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Characteristics of Dyslexia
The most prevalent characteristic of a learner with dyslexia is inconsistency. Interestingly, the dyslexic learner often displays certain characteristics very consistently. Remember, each learner is unique in his compilation of characteristics; however, these characteristics can vary from day-to-day or minute-to-minute. A learner with dyslexia will not display all of these characteristics, but when a variety of these describe a learner, dyslexia is the issue.
Does the learner . . . .?
- Omit or substitute small words when reading?
- Recognize a word in one sentence, but shortly thereafter come upon the same word with no
recognition?
- Demonstrate reversals with letters when reading and/or writing and is third grade or beyond?
- Demonstrate reversals with numerals and is third grade or beyond?
- Rub or squint eyes or change facial expressions when trying to read?
- Display constant movement of body when reading?
- Complain of dizziness, headaches or stomach aches while reading?
- Often leave out vowels when spelling, spell phonetically, or choose letters that do not make
sense?
- Write down all the correct letters of a spelling word, but sequence them out of order?
- Correctly spell and misspell the same words within the same composition?
- Complain of text moving on the page as he reads?
Are strengths observable with . . .?
- Talents in the arts, drama, and/or music?
- Talents in the area of sports?
- Building skills such as with Legos, Knex, blocks, models, etc.?
- Building an object without using directions to complete the task?
- Ambidexterity?
- Listening comprehension, but not reading comprehension?
- Determining math answers, but cannot explain how he got the answer?
- Remembering details about past experiences that should have likely been forgotten?
- Telling stories and easily socializing with people of all ages?
- Hearing sounds that are there, but not readily apparent to others?
- Out-of-the-box problem solving ideas?
- Remembering various and specific movie lines?
- Noting observations and details, especially with areas of interest?
- Compassion and care for others?
Are weaknesses observable with . . .?
- Legibility of penmanship. Does it deteriorate further the longer he writes?
- Learning and retaining one's address and phone numbers?
- Being able to tie shoes?
- Learning alphabet letters, alphabet order, and/or alphabetizing skills?
- Attaching sounds to letters and letter combinations?
- Blending sounds together fluently to decode words?
- Fluent reading?
- Transferring thoughts easily on paper?
- Choosing the correct word for fill-in-the-blank sentences, even when a word bank is offered?
- Accurately estimating time passage or reading an analog clock?
- Learning rote memory skills such as math facts or remembering a list of sequenced items?
- Differentiating homophones/homonyms?
- An unusual pencil grip and the ability to recopy words/numbers accurately?
Has it been said that your child . . .?
- Appears intelligent, but he is unable to read, write, or spell at grade level?
- Is simply lazy, immature, a behavior problem, or does not try hard enough?
- Does not qualify for an IEP because the discrepancy is not wide enough, despite the fact he is not demonstrating grade level work?
- Is one of the first ones to understand the oral concepts presented in class, but then does poorly on the written work associated with topic?
- Seems to "zone out" or be distracted during teacher instruction time?
- Displays poor organizational skills and has a messy desk, notebooks, etc?
- Lacks tenacity with problem solving and gives up too easily?
- Frequently has late or missing assignments?
- Does not ask for help when needed?
- Spends too much time talking to others during classtime?


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