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Frequently Asked Questions

What is dyslexia?

Albert Einstein is one of the most well known individuals with Dyslexia


The following definition of dyslexia was adopted by the IDA Board of Directors on November 12th, 2002. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) also uses this definition.


How do I know if a person is dyslexic?

If a person exhibits several of the characteristics listed in “Common Signs of Dyslexia” and the difficulties are unexpected for the person’s age, educational level or cognitive abilities, the person should be tested by an educational diagnostician or a team of trained professionals. It is important to note that “Common Signs” are only indicators, not proof of dyslexia. Testing by a qualified examiner is the only way to verify that an individual has dyslexic.

Are there other learning disabilities besides dyslexia?

Dyslexia is one type of learning disability. Others include:

  • Dysgraphia – a neurological-based writing disability in which a person finds that it is hard to form letters or write within a defined space.

No, they are behavioral disorders. An individual can have more than one learning or behavioral disorder. In various studies, as many as 50% of those diagnosed with a learning or reading disability have also been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. Although disabilities may co-occur, one is not the cause of the other.

How common are language-based learning disabilities?


Can individuals who are dyslexic learn to read?

Yes, if children with dyslexia receive effective reading instruction in Kindergarten and 1st grade, they will have significantly fewer problems learning to read at grade level than do children who are not identified or helped until 3rd grade. 74% of the children who are poor readers in 3rd grade remain poor readers in the 9th grade. Often they continue to struggle with reading as adults.

It is never too late for individuals with dyslexia to learn to read, process and express information more efficiently. Research shows that programs utilizing multisensory structured language techniques can help children and adults learn to read.

How do people get dyslexia?


Is there a cure for dyslexia?


With proper diagnosis, appropriate instruction, hard work and support from family, teachers, friends, and others, individuals with dyslexia can succeed in school, and later as working adults.

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