What is Dyslexia?
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Dyslexia is a specific learning disability characterized by a persistent difficulty with reading and spelling.
Neurobiological Differences
Neurobiological Differences
People with dyslexia have specific difficulties in learning language due to neurobiological differences (i.e. how language is processed in the brain).
Normal or Higher Intelligence
Normal or Higher Intelligence
Despite having normal or above normal cognitive abilities, and receiving instruction that is sufficient for their peers, people with dyslexia continue to struggle with word reading and/or spelling.
Secondary Challenges
Secondary Challenges
Secondary challenges with expressing thought and reading comprehension can lead to broader academic and life challenges, which may also impact psychological well-being.
Power of Early Intervention
Power of Early Intervention
While dyslexia is a biological difference that cannot be cured, early intervention (before age 10) when the brain's plasticity is greatest, is most effective in closing the learning gap; however, progress can be made at any age.
Examples of Common Error Patterns in Dyslexia
Examples of Common Error Patterns in Dyslexia
Transpositions - switching order of letters in a word (e.g. "saw" for "was")
Substitutions - swapping words with a similar meaning (e.g. "home" for "house")
Mispronunciations - saying a word incorrectly, often by dropping or swapping sounds (e.g. "liberry" for "library")
Reversals - flipping letters horizontally (e.g. "b" to "d")
IDA Dyslexia Handbook 5-28-19.pdfIDA Dyslexia Handbook: What Every Family Should Know
IDA Dyslexia Handbook: What Every Family Should Know
This handbook published by the IDA in 2019 contains useful information about:
Definition of dyslexia
Note: The 2022 definition of dyslexia included in this handbook is outdated; the IDA adopted a new definition in October 2025.
Characteristics of dyslexia
Appropriate assessment tools
Evidence-based interventions
Suggestions for managing a dyslexic student's education
The different brain wiring behind dyslexia's reading and spelling challenges can also fuel big-picture thinking and creative problem-solving.
Check out IDA's success stories here!
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