1. Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability.
A common myth of people with dyslexia is that they always switch letters around when reading and writing. Although sometimes true, this is not a leading indicator or even a common symptom. Individuals affected by dyslexia have difficulty interpreting sounds and attaching those sounds to letters. Without knowing which letters make what sounds, it can be extremely confusing to learn how to read and spell.
Someone with dyslexia might not be able to rapidly recall letters and words, which means they take longer to get through text and likely forget what they had read previously. Our brains can only hold information for so long, which means if you spend a long time reading one sentence, you probably will have to go back and re-read the sentences you read several minutes ago.
2. Dyslexia has no correlation with intelligence.
Dr. Sally Shaywitz and Dr. Bennett Shaywitz at Yale University took fMRI images of the brains of dyslexic children that showed that the area in charge of language, Broca's area, was less active during reading. This impacted their reading scores on tests, but not their IQ results.
3. There are signs to look out for that may signal a need for testing.
Children with dyslexia can get easily discouraged with reading and writing, so it's important for parents and teachers to recognize when their child's struggles are due to a learning disability, not for lack of effort or not paying attention in class.
4. Dyslexia is very common among the general population.
5. There is no treatment, but individuals can learn to overcome their reading and writing difficulties and lead successful lives.
Growing up with a learning disability can make a child feel isolated or less intelligent than their peers, which can negatively impact their self-esteem and educational performance. Knowing what signs to look for and what resources are available as early as possible can help your child overcome the challenges associated with dyslexia.
