“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography. These difficulties occur along a continuum of severity and persist even with instruction that is effective for the individual’s peers. The causes of dyslexia are complex and involve combinations of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental influences that interact throughout development. Underlying difficulties with phonological and morphological processing are common but not universal, and early oral language weaknesses often foreshadow literacy challenges. Secondary consequences include reading comprehension problems and reduced reading and writing experience that can impede growth in language, knowledge, written expression, and overall academic achievement. Psychological well-being and employment opportunities also may be affected. Although identification and targeted instruction are important at any age, language and literacy support before and during the early years of education is particularly effective.” ~ International Dyslexia Association Updated October 22, 2025
The differences are personal. The diagnosis is medical. The treatment is educational. The understanding is scientific.
~Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators
~Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators
Warning Signs of Dyslexia
If your child has three or more of the following warning signs, please give me a call (707) 953-2118 to learn more about dyslexia.
In Preschool
Dyslexia is identifiable, with 92% accuracy, at ages 5½ to 6½.
~ NIH 1994
90% of children with reading difficulties will achieve grade level in reading if they receive help in the 1st grade. 75% of children whose help is delayed to age nine or later continue to struggle throughout their school career.
~ Vellutino, Scanton, Sipay, Small, Pratt, Chen & Denokla, 1996
In Elementary School
~ skips or misreads prepositions (at, to, of)
~ ignores suffixes
~ can't sound out unknown words
~ memorizing a sequence of steps
~ directionality
~ common sayings come out slightly twisted
~ may have nightmares about school
For more information on warning signs in high school and in adults, please click on this link: Bright Solutions for Dyslexia
In Preschool
- delayed speech
- mixing up the sounds and syllables in long words
- chronic ear infections
- stuttering
- constant confusion of left versus right
- late establishing 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
Dyslexia is identifiable, with 92% accuracy, at ages 5½ to 6½.
~ NIH 1994
90% of children with reading difficulties will achieve grade level in reading if they receive help in the 1st grade. 75% of children whose help is delayed to age nine or later continue to struggle throughout their school career.
~ Vellutino, Scanton, Sipay, Small, Pratt, Chen & Denokla, 1996
In 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:
~ skips or misreads prepositions (at, to, of)
~ ignores suffixes
~ can't sound out unknown words
- terrible spelling
- often can't remember sight words (they, were, does) or homonyms (their, they're, and there)
- difficulty telling time with a clock with hands
- trouble with math:
~ memorizing a sequence of steps
~ directionality
- when speaking, difficulty finding the correct word
~ common sayings come out slightly twisted
- extremely messy bedroom, backpack, and desk
- dreads going to school
~ may have nightmares about school
For more information on warning signs in high school and in adults, please click on this link: Bright Solutions for Dyslexia
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(707) 953-2118
(707) 953-2118