What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia, what is it? Is dyslexia a relatively common term? No, it has been around for over twenty years; then why are we hearing it so often and what does it mean? A definition accepted by the Orton Dyslexia Society in November 1994 read like this: "Dyslexia is a neurologically-based, often familial, disorder which interferes with the acquisition and processing of language. Varying in degrees of severity, it is manifested by difficulties in receptive and expressive language, including phonological processing, in reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, and sometimes in arithemtic. Dyslexia is not a result of lack of motivation, sensory impairment, inadequate instructional or environmental opportunities, or other limiting conditions, but may occur together with these conditions. Although dyslexia is life-long, individuals with dyslexia frequently respond successfully to timely and appropriate intervention."

Now that we know the definition, the following is a list of learning disabilities associated with this language difference disorder.

Those with dyslexia usually have difficulty with oral language; pronouncing words, acquiring vocabulary, following oral directions, confusion with left and right and learning rhymes and songs. They also have difficulty with reading, remembering names, omitting words, reversing some letters and lack of fluency with larger words. In written language, dyslexics have poor handwriting, messy papers, spelling errors, difficulty in copying, trouble putting ideas on paper, difficulty in proofreading and unsure of right or left handedness.

Learning math is difficult as well. They have trouble remembering facts. They reverse numbers and have difficulty counting correctly.

There are many people who have dyslexia. It effects both boys and girls. Research shows that this disorder does run in families. It is a lifelong disorder. With intervention, people who have been diagnosed with dyslexia can find appropriate interventions.