As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. We knew something wasn't quite right when our bright, imaginative daughter struggled to grasp concepts that seemed to come naturally to her peers. The way she mixed up sounds, her difficulty with rhyming, and how she would say words like "pacifically" instead of "specifically" – these were all subtle signs pointing to something deeper.
Debunking Common Myths
Let's start by addressing some common misconceptions about dyslexia.
Fact or fiction: People with dyslexia see/read/write words backwards
FICTION: Despite popular belief, people with dyslexia don't actually see or write words backwards. While letter reversals are common in their handwriting, the real challenge lies in how their brains process phonological information. Dyslexic individuals often process words as complete shapes rather than sequences of individual letters. They may have mapped letters incorrectly— or see the same letter in their “p” “b” “d” and “q.”
Fact or fiction: Dyslexia is more common in boys than girls.
FICTION: Another myth worth busting: dyslexia isn't more common in boys than girls. Girls are simply better at masking their struggles, while boys tend to express their frustration through more noticeable behavioral issues.
Fact or fiction: People with dyslexia never outgrow it.
FACT: Here's an important truth: dyslexia isn't something people "grow out of." While individuals can develop excellent coping strategies, their underlying learning profile remains consistent throughout their lives.
The Strength Behind the Struggle
A well-coping dyslexic individual often develops remarkable strengths:
They tend to be highly intuitive problem-solvers who excel at seeing the big picture
Their visionary thinking often leads to creative, outside-the-box solutions
Years of facing and overcoming challenges build exceptional resilience
They develop fearlessness in the face of setbacks
However, it's crucial to recognize that not all individuals with dyslexia are thriving with these strengths. Many struggle significantly without proper support and understanding.
Recognizing the Signs
Early Warning Signs in Young Children

Speech delays or mixing up sounds and syllables
Persistent confusion between left and right
History of chronic ear infections
Difficulty with tasks like shoe-tying
Struggles with memorization and following directions
Elementary School Red Flags
Handwriting difficulties (dysgraphia) after two years of formal training
Persistent letter/number reversals
Non-fluent reading and inconsistent spelling
Difficulty memorizing math facts
Development of "learned helplessness" and work avoidance
Unexplained physical symptoms during school hours
High School Indicators
Limited vocabulary despite strong intelligence
Severe difficulty getting thoughts onto paper
Struggles with foreign language learning
Potential depression and poor attendance
Difficulty applying background knowledge
Supporting Dyslexic Learners
General Strategies for Parents and Teachers
Practice patience and offer multiple learning approaches
Maintain open communication between home and school
Embrace technological tools and accommodations
Provide clear, repeatable instructions
Focus on content mastery rather than perfect spelling
Specific Classroom Approaches
For Secondary Teachers:
Provide guided notes and allow speech-to-text technology
Give both verbal and written directions
Set clear visual deadlines
Allow extra time for tests
Teach content explicitly
For Elementary Teachers:
Use decodable texts instead of traditional leveled readers
Implement structured literacy approaches
Continue phonics instruction through upper elementary
Reduce homework burden
Break directions into manageable steps
Offer alternative assessment methods
Moving Forward
Understanding dyslexia isn't just about recognizing challenges – it's about building a supportive environment where all learners can thrive. When we know better, we do better. By recognizing the signs early and implementing appropriate support strategies, we can help dyslexic individuals develop their unique strengths while managing their challenges effectively.

Remember: dyslexia doesn't define a person's potential. With the right support and understanding, dyslexic individuals can achieve remarkable success in their chosen paths.
This post is part of our 31 Days of Dyslexia series, offering practical insights for educators and parents. Subscribe and follow along to learn more strategies that can make a difference in the lives of dyslexic learners!
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