What is Dyslexia?

To see your child or student struggling is one thing: to know why is quite another. Neuroscience has uncovered many of the roots and processes of reading and where it goes wrong.

Dyslexia has neurological origins and has no relationship with intelligence or desire to learn.

When do we speak of Dyslexia?

We speak of dyslexia when a child demonstrates difficulty in learning to read, despite adequate instruction, motivation, and intelligence.

Dyslexia may have a genetic origin. There is a 45% chance that a parent's or grandparent's reading struggles will transfer to the child.

Symptoms of Dyslexia in children?

• Lack of progression in learning to read.
• Low fluency and low accuracy in reading.
• Difficulty reading single words, such as a word on a flashcard.
• Difficulty learning the connection between letters and sounds.
• Confusing small words, such as at and to.
• Letter reversals, such as d for b.
• Word reversals, such as tip for pit.

Having one of these signs does not mean your child has dyslexia. However, if several signs exist or reading problems persist, you should do our Dyslexia Test.

Secondary signs of Dyslexia

These vary and may not always be present. They include:

• Growing dislike of school (dreading Mondays).
• Trying to avoid out-loud or public reading tasks.
• Demonstrating a dislike of books.
• Difficulty remembering sequences or multiple tasks.
• Difficulty in rhyming, in sounding out and decoding.
• Difficulty accurately repeating a rhythm (e.g. with hand clapping).
• Frequent use of words like "stuff" and "thing" rather than naming objects accurately.

Behavioral indicators of Dyslexia

By the age of eight to ten, behavioral symptoms typically start to surface. Introvert children may demonstrate withdrawal, depression, and isolation. Extroverts may demonstrate frustration, anger and rebellion against authority.

All gradually lose confidence in their ability to learn to read, and lose motivation for school work.

Testing your child for Dyslexia

Dyslexia authority Linda Siegel PhD strongly recommends screening for dyslexia when three months of primary reading instruction fail to deliver any meaningful progress [1].

Dynaread offers a free online screening test. If your child displays any of the tendencies discussed we strongly recommend that you take 15 minutes to screen your child.

More information

For more detailed scientific background information, read Reading: What is it, and where does it go wrong in Dyslexia.

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[1]   Siegel, Linda S. (2006). Perspectives on dyslexia. Paediatr Child Health. 2006 November; 11(9): 581-587.