Dyslexia impacts a person’s ability to read, write and spell. It occurs on a continuum from mild, moderate, severe to profound. Dyslexia is not related to intelligence. In fact, it is usually unexpected in relation to a person’s abilities in other areas. The symptoms and severity of dyslexia may change during the lifespan of an individual.
Defining Dyslexia
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“Dyslexia is 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. The causes of dyslexia are complex and involve combinations of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental influences that interact throughout development. Underlying difficulties with phonological and morphological processing are common but not universal, and early oral language weaknesses often foreshadow literacy challenges. Secondary consequences include reading comprehension problems and reduced reading and writing experience that can impede growth in language, knowledge, written expression, and overall academic achievement. Psychological well-being and employment opportunities also may be affected. Although identification and targeted instruction are important at any age, language and literacy support before and during the early years of education is particularly effective.”
~International Dyslexia Association, 2025
