Defining Dyslexia
What exactly is the meaning of the word dyslexia? We’ve heard the word time and time again. As the Science of Reading (SoR), the body of research that shows how students learn to read, becomes more mainstream and the identification of students with dyslexia is increasing, SOR will remain at the forefront of the conversation.
However, many hear the word dyslexia and don’t really know what it means.
Breaking Down Dyslexia
We can pull the word dyslexia apart into two parts: dys and lexia.
Dys comes from a Greek root and means “difficult”
Lexia also comes from Greek and it means “word”
In the most basic terms, dyslexia means “word difficulty.” While we wish it was that simple, we know that it is much bigger than just word difficulty.
The Definition of Dyslexia
The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is the gold standard for information on dyslexia. Its main goal is to promote effective teaching approaches in dyslexia and clinical educational intervention strategies for dyslexic learners. The organization also puts a heavy focus on the early identification of dyslexia and is committed to research-based knowledge. Both educators and parents look to the IDA for guidance.
In 2002, the IDA Board of Directors adopted the following definition for dyslexia:
“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.”
Many state education codes, including New Jersey, Ohio, and Utah have also adopted this definition.
What is Dyslexia?
The IDA definition is widely accepted and comprehensive, however, the language can be confusing to most people. Here we will break down the definition into easily understandable terms.
1. “Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin.”
A specific learning disability is when someone has trouble learning certain things, like reading or writing, even though they're intelligent and have had the opportunity to learn.
Neurobiological in origin - Neurobiology is the study of the nervous system and how the brain works. Dyslexia being neurobiological in origin means that a person’s reading, language, or writing problems come from factors within the brain present from birth. Dyslexia is not something that can be caught or acquired.
2. “It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.”
Accurate and fluent word recognition is being able to read words correctly and quickly. It's also about reading aloud quickly while understanding what you're reading.
Spelling and decoding abilities refer to being able to spell words correctly and read new words by using phonics and recognizing parts of longer words, like syllables.
3. “These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction.”
A deficit in the phonological component of language is difficulty in processing and manipulating the sounds in a word.
Often unexpected means that despite typical classroom instruction, intelligence, and opportunity to learn, a person struggles with reading and/or writing more than other students of the same age, grade, and ability.
4. “Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.”
Secondary consequences refer to the difficulty students with dyslexia often have learning and comprehending in other subject areas as they progress through the grades.
Watch our recent webinar series, Defining Dyslexia, to dig deeper into the definition of dyslexia plus you’ll learn about the evolution of the definition, what dyslexia is NOT, who’s qualified to classify dyslexia, signs of dyslexia at various ages and stages, and advocacy tips for parents!