Dyslexia Guide Guide

Dyslexia is a brain-based condition that impacts how we process written information. Students with dyslexia have brains that process information in unique ways and need specific reading instruction to learn letters and sounds.

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What is Dyslexia?

IN SIMPLE TERMS


Dyslexia is a learning difference that makes reading and spelling harder than it is for most people. It affects how quickly and accurately someone can read or spell words, and these challenges don’t go away even with good teaching. Dyslexia can be mild or severe, and it runs in families.


The root cause is usually difficulty breaking words into sounds
(like hearing the three separate sounds in “cat”: c-a-t), though this isn’t true for everyone. Children who struggle with spoken language early on may also have trouble learning to read later.


Because reading is harder, other challenges can develop:
Students may have more difficulty understanding what they read, less practice with reading and writing, and slower growth in vocabulary and knowledge. This can affect school performance, self-confidence, and even job opportunities later in life.


The good news: with the right help, people with dyslexia can succeed. The earlier support begins— ideally in preschool and early elementary school— the better, though it’s never too late to help.

Myths & Facts

MYTH #1: Writing letters backwards is the main sign of dyslexia

FACT: Some kids with dyslexia reverse letters, and some don’t. Many young children reverse letters (like b/d or p/q)—it’s normal. If your child still does this by the end of first grade, ask about an evaluation.

MYTH #2: Dyslexia doesn’t show up until elementary school

FACT: Signs can appear in preschool or even earlier. Warning signs include difficulty rhyming and being a “late talker.”

MYTH #3: Kids with dyslexia just need to try harder

FACT: The brain processes information in unique ways
in kids with dyslexia. It’s not about effort—it’s about the type of instruction. With the right teaching methods based on research and evidence, kids with dyslexia can make real progress.

MYTH #4: Dyslexia goes away once kids learn to read

FACT: Learning to read helps, but dyslexia doesn’t disappear. It’s lifelong and can continue to affect reading speed, comprehension, spelling, and writing.

MYTH #5: Dyslexia is a vision problem

FACT: Vision problems don’t cause dyslexia. Kids with dyslexia aren’t more likely to have eye problems than other kids. Some may have trouble with visual processing (how the brain interprets what the eyes see), but that’s separate from dyslexia.

MYTH #6: Dyslexia only happens in English

FACT: Dyslexia exists worldwide in all languages. It may take longer to identify in multilingual kids because teachers might think they’re struggling because they’re learning a new language.

MYTH #7: Dyslexia is caused by not reading enough at home

FACT: Dyslexia is a brain-based condition, not caused by lack of exposure to books. Reading at home is important for all kids, but it doesn’t cause or prevent dyslexia.

Download the full guide

For access to the full Dyslexia Guide, download our print version here.

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