Dyslexia is an inherited specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It interferes with the processing of written language. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition, by poor spelling and decoding abilities. It varies in severity and manifests itself in difficulties with reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, and in arithmetic. These difficulties are a result of a deficit in the phonological component of language that is unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and effective classroom instruction. It is not due to a lack of motivation, poor attitude or inadequate educational opportunities. Although dyslexia is lifelong, individuals with dyslexia respond successfully to timely and appropriate intervention with research based instruction that is multisensory, structured, sequential, explicit and cumulative. It is Dyslexia Alliance's goal to spread awareness of the prevalence of dyslexia (1 in 5 people), to advocate for early screening and identification, and to facilitate early intervention so that all individuals with dyslexia will find success with written language. (Sources: International Dyslexia Association, National Center for Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia Training Institute, Yale Center for Dyslexia)
