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“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography. These difficulties occur along a continuum of severity and persist even with instruction that is effective for the individual’s peers. The causes of dyslexia are complex and involve combinations of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental influences that interact throughout development. Underlying difficulties with phonological and morphological processing are common but not universal, and early oral language weaknesses often foreshadow literacy challenges. Secondary consequences include reading comprehension problems and reduced reading and writing experience that can impede growth in language, knowledge, written expression, and overall academic achievement. Psychological well-being and employment opportunities also may be affected. Although identification and targeted instruction are important at any age, language and literacy support before and during the early years of education is particularly effective.” (IDA, 2025 https://dyslexiaida.org/2025-dyslexia-definition-project/)
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is an unexpected difficulty learning to read despite intelligence, motivation and education.
What are the strengths and difficulties experienced by students with Dyslexia?
Strengths |
Difficulties or Red Flags |
| Average to above average intelligence | Learning to speak |
| Creative and strong verbal skills | Learning letters and their sounds (blending and segmenting) |
| Logical thinker | Organizing written and spoken language |
| Can easily grasp new concepts when presented orally | Memorizing number facts |
| Excellent oral comprehension | Reading quickly enough to comprehend |
| Artistic or musical | Reading with fluency and automaticity |
| Solves puzzles and work in 3D | Persisting with and comprehending longer reading assignments |
| Technological | Spelling |
| Athletic | Learning a foreign language |
| Inclination to think outside of the box | Correctly solving math operations |
| Understands abstract ideas |
Not all students who have difficulties with these skills have Dyslexia. Formal testing of reading, language, and writing skills is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of suspected Dyslexia.
What type of reading instruction best serves students with Dyslexia?
As students with Dyslexia have difficulty with phonological processing and word recognition effective reading instruction must include explicit, systematic, cumulative and multi-sensory instruction in:
- Phonology
- Sound/Symbol Association
- Syllable Instruction
- Morphology
- Semantics
- Syntax
- Students must also have instruction in vocabulary and comprehension.
For more information: International Dyslexia Organization – Effective Reading Instruction
What are some classroom accommodations and supports that can be provided to students with Dyslexia?
Reading:
- Allow student to read independently; Avoid asking students to read aloud in front of others
- Read aloud and provide visual supports
- Provide Alternative reading materials
- Reduce the amount of required reading assignments using grade level material and/or provide audio supports
- Provide extended time for assignments
- Use Audiobooks
- Use Electronic texts (E-books)
- Allow and use text to speech software
- Provide Access to the APS Library Digital Collections
- Provide Access to the Arlington County Public Library Digital Collections:
- Provide Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM VA) **Talk to your Special Education Coordinator at your school to learn more about AIM VA.
Writing:
- Provide copies of notes and materials to reduce the need to copy from the board
- Avoid marking students down for spelling errors
- Allow the use of speech to text software
- Provide note-taking assistance and partial outlines
- Provide graphic organizers or other structural aids for written assignments
- Provide Extended time
Where can I find additional information about Dyslexia?
- Virginia Department of Education Dyslexia Information and Resources
- Ted Talk: What is Dyslexia?
- International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
- Dyslexia in the Classroom: What Every Teacher Needs to Know
- AIM-VA (Accessible Instructional Materials)
- All Kinds of Minds: Understanding Differences in Learning
- Council for Learning Disabilities (CLD)
- Learning Ally
- Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)
- LD Online – The Educators Guide to Learning Disabilities and ADHD
- Understood.org: What is Dyslexia
- University of Michigan Dyslexia Help
- The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity
- APS Student Dyslexia Panel