Dyslexia is ... characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction....
(Adopted by the International Dyslexia Association Board of Directors, November 12, 2002)
Dyslexia describes a different king of mind, often gifted and productive, that learns differently. Dyslexia is not the result of low intelligence. Intelligence is not the problem. An unexpected gap exists between learning aptitude and achievement in school. The problem is not behavioral, psychological, motivational or social. It is not a problem of vision; people with dyslexia do not "see backward." Dyslexia results from differences in the structure and function of the brain.
(Information provided by the Austin Branch of the International Dyslexia Association)

In grades K-4:

*Learns the alphabet later
*Learns letter-sound relationships only with explicit instruction
*Confuses basic sight words
*Makes frequent reading & spelling errors
*has poor or slow handwriting & difficulty copying
*struggles with reading reducing reading comprehension

In grades 5-8:

*continues to transpose letter sequences frequently
*still reads below grade level
*requires specific instruction to learn decoding/spelling strategies
*avoids reading aloud
*avoids writing compositions
*comprehends below listening comprehension level

High School & Adult:

*avoids reading books independently
*continues to spell incorrectly
*avoids writing whenever possible
*finds unique ways to cope with reading & writing tasks

International Dyslexia Association:
interdys.org

National Center for Learning Disabilities: www.ncld.org

Bright Solutions for Dyslexia:
www.dys-add.com/