What Is Dyslexia?

The International Dyslexia Association defines dyslexia as a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehensions and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge. 

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As many as 15-20% of the population exhibit symptoms of dyslexia which vary in scope and severity. Dyslexia generally runs in families and occurs in people of all ethnicities. Although it is not due to a lack of intelligence nor laziness, dyslexic students may get discouraged in school and suffer poor self-esteem without early intervention.