What is dyslexia?

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    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that affects reading. Individuals with dyslexia may have difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition, spelling, subvocalizing words, or reading aloud. It is important to note that dyslexia does not point to a lack of intelligence, cognitive impairment, or motivation, and most people affected have average or above-average intelligence, despite reading at lower-than-expected levels.[1][2][3]

    Dyslexia can occur alone, but it frequently overlaps with other learning disabilities or language difficulties, such as reading comprehension problems, specific language impairments (SLI), handwriting difficulties (dysgraphia), math learning difficulties (dyscalculia), developmental coordination disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).[4][5][6]