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What About Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a type of learning disability that affects how a person reads and spells words. It happens because of the way the brain processes sounds and letters. People with dyslexia may struggle with reading fluently, spelling words correctly, or breaking words into sounds (decoding), even when they are smart and have had good classroom instruction.

Dyslexia is officially recognized in Tennessee as a specific learning disability (SLD). If a child has an SLD in basic reading skills or reading fluency, it means they are considered to have dyslexia under state and federal laws (TN HB 1735/SB 2002).

 

What are the "Characteristics of Dyslexia"?

Tennessee also uses the term "characteristics of dyslexia" (TN HB 2616/SB 2635). This means that even if a student hasn’t been officially identified with a disability, teachers must still give help to students who show signs of dyslexia, like trouble sounding out words or reading fluently.

 

Signs of Dyslexia by Age

Preschool / Kindergarten

  • Late talking or unclear speech

  • Trouble learning rhymes or songs

  • Struggles to remember letters, phone numbers, or address

  • Trouble following directions

Grades 1-3

  • Trouble matching letters to sounds

  • Mixing up letters like b/d or p/q

  • Struggles with spelling and remembering sight words

  • Makes lots of reading mistakes (adds, skips, or changes words)

  • Leaves off word endings like -s or -ed

Grades 4-8

  • Trouble reading longer words

  • Doesn’t recognize common sight words easily

  • Still struggles with spelling and writing

  • May have poor reading comprehension due to decoding issues

High School and Beyond

  • Reads slowly and avoids reading aloud

  • Continued trouble with spelling

  • Struggles to organize and write essays or notes

  • May find learning a new language very difficult

Common Questions About Dyslexia

How common is dyslexia? Estimates suggest about 15% of people may have dyslexia. In Tennessee, over 100,000 students in public schools may be affected.

 

What causes dyslexia? Dyslexia is related to how the brain handles language and sounds. It often runs in families. People with dyslexia may find it hard to connect written letters to the sounds they make.

 

Can dyslexia be cured? No, but students with dyslexia can learn to read and write well with the right kind of instruction. With early support, they can be very successful in school and life.

 

Do colored lenses or glasses help? No research supports the use of colored lenses to treat dyslexia. The best way to help is through direct, structured instruction in reading and phonics.

 

Can a child have both dyslexia and ADHD? Yes. Some students have both. Each needs its own kind of support.

 

How do I know if my child might have dyslexia? If your child has trouble learning letters, sounds, spelling, or reading words compared to others their age, they may have dyslexia. Talk with your child's teacher and ask for an evaluation.

 

How can I get my child tested? Contact your school principal and share your concerns. Schools are required to evaluate students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Tennessee law also requires schools to screen for characteristics of dyslexia. You can also seek a private evaluation if you wish.

 

Areas Typically Tested

  • General learning ability

  • Word reading and decoding

  • Spelling and writing

  • Reading fluency and comprehension

  • Oral language skills

  • Phonological awareness

 
 Information on this page was provided by Tennessee's Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia at Middle Tennessee State University. 
 
For more information, visit this link: MTSU Dyslexia Center
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