Characteristics of Dyslexia

What is Dyslexia?

There are many misconceptions about dyslexia. Early identification and appropriate intervention are essential for success. Rhode Island public schools are required to screen students who are at risk of a reading disability including dyslexia. Contact your school to learn what tools they are using to screen students.
Dyslexic students vary in their characteristics and challenges. Diagnostic assessments can identify individual strengths and weaknesses.
Schools do not provide a medical diagnosis. They are required to identify the characteristics of dyslexia and provide evidence-based support that addresses the core deficits. Families do not need a medical diagnosis to receive support.

Dyslexic students struggle with a variety of sub-skills of reading, including:

Phonological processing: The ability to hear and manipulate the individual sounds in words.
Phonics: The relationship between letters and sounds.
Word recognition: The ability to quickly and accurately identify words in print.
Reading fluency: The ability to read smoothly and expressively.
Reading comprehension: The ability to understand what is being read.

Dyslexic students may also struggle with other aspects of literacy, such as spelling, handwriting, and grammar.