Dyslexia is not a disease but a learning problem or disability. The table below provides a list of myths about dyslexia, and the associated corresponding factual information.
| Myth | Fact |
| Dyslexia is a disease. | Dyslexia is a life-long learning problem or disability (not a disease) that causes the individual to learn differently. Although dyslexics have difficulties in the language area, talents and abilities can emerge in other areas. |
| Dyslexics only have average to above average intelligence and no other debilitating conditions. |
IQ is not a factor. Sometimes dyslexics have other disabilities such as ADHD (25% of the time), physical disabilities, etc. |
| Most dyslexics are males.
|
Current research is inconclusive; Some research shows that dyslexia occurs in almost equal numbers in males and females with females frequently underdiagnosed; other research shows dyslexia rates significantly higher in boys. |
| Dyslexics “mirror write.” | Dyslexics don't “mirror write” with any greater frequency than nondisabled peers. |
| Dyslexics “reverse letters all the time.” | Dyslexics don't “reverse letters” with any greater frequency than nondisabled peers. |
| Dyslexics are always born with their language/ reading difficulties. | Dyslexia can either be acquired at birth or acquired through various environmental conditions after birth such as in the case of disease or brain injury caused by an accident. |
| Gifted individuals are not dyslexic. | Contrary to this belief, many highly intelligent and talented individuals are dyslexic. |
| Dyslexics are “too clumsy” to do well in sports. | Dyslexics can play sports and many go on to play competitive/ pro sports. |
| Dyslexics don't have many friends. | Dyslexics can have many friends. |
| Dyslexics don't do well in college. | Dyslexics can and do perform well in college but many times require academic support services; many colleges have learning disabilities programs. |
| Dyslexics never learn how to read or write. | Dyslexics can and do learn how to read, spell, and write effectively. However, reading rates tend to be slower than nondisabled peers and compensating strategies such as spell checkers and poor speller's dictionaries may need to be used as adults. |
| Dyslexia can be cured. | Dyslexia is a life-long condition that can be significantly improved with appropriate support services and use of compensating strategies; there is no "cure" for dyslexia. |
Excerpted From:
Excerpt from Dyslexia and Reading Difficulties: Research and Resource Guide for Working with All Struggling Readers, by C.A. Spafford, G.S. Grosser, 2005 edition, p. 13.
© ______ 2005, Allyn & Bacon, an imprint of Pearson Education Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The reproduction, duplication, or distribution of this material by any means including but not limited to email and blogs is strictly prohibited without the explicit permission of the publisher.
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