Dyslexia Services

“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.”

–Adopted by the IDA Board of Directors on October 22, 2025

The problems displayed by individuals with dyslexia involve difficulties in acquiring and using written language. It is a myth that individuals with dyslexia “read backwards,” although spelling can look quite jumbled at times because students have trouble remembering letter symbols for sounds and forming memories for words. Other problems experienced by people with dyslexia include the following:

• Learning to speak
• Learning letters and their sounds
• Organizing written and spoken language
• Memorizing number facts
• Reading quickly enough to comprehend
• Persisting with and comprehending longer reading assignments
• Spelling
• Learning a foreign language
• Correctly doing math operations

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.

Dyslexia addressed under Special Education (IDEA) or Section 504. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability under IDEA. A student may qualify for special education direct instruction services and support or receive accommodations only through a Section 504 plan.

Your child has the right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), necessary services or accommodations, and a timely and thorough evaluation if a disability is suspected.

How to Support Your Child at Home

• Read aloud together daily.
• Engage in phonological awareness activities, like rhyming games.
• Use multisensory techniques (e.g., trace letters in sand, use magnetic letters).
• Utilize assistive technology, like text-to-speech or audiobooks.
• Communicate regularly with teachers.

~ Dyslexia Handbook

~ Manual Sobre Dislexia

~ Dyslexia Fact Sheet (English and Spanish)

International Dyslexia Association

Learning Ally

Bookshare

Texas Talking Book Program