Facts on Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is a problem with language processing. It is the most common learning disability in the United States, but it occurs worldwide in all languages and cultures. It affects approximately 20% (1 in 5) of people. It affects boys and girls equally and accounts for 80-90% of all learning disabilities in our country. It affects people of all intelligence levels, even those who are intellectually gifted. Dyslexia can be mild, moderate, or severe. Dyslexia is genetic, meaning it runs in families. If a child has a parent with dyslexia, that child has an approximate 50% chance of being dyslexic.

Signs of Dyslexia

Dyslexia can look different in individuals. Typically, it not just one symptom, but a combination of symptoms that can be identified. Even well trained teachers can miss the signs.

*This is not a comprehensive list.

Difficulty identifying letters, numbers, colors

Difficulty remembering the sequence of things

Difficulty

learning

letter sounds

Difficulty with

math facts, telling time, multi-step problems

Confusing similar looking words

Difficulty with

organization

Difficulty following

multi-step directions

Reading well below

grade level

Poor spelling

Difficulty with punctuation and grammar

Difficulty organizing written work

Difficulty finding the right word (word retrieval)

Difficulty remembering names and phone numbers

Difficulty learning a foreign language

Mispronouncing complex words

Avoidance of reading aloud

The Details

Dyslexia is a brain-based disorder that affects decoding, reading fluently and accurately, spelling and comprehension. It is not a problem with vision. It affects phonological awareness which is the stepping stone of reading.

Decoding in reading is the crucial skill of translating written words into spoken language by applying knowledge of letter-sound relationships (phonics) to sound out and blend letters and letter patterns into recognizable words.

Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in the spoken language. Phonemic awareness is the ability to identify individual sounds in a word and is the cornerstone of phonological awareness.

Language-based Dyslexic Profiles

Phonological Dyslexia (Dysphonetic) causes difficulty decoding and sounding out words.
Surface Dyslexia (Dyseidetic) causes difficulty recognizing whole words by sight.
Rapid Naming Dyslexia causes difficulty with quickly and automatically retrieving and naming familiar visual stimuli like letters, numbers, colors, or objects.
Double-deficit Dyslexia causes the most severe form, combining phonological and rapid naming types.

Image: Soar with Dyslexia

Co-occuring Conditions

Quote: Bill Hansberry 2025

Image: Dyslexia Training Institute

Dyslexia frequently co-occurs with other neurodevelopmental disorders. It also co-occurs with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Roughly 60% of individuals with dyslexia meet criteria for at least one other disorder.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Issues with attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity and executive function. It is the most frequent comorbidity, affecting 25-40% of those with dyslexia. ADHD also can affect processing speed and working memory.
Dyscalculia: Difficulty with math and numbers.
Dysgraphia: Problems with writing, spelling, and fine motor skills.
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder): Challenges with motor skills and coordination, like handwriting or tying shoes.
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD): Issues with understanding or using language.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): condition influencing how individuals learn, communicate, and interact, with symptoms appearing early in life and impacting daily functioning.

Impacts on Life

Dyslexia impacts many areas of life beyond reading. It affects social-emotional health, often causing low self-esteem, anxiety, and low frustration tolerance. It impacts executive functions, such as organization, time management, working memory, and focus. Dyslexia often affects math skills, making memorizing math facts difficult, as well as solving word problems challenging. These can lead to struggles in school, relationships, and even with self-perception.

Check out licensed counselor and dyslexia coach @drjacobsanthouse on Instagram or Facebook for his short videos explaining the effects on everyday life