Join Literacy Mom for Dyslexia Awareness Month as we discuss dyslexia myths, tips, advocacy, and more.

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Dyslexia Statistics

  • Up to 20% of the population of the United States is dyslexic.

  • Dyslexia accounts for up to 90% of all learning disabilities.

  • Nearly 40% of self-made millionaires are dyslexic.

Signs & Symptoms

Preschool Years:

  • Difficulty learning common nursery rhymes.
  • Difficulty learning and remembering names of the letters of the alphabet.
  • Doesn't recognize rhyming patterns.

Kindergarten & Beyond:

  • Cannot sound out simple words.
  • Does not associate letters with sounds such as c with /c/.
  • Shows anxiety or fear when it's their turn to read.
  • Rarely reads for pleasure.

Advocating for Your Child

  • Educating yourself about dyslexia. Some recommended resources include:The International Dyslexia AssociationSold a Story PodcastReading the book "Overcoming Dyslexia" by Sally Shaywitz
  • Know your child's rights. Read and understand how the US Department of Education and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) applies to your child.
  • Understand the IEP process and keep records:Keep a binder will all IEP documentation.Hire an advocate to go with you to meetings if you feel intimidated or emotional.
  • Ask for solutions and clarification on anything you may not understand.

Common Dyslexia Myths

Reading and writing letters backwards is the main sign of dyslexia.

Dyslexia won't show up until middle school.

Dyslexia goes away when kids learn to read.

Dyslexia is a vision problem.

Dyslexia is caused by not reading enough at home.

Kids with dyslexia just need to try harder.

References

Dyslexia assessment: What is it and how can it help?. International Dyslexia Association. (2020, March 10). https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-assessment-what-is-it-and-how-can-it-help/

https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/

LD Online (n.d.). Are Dyslexia and Wealth Linked? Study Finds Individuals with Dyslexia More Likely to Be Millionaires. LD Online. https://www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/self-esteem-stress-management/are-dyslexia-and-wealth-linked-study-finds-individuals

Morin, A. (n.d.). 7 common myths about dyslexia. Understood.org. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/common-myths-about-dyslexia-reading-issues

Orton Gillingham Online Academy (n.d.). The Dyslexia Warrior Parent 10 Ways to Advocate for Your Child. https://ortongillinghamonlinetutor.com/the-dyslexia-warrior-parent-10-ways-to-advocate-for-your-child/

Shaywitz, S. (n.d.). Signs of Dyslexia. Yale. https://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/signs-of-dyslexia/

University of Michigan (n.d.). His fear of public speaking due to dyslexia did not prevent him from achieving success as an actor. https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/orlando-bloom