Dyslexia Statistics
Up to 20% of the population of the United States is dyslexic.
Dyslexia accounts for up to 90% of all learning disabilities.
Nearly 40% of self-made millionaires are dyslexic.
Signs & Symptoms
Preschool Years:
Difficulty learning common nursery rhymes.
Difficulty learning and remembering names of the letters of the alphabet.
Doesn’t recognize rhyming patterns.
Kindergarten & Beyond:
Cannot sound out simple words.
Does not associate letters with sounds such as c with /c/.
Shows anxiety or fear when it’s their turn to read.
Rarely reads for pleasure.


Identifying Dyslexia
The following should be assessed when evaluating a child for dyslexia:
Phonological awareness.
Language-Based Memory (ability to recall sounds, syllables & words).
Rapid Automatic Naming.
Receptive vocabulary.
Phonics skills.
Decoding.
Oral reading fluency.
Spelling.
Writing.
Advocating for Your Child
- Educating yourself about dyslexia. Some recommended resources include:The International Dyslexia AssociationSold a Story PodcastReading the book “Overcoming Dyslexia” by Sally Shaywitz
- Know your child’s rights. Read and understand how the US Department of Education and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) applies to your child.
- Understand the IEP process and keep records:Keep a binder will all IEP documentation.Hire an advocate to go with you to meetings if you feel intimidated or emotional.
- Ask for solutions and clarification on anything you may not understand.

Dyslexia Facts
you should know

References
Dyslexia assessment: What is it and how can it help?. International Dyslexia Association. (2020, March 10). https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-assessment-what-is-it-and-how-can-it-help/
https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/
LD Online (n.d.). Are Dyslexia and Wealth Linked? Study Finds Individuals with Dyslexia More Likely to Be Millionaires. LD Online. https://www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/self-esteem-stress-management/are-dyslexia-and-wealth-linked-study-finds-individuals
Morin, A. (n.d.). 7 common myths about dyslexia. Understood.org. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/common-myths-about-dyslexia-reading-issues
Orton Gillingham Online Academy (n.d.). The Dyslexia Warrior Parent 10 Ways to Advocate for Your Child. https://ortongillinghamonlinetutor.com/the-dyslexia-warrior-parent-10-ways-to-advocate-for-your-child/
Shaywitz, S. (n.d.). Signs of Dyslexia. Yale. https://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/signs-of-dyslexia/
University of Michigan (n.d.). His fear of public speaking due to dyslexia did not prevent him from achieving success as an actor. https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/orlando-bloom
