What is Dyslexia?

The formal definition of dyslexia according to the International Dyslexia Association is:
  •     Dyslexia is a neurologically-based, often familial, disorder which interferes with the acquisition and processing of language. Varying in degrees of severity, it is manifested by difficulties in receptive and expressive language, including phonological processing, in reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, and sometimes in arithmetic.
  •     Dyslexia is not the result of lack of motivation, sensory impairment, inadequate instructional or environmental opportunities, or other limiting conditions, but may occur together with these conditions.
  •     Although dyslexia is lifelong, individuals with dyslexia frequently respond successfully to timely and appropriate intervention.

Simple Definition:

Dyslexia is an inherited condition that makes it extremely difficult to read, write and spell in your native language---despite at least average intelligence.

Facts about Dyslexia:

  • Dyslexia is a language-processing disorder that also impacts directionality and the ability to memorize random facts.  Dyslexia is inherited.  Warning signs of dyslexia start to appear as early as age 1.  A child can be accurately tested for dyslexia as early as age 5. 

  • Dyslexia is NOT rare.  It affects 20% of our population, which is 1 out of 5.  Some have it mildly.  Others have it severely.  It is the most common reason a child will struggle with spelling, writing, and eventually with reading.

  • Children with dyslexia CAN read.  But they have to use different strategies.  Those strategies will fail them by third to fourth grade, if not sooner. 

  • The reading, spelling and writing failure caused by dyslexia is preventable -- and fixable -- by teaching them using an Orton-Gillingham-based system.
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Alice Barbour
Missouri Certified Reading Specialist
Barton Reading & Spelling System
1720 Whispering Oaks Pl
Poplar Bluff, MO  63901
573-778-5151
alicebarbour77@gmail.com