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An Overview of Dyslexia: Definition, Characteristics, Assessment, Identification, and Intervention

Received: 19 July 2019     Accepted: 15 August 2019     Published: 3 September 2019
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Abstract

Background: Dyslexia is a developmental brain-based type of learning disability that affects a person's ability to read and spell words. Best estimates place 5 percent to 10 percent of the population with the condition, but the incidence of dyslexia is challenging to pinpoint, as the definition of dyslexia varies throughout research. Objective: The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of dyslexia, its characteristics, assessment and identification, and intervention techniques for the condition. Results: Although the disorder varies from person to person, common characteristics among people with dyslexia include difficulty with phonological skills, low accuracy and fluency of reading, poor spelling, and/or rapid visual-verbal responding. Dyslexia is a neurological condition and can be inherited, and recent studies have identified a number of genes that may predispose an individual to developing dyslexia. Identification of dyslexia early requires recognition of characteristics such as difficulty associating sounds with letters, reading dysfluencies, spelling difficulties, challenges with written expression and poor handwriting. Dyslexia assessments can guide professions in ways to best administer treatment, such as via strategies to enhance word training and improve decoding skills. All of these interventions have shown to benefit the reading and writing abilities of persons with dyslexia. Conclusions: The unique nature and presentation of dyslexia varies among individuals. The importance of understanding as much as possible and keeping abreast of the assessment and intervention strategies available is critical to minimizing the long-term effects of dyslexia.

Published in Science Journal of Education (Volume 7, Issue 4)
DOI 10.11648/j.sjedu.20190704.11
Page(s) 81-86
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This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2019. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Identification and Causes of Dyslexia, Characteristics of Dyslexia, Dyslexia Assessment and Intervention

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    Jane Roitsch, Silvana Watson. (2019). An Overview of Dyslexia: Definition, Characteristics, Assessment, Identification, and Intervention. Science Journal of Education, 7(4), 81-86. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjedu.20190704.11

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    Jane Roitsch; Silvana Watson. An Overview of Dyslexia: Definition, Characteristics, Assessment, Identification, and Intervention. Sci. J. Educ. 2019, 7(4), 81-86. doi: 10.11648/j.sjedu.20190704.11

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    AMA Style

    Jane Roitsch, Silvana Watson. An Overview of Dyslexia: Definition, Characteristics, Assessment, Identification, and Intervention. Sci J Educ. 2019;7(4):81-86. doi: 10.11648/j.sjedu.20190704.11

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  • @article{10.11648/j.sjedu.20190704.11,
      author = {Jane Roitsch and Silvana Watson},
      title = {An Overview of Dyslexia: Definition, Characteristics, Assessment, Identification, and Intervention},
      journal = {Science Journal of Education},
      volume = {7},
      number = {4},
      pages = {81-86},
      doi = {10.11648/j.sjedu.20190704.11},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjedu.20190704.11},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sjedu.20190704.11},
      abstract = {Background: Dyslexia is a developmental brain-based type of learning disability that affects a person's ability to read and spell words. Best estimates place 5 percent to 10 percent of the population with the condition, but the incidence of dyslexia is challenging to pinpoint, as the definition of dyslexia varies throughout research. Objective: The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of dyslexia, its characteristics, assessment and identification, and intervention techniques for the condition. Results: Although the disorder varies from person to person, common characteristics among people with dyslexia include difficulty with phonological skills, low accuracy and fluency of reading, poor spelling, and/or rapid visual-verbal responding. Dyslexia is a neurological condition and can be inherited, and recent studies have identified a number of genes that may predispose an individual to developing dyslexia. Identification of dyslexia early requires recognition of characteristics such as difficulty associating sounds with letters, reading dysfluencies, spelling difficulties, challenges with written expression and poor handwriting. Dyslexia assessments can guide professions in ways to best administer treatment, such as via strategies to enhance word training and improve decoding skills. All of these interventions have shown to benefit the reading and writing abilities of persons with dyslexia. Conclusions: The unique nature and presentation of dyslexia varies among individuals. The importance of understanding as much as possible and keeping abreast of the assessment and intervention strategies available is critical to minimizing the long-term effects of dyslexia.},
     year = {2019}
    }
    

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    AB  - Background: Dyslexia is a developmental brain-based type of learning disability that affects a person's ability to read and spell words. Best estimates place 5 percent to 10 percent of the population with the condition, but the incidence of dyslexia is challenging to pinpoint, as the definition of dyslexia varies throughout research. Objective: The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of dyslexia, its characteristics, assessment and identification, and intervention techniques for the condition. Results: Although the disorder varies from person to person, common characteristics among people with dyslexia include difficulty with phonological skills, low accuracy and fluency of reading, poor spelling, and/or rapid visual-verbal responding. Dyslexia is a neurological condition and can be inherited, and recent studies have identified a number of genes that may predispose an individual to developing dyslexia. Identification of dyslexia early requires recognition of characteristics such as difficulty associating sounds with letters, reading dysfluencies, spelling difficulties, challenges with written expression and poor handwriting. Dyslexia assessments can guide professions in ways to best administer treatment, such as via strategies to enhance word training and improve decoding skills. All of these interventions have shown to benefit the reading and writing abilities of persons with dyslexia. Conclusions: The unique nature and presentation of dyslexia varies among individuals. The importance of understanding as much as possible and keeping abreast of the assessment and intervention strategies available is critical to minimizing the long-term effects of dyslexia.
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Author Information
  • Department of Communication Disorders and Special Education, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, USA

  • Department of Communication Disorders and Special Education, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, USA

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