What is dyslexia?

According to the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), "dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede vocabulary and background knowledge growth.”

To clarify, individuals with dyslexia struggle to read. They have a hard time reading at a good pace and without mistakes. Someone with dyslexia may struggle with comprehension if they are required to read with their eyes but may have no trouble with comprehension if a text is read to them. This is because someone with dyslexia has to spend so much time and energy decoding (reading) each word that the meaning gets lost. Those with dyslexia are also likely to struggle with spelling and writing.

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