10/28/2025
Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, affecting millions of people worldwide, but it is also one of the most misunderstood. By dispelling these untruths, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive world where individuals with dyslexia can reach their full potential. 🌱
➕Fact: A comprehensive, multi-faceted evaluation is the standard for diagnosis, not a single test. A qualified professional synthesizes information from various assessments to determine if a person’s profile of strengths and weaknesses is consistent with dyslexia.
➕Fact: Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability, not a vision problem, and is rooted in how the brain processes language, not how the eyes see. While people with dyslexia may struggle with tasks like reading letters in the correct order, this is due to a neurological issue with phonological processing—connecting sounds to letters—not because they see letters in a mirrored or jumbled way.
➕Fact: The real difficulty is with sounds, not sight. People with dyslexia have trouble with phonological processing, the ability to recognize and manipulate the basic sounds of language, known as phonemes. Letter reversals are a symptom, not the cause. Reversing letters is normal for many young children learning to read and write. For those with dyslexia, persistent reversals stem from challenges with language processing, not from seeing things backward. It is the brain mixing up the sequence of sounds and letters, not the eyes providing a mirrored image.
➕Fact: There are many reasons a person might have reading difficulties. Dyslexia is just one possible cause, and a proper assessment is needed to determine the specific issue.
➕Fact: Dyslexia is a neurobiological condition, and a person’s struggles are not due to a lack of effort. In fact, people with dyslexia often work much harder than their peers to accomplish reading and writing tasks, which can be exhausting and negatively impact their self-esteem.