Dyslexia -Dyslexia is a Learning Disability in Reading and Language Processing

Dyslexia is a type of learning disability affecting the ability to process written and spoken language.

In Dyslexia, language centers of the brain are believed to be unable to process language in correct sequence. There is some evidence to suggest that Dyslexia can be hereditary. Some theorists believe that differences in brain development may also be a cause.

The most widely recognized characteristics of dyslexia are letter and word reversals in writing, especially in students past their primary years. Dyslexic students may also have difficulty with speech articulation. They may have difficulty pronouncing words with more than one syllable. They may also become confused when trying to express themselves.

A complete psychological and educational evaluation is important to identify the specific types of reading errors each individual child makes. Educators will develop specific strategies to address those types of errors. Typical strategies focus on developing sight word vocabulary, work with reading comprehension, speech and language therapy to address articulation, reception, and expression, and hands-on, or multisensory methods of working with letter and word orientation.

Not all letter reversals and mirror writing signal dyslexia. Such errors are developmentally normal in primary years. It is possible to see occasional reversals into the sixth grade. In contrast to normal, occasional reversals, dyslexia is a pervasive problem affecting most of the student's writing and in some cases spoken language as well. Dyslexia is also more difficult to correct than the occasional stray reversal. Students with dyslexia often require intensive language, reading, and visual-perceptual instruction to improve.

There are some assessments that are specifically marketed as dyslexia tests. Many evaluators, however, use diagnostic reading, writing, and language assessments that are not specifically labeled as dyslexia tests. Reviews of student work, cognitive assessments, and observations are also helpful to diagnose the disorder and develop a treatment plan.

If you believe you or your child has dyslexia and may be learning disabled, contact your school principal or counselor for information on how to request an assessment. Students in college and vocational programs can contact their school's advising office for information on programs and strategies to help achieve success.

Your child's school may not use the term dyslexia, but it can still evaluate your child appropriately. Typically public schools use the labels and language from federal IDEA regulations. Dyslexia is a diagnostic term found in psychiatric diagnostic systems. Schools consider it one of several types of math disorders they can serve under the label, learning disability.