What is Dyslexia?

Far from being just a learning challenge, dyslexia is often linked to unique mental strengths and innate talents. Many individuals with dyslexia excel at thinking in vivid pictures and 3D imagery rather than traditional words. They frequently possess high intelligence, rich imaginations, and a natural gift for creativity. Instead of getting bogged down in step-by-step details, they are intuitive, big-picture problem solvers who can connect complex concepts in innovative ways—a powerful thinking style that offers incredible advantages in the modern world.

Characteristics of Dyslexia

Please note that this is a comprehensive list. Students will not have all of the characteristics.

Generalized Characteristics

• Be bright and articulate but struggle with reading, writing, or spelling.
• Be misunderstood as lazy, careless, or not trying hard enough.
• Struggle academically despite average or above-average intelligence.
• Do better answering questions orally than on written tests.
• Become frustrated or discouraged by schoolwork.
• Have low self-esteem because of academic struggles.
• Find creative ways to work around areas of difficulty.
• Show strengths in art, music, sports, storytelling, design, or building.
• Daydream, “zone out,” or lose track of time.
• Have difficulty staying focused or paying attention.
• Learn best through hands-on activities and visual instruction.
• Struggle in school without qualifying for additional support.

Reading and Spelling Characteristics

• Read and reread without fully understanding.
• Spell words phonetically or inconsistently.
• Experience headaches, dizziness, or stomach aches while reading.
• Confuse letters, numbers, words, or sequences.
• Reverse, add, omit, or substitute letters and words.
• Feel like words or letters are moving on the page.
• Have difficulty copying from a book, board, or paper.
• Struggle with vision even when eye exams are normal.
• Have difficulty with depth perception or peripheral vision.
• Become confused by written or verbal directions.

Motor Skills Characteristics

• Struggle with sports or activities that require coordination.
• Confuse left and right or other directions.
• Have messy or inconsistent handwriting.
• Seem clumsy or uncoordinated.
• Experience motion sickness easily.
• Have difficulty with fine or gross motor skills.
• Have trouble writing, copying, or holding a pencil properly.
• Sometimes favor both hands rather than one.

Speech and Hearing Characteristics

• Have difficulty putting thoughts into words.
• Be easily distracted by sounds.
• Mispronounce longer or unfamiliar words.
• Mix up words, phrases, or syllables when speaking.
• Pause often or leave sentences unfinished.
• Stutter or have more difficulty speaking when stressed.
• Notice sounds that others may not hear or notice.

Math Characteristics

• Struggle with word problems or advanced math.
• Have difficulty telling time or being on time.
• Rely on fingers or other strategies to solve math problems.
• Have trouble counting objects or handling money.
• Know the answer but struggle to show the work on paper.
• Have difficulty following steps in the correct order.
• Struggle with managing time.
• Have difficulty with algebra or higher-level math.

Behavior and Development Characteristics

• Be highly sensitive, perfectionistic, or fairness-minded.
• Make more mistakes when stressed or rushed.
• Be very organized or disorganized.
• Have early or delayed developmental milestones.
• Be very quiet, overly active, or disruptive.
• Be unusually sensitive or insensitive to pain.
• Have sleep difficulties or prolonged bedwetting.
• Be sensitive to foods, additives, or chemicals.
• Have frequent ear infections.