Common Misconceptions About Dyslexia

Dyslexia is not an uncommon disorder and is estimated to affect up to 20 percent of the population. This learning disability does not discriminate and can affect people of any race, age or gender. School can be difficult for children with dyslexia and can often make them feel as if they are not as smart as friends and classmates. It is important to have your child tested for dyslexia and other learning disabilities if you suspect they may be a factor. With the correct support dyslexic students can not only keep up with their peers but excel.

Low Intelligence

• Many people believe those with dyslexia have below normal intelligence levels. This misconception is incorrect and is quickly disproven when we realize both Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison were dyslexic.

Classification

• Contrary to popular belief, dyslexia is not a behavioral, motivational or psychological problem, Dyslexia is simply a learning disability in which the brain processes things differently than another brain might.

Seeing Backwards

• It is very commonly held that dyslexics see letters and words backwards, but this is not always the case. Some dyslexics do sometimes flip letters, but many dyslexics never have this symptom.

Reading Disorder

• Dyslexia is not actually a reading disorder, as many people believe, but a language disorder. Reading, writing spelling, pronunciation and even math skills can all be affected by dyslexia.

Just a Phase

• Many people wrongly believe children can grow out of dyslexia. Those affected by dyslexia can learn to overcome their symptoms, but dyslexia is a lifelong condition.