Understanding Dyslexia & Its Characteristics Flashcards

What is dyslexia primarily characterized by?

Answer: Difficulties with word recognition and spelling

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin, primarily characterized by unexpected difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically stem from a deficit in the phonological component of language, despite other cognitive abilities being intact. It is not a visual problem, but rather a language-based one.

Which brain process is most affected in dyslexia?

Answer: Phonological processing

Dyslexia is most strongly associated with difficulties in phonological processing, which is the ability to recognize and manipulate the individual sounds (phonemes) within words. This core deficit impacts a person's ability to decode words, understand letter-sound correspondences, and segment words into their constituent sounds, making reading and spelling challenging despite normal intelligence.

What is a common sign of dyslexia in young children?

Answer: Difficulty learning letters and sounds

A common and early sign of dyslexia in young children is significant difficulty learning the alphabet, recognizing letters, and understanding the sounds associated with those letters (phonics). This struggle with basic phonological awareness and letter-sound correspondence is a key indicator, as it directly impacts their ability to decode words and develop foundational reading skills.

How does dyslexia affect reading comprehension?

Answer: It slows reading and affects understanding

Dyslexia significantly affects reading comprehension because the individual expends excessive cognitive effort on decoding individual words due to phonological processing difficulties. This slow, laborious decoding process reduces fluency and leaves less mental capacity available to grasp the meaning of the text as a whole. Consequently, even if words are eventually recognized, the overall understanding of the material can be impaired.

Which skill is often weaker in individuals with dyslexia?

Answer: Phonemic awareness

Dyslexia is primarily characterized by difficulties with phonological processing, which includes phonemic awareness. This refers to the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words, a foundational skill for decoding and reading. Weaknesses in phonemic awareness significantly hinder a person's ability to connect sounds to letters and blend them into words.

What type of intervention benefits individuals with dyslexia?

Answer: Structured literacy and phonics instruction

Individuals with dyslexia benefit most from structured literacy approaches, which are explicit, systematic, and cumulative. This type of instruction directly teaches the foundational skills of reading, including phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. It provides a clear and sequential pathway for learning how the English language works, addressing the core difficulties associated with dyslexia.

Is dyslexia related to intelligence?

Answer: No, it affects individuals of all intelligence levels

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin and is not related to intelligence. Individuals with dyslexia have average to above-average intelligence but experience unexpected difficulties in reading and related language skills. It is important to understand that dyslexia is a difference in how the brain processes language, not a reflection of a person's intellectual capacity.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of dyslexia?

Answer: Difficulty with math calculations

Dyslexia primarily affects reading, spelling, and written language, stemming from difficulties with phonological processing. While some individuals with dyslexia may also experience challenges with math, this is typically referred to as dyscalculia, a separate learning disability. Difficulty with math calculations is not a defining characteristic of dyslexia itself.

How can teachers support students with dyslexia?

Answer: By providing explicit instruction and accommodations

Teachers can effectively support students with dyslexia by providing explicit, systematic instruction in foundational reading skills, such as phonics and phonemic awareness. Additionally, offering appropriate accommodations, like extended time, audiobooks, or assistive technology, helps students access content and demonstrate their knowledge without being hindered by their reading difficulties. This approach fosters success and reduces frustration.