Dyslexia is characterized by significant and persistent difficulties in reading and writing, despite having average or above-average intelligence, receiving adequate schooling, and having no auditory, visual, or physical problems that would justify these difficulties. 

 

Characteristics of Dyslexia 

Phonological Processing 

The primary characteristic of individuals with dyslexia is an impairment in phonological processing, which creates challenges in remembering and internalizing the sounds associated with each letter. This results in difficulties with reading, as it requires blending sounds, interpreting them, and understanding simultaneously. 

Executive Functioning 

Another characteristic of dyslexia is difficulties with working memory and various impairments in executive functions. 

Common Symptoms 

While each case of dyslexia is unique and not all symptoms may be present, the most common symptoms include: 

• Slow and Hesitant Reading: Reading at a slower pace with uncertainty. 

• Reading Comprehension Difficulties: Struggling to understand what is read. 

• Skipping Lines or Inventing Words: Losing place while reading or creating words that are not in the text. 

• Frequent Spelling Errors: Misspellings involving letters that sound the same but are spelled differently. 

• Omissions, Substitutions, or Inventions: Leaving out, replacing, or inventing words or letters. 

• Illegible Handwriting: Difficulty producing clear and readable writing. 

• Working Memory Challenges: Struggles with holding and manipulating information in mind. 

• Directionality Confusion: Difficulty recognizing left from right. 

• Organization and Planning Difficulties: Challenges in organizing thoughts and tasks. 

• Struggles with Writing: Difficulty in composing text and finding the right words. 

• Attentional Difficulties: Issues with maintaining focus. 

 

Broader Implications 

Dyslexia encompasses more than just reading and writing difficulties; it can affect various areas, including executive functions such as planning, organization, working memory, crossed laterality, and challenges in understanding spatial and temporal concepts. 

It’s essential to recognize that no two individuals with dyslexia are identical; each case is unique, with varying degrees of severity and potential co-occurring disorders. Dyslexia is classified as a Neurodevelopmental Disorder. 

 

Facilitating Strategies 

To ensure that students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SLD) can learn on equal footing, measures and tools should be implemented at all educational stages and across all subjects. The most necessary strategies include: 

Multisensory Learning 

• Multisensory Approach: Design activities that engage multiple senses simultaneously to enhance understanding and retention of information. 

Digital Readers and Formats 

• Digital Readers: If possible, provide access to digital reading devices to facilitate reading comprehension. 

• Digital Book Formats: Whenever feasible, offer the digital version of textbooks to students. 

Study Materials 

• Provide Study Materials: Give students the materials they need to study without requiring them to copy from the board. 

Extended Time and Alternative Examination Formats 

• More Time for Exams: Allow additional time for students to complete written exams and tests. 

• Oral Examinations: Offer the option for students to take exams orally. 

Clear Typography 

• Sans-Serif Fonts: Use clear, unadorned fonts (sans-serif) for better readability. 

Spelling Accommodations 

• No Penalties for Spelling Errors: It is vital not to penalize spelling mistakes, as these are symptoms of dyslexia and dysorthography. 

By implementing these strategies, educators can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for students with dyslexia.