Characteristics of Dyslexia
These are some of the problems a dyslexic person might have. Not all dyslexics have all of these characteristics.

1. Problems with the sounds of speech or processing them.
2. Problems reading unfamiliar words and single words that are in a word list and not in a sentence.
3. Reading words incorrectly when reading out loud.
4. Reading is slow and choppy and lacks expression.
5. Problems understanding what is read.
6. Problems learning letter names and their sounds.
7. Problems learning how to spell.
8. Problems in finding the right word to use and in naming things quickly.
9. Problems writing sentences and stories.
10.Problems learning & writing the alphabet correctly and in order.
11.A family history of similar problems.


NOTE: Reversing letters is commonly associated with dyslexia. This is actually part of the problem of producing letters correctly and in order. This problem does NOT occur with all dyslexics!

Common Signs of Dyslexia in Grades K-4

* The student learns the alphabet later than her classmates.
* The student learns letter-sound relationships only with explicit instruction and repeated review.
* The student confuses basic sight words such as run, eat, what.
* The student makes frequent reading and spelling errors, including reversals (b/d), inversions (m/w), transpositions (left/felt), and substitutions (house/home).
* The student has poor or slow handwriting and difficulty copying.
* The student struggles with reading reduces her reading comprhension.

Common Signs of Dyslexia in Grades 5 - 8

* The student continues to transpose letter sequences frequently
        (reads sacred as scared).
* The student reads below grade level in stories and textbooks.
* The student requires specific instruction to learn prefixes, suffixes and root words or other decoding / spelling strategies.
* The student avoids reading aloud.
* The student avoids writing compositions.
* The student's reading comprehension is below his listening comprehension.

Common Signs of Dyslexia in High School Students and Adults

* He or she avoids reading books independently.
* He or she continues to spell incorrectly.
* He or she avoids writing whenever possible.
* He or she finds unique wasy to cope with reading and writing tasks.
        
Adapted from: Bridges to Reading; Parents' Educational Resources Center

For questions, contact Melanie Hewett, Brenham ISD Dyslexia Specialist
mhewett@brenhamisd.net

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