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Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, affecting 15-20% of the population. Early identification and intervention are key to helping children develop strong reading skills and academic confidence.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that primarily affects reading and language processing. It is:

  • Neurological in origin (brain-based)
  • Often hereditary (runs in families)
  • Not related to intelligence (many gifted individuals have dyslexia)
  • A lifelong condition that can be effectively managed

Signs of Dyslexia by Age

Preschool & Kindergarten (Ages 3-5)

  • Difficulty learning nursery rhymes or recognizing rhyming patterns
  • Trouble learning letter names and sounds
  • Difficulty recognizing letters in their own name
  • Family history of reading difficulties

Elementary School (Ages 6-10)

  • Slow progress in learning to read
  • Difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words
  • Avoidance of reading activities
  • Spelling errors and letter reversals beyond age 7
  • Difficulty with reading comprehension

Middle & High School (Ages 11+)

  • Very slow reading speed
  • Poor spelling despite intervention
  • Avoidance of reading-heavy subjects
  • Strong verbal skills but weak written expression
  • Extreme fatigue after reading

Our Dyslexia Evaluation

A comprehensive dyslexia assessment includes:

  • Cognitive ability testing (IQ)
  • Reading fluency and accuracy measures
  • Phonological awareness assessment
  • Rapid naming tests
  • Reading comprehension evaluation
  • Written expression analysis
  • Spelling and orthographic processing

Evidence-Based Interventions

After diagnosis, we recommend:

  • Structured Literacy Programs: Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading System, Barton Reading
  • School Accommodations: Extended time, audio books, reduced reading load
  • Assistive Technology: Text-to-speech, speech-to-text, audiobook services
  • Tutoring: One-on-one instruction from trained specialists

School Supports & Legal Rights

Students with dyslexia qualify for:

  • 504 Plans: Accommodations like extended time, preferential seating, reduced homework
  • IEPs: Specialized instruction and goals for severe cases
  • College Accommodations: SAT/ACT extended time, accommodations in higher education

Strengths of Dyslexic Learners

Research shows individuals with dyslexia often excel in:

  • Creative problem-solving
  • Visual-spatial reasoning
  • Artistic and design abilities
  • Entrepreneurship and innovation
  • Verbal communication and storytelling

Schedule a dyslexia evaluation →