What is Dyslexia? |
Definition Accepted by the General Membership of the International Dyslexia Association: Dyslexia is a neurologically-based, often familial, disorder which interferes with the acquisition and processing of language. Varying in degrees of severity, it is manifested by difficulties in receptive and expressive language, including phonological processing in reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, and sometimes in arithmetic. Dyslexia is not the result of lack of motivation, sensory impairment, inadequate instructional or environmental opportunities, or other limiting conditions, but may occur together with these conditions. Although dyslexia is life-long, individuals with dyslexia frequently respond successfully to timely and appropriate intervention.
Definition adopted by the National Institutes of Health and the Research Committee of the International Dyslexia Association:
Dyslexia is one of several distinct learning disabilities. It is a specific language-based disorder of constitutional origin characterized by difficulties in single word decoding, usually reflecting insufficient phonological processing abilities. These difficulties in single word decoding are often unexpected in relation to age and other cognitive and academic abilities; they are not the result of generalized developmental disability or sensory impairment. Dyslexia is manifested by variable difficulty with different forms of language, often including, in addition to problems reading, a conspicuous problem acquiring proficiency in writing and spelling.
Typical characteristics of readers with dyslexia:
*The term dyslexia encompasses a wide span of reading behaviors, ranging from very subtle to very significant.
*These reading difficulties can be addressed and remediated through systematic, multi-sensory, explicit instruction in reading and decoding. |