Understanding Dyslexia: Myths, Facts, Strengths, and Common Signs
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to spread awareness and understanding of one of the most common neurocognitive disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. Dyslexia is often misunderstood, and many myths still surround this learning difficulty. Let’s contribute together to raising awareness, debunking some of the common misconceptions and empowering individuals with Dyslexia!
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that primarily affects language processing. This disorder makes it difficult for individuals to decode written words, spell correctly, and process sounds in language. It is estimated that around 20% of the population has some form of dyslexia, and it accounts for 80–90% of individuals with learning disabilities .
Individuals with dyslexia often have difficulty with skills like reading, writing, and spelling. It’s important to note that dyslexia is not a reflection of a person’s intellect or motivation; rather, it’s a unique way of processing information.
How Dyslexia Look Like?
Dyslexia manifests in different ways, but here we listed some of the most common signs.
Difficulty spelling words: People with dyslexia may struggle to spell even common words correctly, often mixing up letters or sounds.
Confusing letters with similar shapes: Letters like “b” and “d” or “p” and “q” may frequently be confused.
Reluctance to read aloud in class: Due to reading difficulties, many children with dyslexia may avoid reading in front of others.
Mixing up the position of sounds in words: People with dyslexia may confuse the order of letters or sounds within a word, such as saying “aminal” instead of “animal.”
Trouble rhyming: Difficulty to learn how to make and hear rhymes.
Signs of dyslexia can appear as early as preschool, although they can be difficult to recognize. Some of these early clues include difficulties rhyming, late talking, or problems forming words correctly. The signs of Dyslexia become more noticeable when children enter school and start learning to read and write.
Debunking Common Myths about Dyslexia
Despite growing awareness, there are still a few myths surrounding dyslexia. Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions:
❌Dyslexia is NOT a sign of low intelligence or laziness.
Dyslexia affects how a person processes language, not their overall intelligence. Many individuals with dyslexia are highly intelligent, creative, and excel in areas like problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation. Some well-known figures with dyslexia also for example include Albert Einstein, Richard Branson, and Steven Spielberg.
⏳ Dyslexia CANNOT be outgrown, BUT early detection and the right interventions can significantly improve a child’s progress.
With the right support—such as specialized reading programs and individualized instruction—children with dyslexia can make tremendous progress in their literacy skills . The earlier dyslexia is identified, the more effectively interventions can be tailored to meet the child’s needs.
🔍 Signs of dyslexia CAN be identified as early as preschool.
Children may show early signs of dyslexia through delayed speech, trouble recognizing rhyming patterns, or difficulties learning the alphabet. Identifying these signs early allows parents and educators to provide appropriate interventions before children fall behind in school .
👁️ Dyslexia is NOT a vision problem.
Dyslexia is not caused by vision issues or difficulties with seeing letters. It is a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes written language. Vision therapy or glasses will not correct dyslexia, though some people may benefit from strategies that reduce visual discomfort during reading.
🔄 Children with dyslexia DO NOT see letters backwards.
While children with dyslexia may reverse letters when writing, this is also common in young children who are learning to write and hence is not a defining feature of dyslexia. Letter reversals are a normal part of learning and typically decrease with practice.
Strengths of Dyslexia
While dyslexia presents challenges, it is important to highlight the strengths often associated with this learning difference. Individuals with dyslexia tend to excel in areas that require creative and non-linear thinking. According to Yale University’s research, people with dyslexia often possess enhanced problem-solving abilities, strong visual-spatial skills, and out-of-the-box thinking . These strengths can lead to success in fields such as entrepreneurship, engineering, and the arts!
Seeking Support for Dyslexia?
At Anykind, we’re dedicated to helping children with dyslexia and other learning or social-emotional challenges reach their full potential. If you think your child could benefit from support, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Schedule an appointment with one of our psychologists today using this form or sending an email to info@anykind.org
Want to learn more?
This month we’re here not only to bust common myths, but also to share helpful tools and resources, recommend books, and highlight the strengths of dyslexia. Stay tuned for more posts! For more content make sure to follow our Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.
Resources:
The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity (www.dyslexia.yale.edu/)
Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dyslexia/)
NHS (www.nhs.uk/conditions/dyslexia/)
International Dyslexia Association (www.dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/)
Cleveland Clinic (www.my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6005-dyslexia)
