Are You Dyslexic?

Many people do not realize that they have dyslexia. Unfortunately, teachers and parents do not always notice that a child has a language disability. Often they find other explanations for a student’s school troubles. Fortunately, if dyslexia is diagnosed, it can be managed. People with dyslexia can and do learn.

Who Is Dyslexic?

The exact number of people with dyslexia is not known. Some experts think that as many as one out of every ten Americans is dyslexic. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that in people ages 16–74 years old, about 54 percent, or 130 million of them are not proficient in literacy skills. The primary cause of their illiteracy is dyslexia; over 85 percent of adults who are illiterate have dyslexia. It is further estimated that 10 to 15 percent of school-age children have dyslexia. Yet despite the large numbers of people with dyslexia, it is estimated that only 5 percent of people with dyslexia are ever properly diagnosed and given appropriate help.

As recently as thirty years ago, little was known about dyslexia. People with dyslexia got little help. In school, they were put in classes with developmentally disabled students. As adults, they were given only simple jobs because they were often illiterate. It was very difficult for dyslexic people to become successful, independent, productive members of their community. Few people recognized that people with dyslexia may be enormously talented and gifted in some areas and could do much to enrich society.

Are You Dyslexic?

Only a test given by an expert can show if you are dyslexic, dysgraphic, or dyscalculic. But there are signs to watch for. Do any of these statements describe you?

Reading:

• I see letters and words in reverse.

• I see letters and words bunched together.

• I see letters grow and shrink.

• I see letters move and disappear.

• I see words that aren’t there.

• I have trouble sounding out letters.

• I make many mistakes when reading aloud.

• I often skip words or lines.

• I often lose my place on the page.

• I can read only one word at a time.

• I feel dizzy or get headaches while reading.

• I don’t understand what I read.

Writing and Spelling:

• I reverse letters when writing.

• I bunch letters together.

• I mix up or leave out letters in words.

• I have very poor handwriting.

• I have a hard time copying words.

• I can’t picture words in my mind.

Math:

• I have trouble with addition and subtraction.

• The numbers seem to jump around.

• I come up with a different answer than everyone else does when I do multiplication or division.

• I don’t see some of the problems on the page.

• I add when I should subtract.

• I divide when I should add two numbers.

Speaking and Listening:

• I can’t remember words I want to say.

• I have a difficult time making some speech sounds.

• I don’t hear or listen to what is said to me.

• I have a hard time remembering instructions.

• Sounds seem closer or farther away than they really are.

Other Signs:

• I often confuse left and right.

• I have trouble telling time and being on time for appointments.

• I am not well organized.

• I have trouble making decisions.

• My mind wanders easily.

• It’s hard for me to sit still.

• I feel dumb.

• Other kids seem to learn and understand things much faster and read with much less difficulty.

• Someone in my family has dyslexia.

If you find yourself agreeing with many of these statements, especially in the reading, writing, and spelling categories, you may have dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, or another learning disability. Speak with your parents or with a teacher or counselor about being tested for a possible learning disability.