✦ DYSLEXIA BASICS ✦

What is Dyslexia?

“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction" (IDA, 2022)

Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with language skills such as reading, spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. Dyslexia can make learning difficult in the typical academic environment, but with the proper accommodations students can succeed and thrive. Dyslexia is not related to intelligence, it is simply a learning difference that is estimated to affect between 15 to 20 percent of the population.

UNDERSTANDING DYSLEXIA: CHALLENGES & TRIUMPHS

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LEARNING TO SPEAK OR PRONOUNCE WORDS CORRECTLY

LEARNING LETTERS AND THEIR SOUNDS

READING WORDS

READING SPEED & COMPREHENSION

RHYMING

IDENTIFYING AND MANIPULATING THE SOUNDS IN A WORD

SPELLING

MEMORIZING NUMBERS & MATH FACTS

MATH FLUENCY, READING SIGNS AND FOLLOWING MULTIPLE STEPS

FOLLOWING MULTI-STEP DIRECTIONS

DIFFICULTIES OF DYSLEXIA

Not all students who have difficulties with these skills have dyslexia. We recommend going to a professional for a diagnosis.

OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES OF DYSLEXIA

Dyslexia is a learning disability that can be overcome by identification, intervention, support, anad eventually success.

“I didn’t succeed despite my dyslexia, but because of it. It wasn’t my deficit, but my advantage... I would never wish to be any other way than my awesome self."

Scott Sonnon, Martial Arts World Champion and Author

IDENTIFICATION

Research underscores the critical importance of early identification and intervention. The ability to read proficiently by third grade is a key predictor of academic success and high school graduation, as highlighted by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Early intervention is vital as struggling readers tend to fall progressively behind their peers throughout elementary school.

Remarkably, indicators of dyslexia can be identified even before a child learns to read. Gaab (2017) notes that deficits in phonological awareness, rapid automatized naming, verbal working memory, and letter knowledge can be robust precursors of dyslexia in children as young as three years old.

In New Mexico, every first grader must be screened for dyslexia by law. While a screening does not diagnosis dyslexia, it is often an important first step in identifying that your child might be processing language differently.

If you suspect that your child has dyslexia, don't wait! Seek out a full evaluation. Early identification is linked to better outcomes.

INTERVENTION

It’s important to differentiate between screening and evaluation for dyslexia. A screener is used only as an indicator that a student may be at risk. If literacy challenges persist, a formal clinical evaluation is necessary for a dyslexia diagnosis. These comprehensive evaluations are typically conducted by school psychologists, neuro-psychologists, or educational diagnosticians.

Understanding these distinctions and acting early can significantly alter the learning trajectory for a child with dyslexia, setting them on a path to success and confidence in their academic journey.

After diagnosis, effective intervention is essential to build foundational skills necessary for reading and writing. Intervention programs in alignment with the IDA knowledge and practice standards and delivered by a highly qualified dyslexia specialist lead to the most successful outcomes.

SUPPORT

Our focus is on embracing neurodiversity, celebrating dyslexic strengths and providing the tools and strategies necessary for support. From providing educator scholarships for advanced training in specialized teaching methods to providing student scholarships for students with dyslexia pursuing higher education, we strive to create a more inclusive, understanding community.

SWIDA's overarching goal is to empower individuals with dyslexia to realize their full potential, fostering skills and confidence that extend beyond the classroom.

SUCCESS

Success for individuals with dyslexia transcends traditional academic achievements, encompassing a broad spectrum of personal victories and developmental strides. For some, success can be seen in the mastery of foundational reading skills, the improvement of writing skills, or the ability to understand and advocate for their needs in an academic or professional setting.

Success also means developing resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges, and discovering one's own strengths and talents. Equally important is the development of a positive self-concept, where students with dyslexia recognize their potential and value beyond academic performance.

Improve Your Knowledge

FURTHER RESOURCES

Below you will find some of favorite external resources for learning about dyslexia.

We’d love to hear from you

Whether you're eager to discover more about our endeavors in supporting the dyslexia community or interested in collaborating with us we're here and ready to connect. We welcome your inquiries and look forward to engaging with you.

Location

PO Box 14190 Albuquerque, NM 87191

Phone

1-505-255-8234

Email

swida@southwestida.org