Many individuals with dyslexia grow up with self-doubts about their intelligence and abilities. Frustration and disappointment in their educational, occupational, and personal achievement is common.
Q: How can DII help me or my child who has dyslexia?
A: Visit our Services section to find out how DII can help.
