What Is Dyslexia?

The International Dyslexia Association defines dyslexia as a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography. These difficulties occur along a continuum of severity and persist even with instruction that is effective for the individual’s peers.

As many as 15-20% of the population exhibit symptoms of dyslexia. 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.