Dyslexia

Unlocking Potential:
Strategies and Tools for Learners with Dyslexia.

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects reading, spelling, and writing skills. It is not linked to intelligence but impacts how the brain processes written language. With the right strategies and support, individuals with dyslexia can thrive academically and beyond.

Recognizing dyslexia: warning signs

Dyslexia can manifest differently depending on the individual’s age and developmental stage. Common warning signs include:

Preschool

delayed speech
chronic ear infections
stuttering
constant confusion of left versus right
late to establish a dominant hand
difficulty learning to tie shoes
trouble memorizing their address, phone number, or the alphabet
can’t create words that rhyme
a close relative with dyslexia

High School

All of the symptoms above & to

the right plus:

limited vocabulary
extremely poor written expression
large discrepancy between verbal skills and written composition
unable to master foreign language
difficulty reading printed music
poor grades in many classes
may drop out of high school

In Adults

Educational history similar to above, plus:

slow reader
may have to read a page two or three times to understand it
terrible speller
difficulty putting thoughts onto paper
- dreads writing memos or letters
still has difficulty with right versus left
often gets lost, even in a familiar city
sometimes confuses “b” and “d,” especially when tired or sick

Elementary School

dysgraphia (slow, non-automatic handwriting that is difficult to read)
letter or number reversals continuing past the end of first grade
extreme difficulty learning cursive
slow, choppy, inaccurate reading
guesses based on shape or context
skips or misreads prepositions (at, to, of, etc)
ignores suffixes
can’t sound out unknown words
terrible spelling
inability to memorize or retain spelling words
often can’t remember sight words (they, were, does) or homonyms (their, there, they’re)
difficulty telling time on a clock with hands
trouble with math
memorizing multiplication tables
memorizing a sequence of steps
directionality
when speaking, difficulty finding the correct word
lots of “whatyamacallits” and “thingies”
common sayings come out slightly twisted
extremely messy bedroom, backpack, desk
dreads going to school
complains of stomach aches or headaches
may have nightmares about school

Used by permission of Susan Barton and

Bright Solutions for Dyslexia

Common challenges:
How dyslexia affects learning

Learners with dyslexia often experience:

Phonological Processing Issues: Difficulty connecting sounds to letters.
Reading Fluency Challenges: Slow and labored reading compared to peers.
Spelling and Writing Struggles: Frequent spelling mistakes and challenges organizing thoughts on paper.
Emotional Impact: Frustration, anxiety, or low self-esteem due to academic difficulties.

Strategies for support

Tools and Techniques for Supporting Learners with Dyslexia:

Multi-Sensory Learning Approaches:
- Engaging multiple senses (visual, auditory, and tactile) to reinforce learning.
- Example: Tracing letters in sand while saying the sound aloud.
Structured Literacy Programs:
- Evidence-based programs like Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading System.
Assistive Technology:
- Tools like audiobooks, text-to-speech apps, and dictation software to support learning.
Classroom Accommodations:
- Extra time for tests and assignments.
- Access to recorded lectures or note-taking assistance.
Positive Reinforcement:
- Celebrate progress and focus on strengths to build confidence.