7 Myths About Dyslexia

Despite the fact that there is plenty of information readily available online, there are many myths floating around out there.  Let's separate myth from fact! 




Myth #1:  Dyslexia is rare. 

• Nope!  Depending on which statistics you look at, between 1 in 5 and 1 in 10 people have dyslexia.  That is 10-20% of the population!  If you are a teacher, you have dyslexic students in your class.  Everyone knows someone who is dyslexic.  Also, it is equally common between boys and girls, but for some reason, boys are more likely to be referred for testing. 

Myth #2:  Dyslexic people see things backwards.

• Nope!  It is not a vision problem.  They do reverse letters (and sometimes numbers) , but that is because of how their brain processes them.  Since it is not a vision problem, colored lenses or overlays will not help dyslexia alone. 

Myth #3:  You can grow out of dyslexia.

• Nope!  You are born with it, and you do not grow out of it.  You do develop ways of coping with it. 

Myth #4:  Reading more will help.

• Nope!  Teachers often encourage poor readers to read more, but practicing at guessing will only produce more guessing.  After a student has received the right kind of reading instruction, then practicing WILL help. 

Myth #5:  If a child can pass a spelling test, or are doing well in school, they can't be dyslexic.

• Nope!  How long did that child have to study to pass the spelling test?  Can they spell those words the next week?  Some children (and parents) are extremely driven and spend many hours studying spelling.  They will do well or die trying.  Try taking a writing sample without help from an adult and check the spelling. 

Myth #6:  Dyslexia is just laziness or lack of effort or lack of intelligence. 

• Nope!  The truth is that most people with dyslexia have average or above average intelligence.  The truth is that they have been trying so hard for so long and still failing that they appear to have given up or not to care. 

Myth #7:  You have to wait until age 8 to screen or test for dyslexia.

• Nope!  You can test as early as 5.5 years old. 

Had you heard any of these myths?  Did any of these surprise you?




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