Dyslexia

Plain language

Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects how the brain processes written language. People with dyslexia often have strong reasoning, storytelling, and big-picture thinking alongside reading challenges.

Scholarly

Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder of neurobiological origin characterized by difficulties with accurate or fluent word recognition, decoding, and spelling, unexpected relative to other cognitive abilities (International Dyslexia Association).

Common traits

• Slower reading speed
• Spelling variability
• Strong oral comprehension
• Pattern and spatial reasoning

Strengths

• Big-picture and narrative thinking
• Verbal reasoning
• 3D and visual problem-solving
• Empathy and people insight

Challenges

• Reading fatigue
• Phonological decoding
• Timed reading tests
• Self-esteem when undiagnosed

Myth

Dyslexia means seeing letters backwards.

Fact

Dyslexia is a phonological processing difference, not a vision problem.

Myth

People with dyslexia are less intelligent.

Fact

Intelligence is independent of dyslexia; many dyslexic individuals show above-average reasoning.

How it may appear in children

• Late letter recognition
• Difficulty rhyming
• Avoidance of reading aloud
• Strong verbal storytelling

How it may appear in adults

• Slow email reading and writing
• Spelling fatigue
• Strong systems thinking
• Reliance on text-to-speech

Workplace considerations

• Provide text-to-speech and spell support
• Allow extra time for written tasks
• Offer verbal briefings
• Avoid surprise read-aloud requests

Family & caregiver considerations

• Read aloud together at any age
• Celebrate verbal strengths
• Use audiobooks freely
• Advocate at school for evidence-based reading instruction

Faith & community considerations

• Provide scripture audio
• Avoid surprise reading in groups
• Print large-text bulletins

Coping strategies

• Text-to-speech apps
• Dyslexia-friendly fonts
• Audiobooks and podcasts
• Voice dictation

Possible co-occurring conditions

Many neurodivergent people meet criteria for more than one profile. See the co-occurring conditions guide.

Download resources

Printable one-page profile, family handout, and workplace accommodations checklist.

Discussion guide

Reflection prompts and small-group questions for families, classrooms, and ministry teams.

Related research

Browse the curated research repository for studies on Dyslexia and adjacent profiles.