Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes it difficult to read due to problems recognizing and processing symbols in the brain. It is neurological in nature and appears to be inherited through particular genes controlling brain development. Around 15-17% of the population is estimated to have dyslexia. Characteristics include trouble with spelling, reversing letters and words, illegible handwriting, and erratic eye movements while reading. Dyslexia affects people differently and is not related to intelligence. Teachers can help dyslexic students through multisensory teaching methods, avoiding forced oral reading, allowing alternative assessments, and providing supportive environments.

1. Dyslexia
By John A Beck
SDCC
ED 300
Professor Lord
9/23/2012

2. What Is Dyslexia?

A learning disability. (Nielsen, 2002)

It is a neurological issue. (“What is dyslexia,”)

The brain has difficulty recognizing and
processing symbols. (“Developmental reading disorder, ”)

3. What Causes Dyslexia?

No consensus cause. (Nielsen, 2002)

Has been linked to particular genes that
control how the brain develops. (“Causes, ”)

Appears to be inherited. (“Causes, ”)

4. Prevalence

15%-17% of the population is dyslexic. (Nielsen,
2002)

80% of all people labeled “learning disabled”
are affected by Dyslexia. (Nielsen, 2002)

5. Characteristics of a Student With
Dyslexia

Trouble spelling. (Nielsen, 2002)

Reversal of words and letters. (Nielsen, 2002)

Illegible handwriting. (Nielsen, 2002)

Eyes make erratic movements while reading.
(Nielsen, 2002)

Trouble learning and remembering words via
sight. (Nielsen, 2002)

6. Dyslexia Is Unique

Not all cases of dyslexia are the same. It
affects people to varying levels and degrees.
(Marshall)

Some dyslexics can read but not write. (Heymans)

Some can write, but not read. (Heymans)

Varying levels of affect. (Marshall)

7. Dyslexia Is Unique

Some letters backwards or upside down. (Marshall)

Some cannot tell the difference between
similar looking letters. (Marshall)

Some might see letters jumbled. (Marshall)

Some see letters out of order. (Marshall)

Some might be able to see letters fine, but
may not be able to sound out words. (Marshall)

8. What It Can Look Like
(Heymans)

9. What It Can Look Like
(Heymans)

10. What It Can Look Like
(Heymans)

11. Dyslexia Can Affect Anyone

“A disorder manifested by difficulty in learning
to read despite conventional instruction,
adequate intelligence and sociocultural
opportunity.” (Nielsen, 2002)

Dyslexia is NOT related to intelligence level.
Dyslexia does not equal less intelligent. (“Dyslexia, ”)

12. What People With Dyslexia Look
Like

Dyslexia affects a wide range of people.
(“Famous people with, ”)

13. How Teachers Can Help

Use a multisensory approach. Employ
auditory and kinesthetic tactics. (Nielsen, 2002)

Never force a dyslexic to read aloud in class.
(Nielsen, 2002)

Allow dyslexic students to demonstrate their
knowledge through alternative assessments.
(Nielsen, 2002)

14. How Teachers Can Help

Provide handouts of notes so students can
focus on listening to lectures and not writing
the lecture down. (Schachter)

Allow students to record lectures so they can
transcribe later on. (Schachter)

Be supportive, positive, and helpful. (Heymans)

15. References
Causes. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dyslexia/DS00224/DSECTION=causes
Developmental reading disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002379/
Dyslexia. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.visionandlearning.org/dyslexia08.html
Famous people with the gift of dyslexia. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.dyslexia.com/famous.htm
Heymans, Y. (n.d.). Dyslexia. Retrieved from http://www.etni.org.il/etninews/inter2d.htm
Marshall, A. (n.d.). Understanding and recognizing dyslexia. Retrieved from
http://www.dyslexia.com/library/information.htm

16. References
Nielsen, L. (2002). Brief reference of student disabilities with strategies for the classroom. (pp.
67-73). Thousand Oaks, California.: Corwin Press.
Schachter, R. (n.d.). Dyslexia: What teachers need to know. Retrieved from
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/dyslexia-what-teachers-need-know
What is dyslexia. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.dyslexia.org/dyslexia.shtml