Dyslexia Awareness Month

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month.

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning disability in reading. It is unexpected compared to the child’s intelligence level.

What are some signs of dyslexia?

A myth about dyslexia is that it means a child is reversing their numbers or letters. However, there are other more relevant signs related to dyslexia. Some of these signs can be seen even as early as preschool. For instance, children may have difficulty sounding out words that are unfamiliar to them, their reading may be slow or choppy, they may avoid reading for pleasure, and they may have poor spelling.

A more thorough list of signs related to dyslexia at every age can be found through the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity.

What is Dyslexia? - Yale Dyslexia

Interventions and Accommodation can help children with dyslexia improve their reading and demonstrate their true abilities.

Arizona recently passed an amendment to a statute directing schools to indicate whether a student has been diagnosed with dyslexia when they receive special education services for a Specific Learning Disability. (See HB 2170)

If you are concerned that your child may have dyslexia and you live in Arizona, reach out for a free consultation. In addition to my therapy services, I provide private evaluations that include assessment for learning disabilities (including dyslexia).

Additional resource: Home - Smart But Scattered Kids

**This blog includes links to websites for information and reference purposes only.

**References: Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. & Jonathan Shaywitz, M.D. (2020)