Myths of dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning disability that refers to different symptoms which result in people having difficulties with language skills. This condition causes people to experience problems with speech, spelling, writing, and, most notably, reading difficulties.

The signs of dyslexia are varied and far-reaching but can include below-average reading comprehension, difficulty learning letters and their sounds, and spelling issues. It’s all too common for people to believe that those who are dyslexic see and read letters backward and that is what defines dyslexia, but there’s more to it than that.

Unfortunately, this is only one of the myths about dyslexia. This article will discuss some of the most prominent misconceptions about this condition.

The dyslexia myths you need to ignore

Just like with other learning disabilities, there are many myths about dyslexia. This condition can be managed and many who suffer from it have become quite successful despite their impairment. Dyslexic children are usually avid learners and can receive special education to help overcome their reading difficulties. Unfortunately, many dyslexia myths still remain.

The most common myths of dyslexia are as follows:

Myth #1 – Smart people never have dyslexia

There is no connection between intelligence and dyslexia. In fact, contrary to popular belief, there are scores of individuals who are dyslexic yet have moved forward and have highly successful careers. Richard Bronson, entrepreneur and founder of Virgin Group, struggled with dyslexia at a young age. Others include actress/entertainer Cher, journalist Anderson Cooper, and comedian Robin Williams. Nobel Prize-winning physicist Albert Einstein was also dyslexic.

Myth #2 – Dyslexic people read and write backward

People with dyslexia read the same way that those without the condition do. It’s not a vision problem, although those with the condition may mix up or reverse letters occasionally. It is not uncommon for children without documented dyslexia in the second grade to mix up or reverse letters, too.

Myth #3 – You can’t read if you have dyslexia

This common misconception is entirely untrue. Those with dyslexia typically have reading difficulties and their reading skills at a young age can be below average, but this in no way means that they can’t read. Many dyslexics go on to become proficient readers despite at one time having subpar reading skills.

Myth #4 – Dyslexia is rare

This is untrue. Some research suggests that 5 to 10% of the U.S. population has some form of dyslexia, from mild to severe. Dyslexia is the most common cause of reading difficulties in elementary school-aged children. Many struggling readers have undiagnosed dyslexia.

Myth #5 – People with dyslexia need to try harder

Dyslexic students with reading difficulties won’t overcome their learning disabilities by trying harder. This condition has nothing to do with laziness. Unfortunately, many educators see this as a reality among dyslexic children. When they are told they need to try harder, they are at risk of developing low self-esteem. What they require are different types of reading instruction because of the learning differences they face. Since their brain functions differently than others, they need to be taught differently.

Myth #6 – You can’t diagnose dyslexia

Although diagnosis can be difficult, it’s a misconception that dyslexia can’t be diagnosed. Proper diagnosis can be accomplished by those educated in phonological processing. Diagnosis is usually obtained after some of the many symptoms of dyslexia are identified. Because dyslexia is a learning disability, diagnosis can be difficult but isn’t impossible.

Use Speechify text to speech as a reading aid for dyslexic people

Speechify is a text to speech tool that can help dyslexic children, high school students, and adults. Text to speech technology can help those with dyslexia to improve word recognition. This happens when reading something while simultaneously listening to it being read to you. The text to speech technology that Speechify provides can help children and adults with reading difficulties.

It works with iOS, Android, Mac, and has a Google Chrome extension. A fun part of using Speechify is the ability to change the narrator’s voice, sometimes even being able to switch it to a celebrity’s voice.

Give Speechify a try today.

FAQ

What is the dyslexia paradox?

The dyslexia paradox is the time between when dyslexia is first diagnosed and when learning disabilities are first addressed. Research suggests that the optimal time to begin is by the second grade.

Do dyslexic people have higher IQs?

Some research suggested that most with dyslexia have average to above-average IQ levels. Dyslexia isn’t a sign of increased or reduced intelligence or vice versa.

What are the upsides of dyslexia?

Many dyslexic people have an uncanny ability to think outside of the box and tend to be very good at critical thinking.

What are the different types of dyslexia?

The most common types of dyslexia are double deficit dyslexia, rapid naming deficit, phonological dyslexia, and surface dyslexia.

How is dyslexia diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically includes an assessment of reading ability, writing ability, and a test to judge how quickly they can process audio and visual information. Tests to check phonemic awareness have also proven to be beneficial for diagnosis.

Do dyslexic people have better memories?

Researchers have discovered that some dyslexics have unusually strong long-term memory skills despite having low reading comprehension and other learning disabilities.

What is the difference between dyslexia and dyscalculia?

Dyslexia impairs reading fluency and comprehension. Dyscalculia causes sufferers to have difficulty understanding mathematical concepts. Both are learning disabilities. Dyscalculia is more common in children with ADHD.

What is the Theory of Mind?

The Theory of Mind investigates how people see the mental states of others and use that information to predict how they will respond to situations. There have been some research studies revolving around the cognitive thought of the Theory of Mind and how dyslexic adults process information.

What is the correlation between dyslexia and intelligence?

The International Dyslexia Association has made it clear that there is no direct correlation between dyslexia and intelligence. However, some studies have suggested that dyslexic persons have stronger memory skills and are capable of advanced thinking. Most with dyslexia are of average or even above-average intelligence.