What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological 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.” (International Dyslexia Association Board of Directors, November 2002)

Students suspected of having dyslexia are identified through a formal evaluation process in Hondo ISD. This evaluation may be conducted specifically to determine if a student has dyslexia through a special education evaluation in order to receive services. Following the completion of the evaluation, a written report is generated and reviewed by the ARD committee. Independent educational evaluations for dyslexia will be considered.

All Hondo ISD campuses offer a continuum of services for students with dyslexia. Because dyslexia ranges from very mild to very severe, it is crucial that individual needs are considered when planning for student success.

If you have concerns that your child may have dyslexia, please contact your child's teacher, counselor, or principal to find out more about the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process.

Signs of Dyslexia

The Preschool Years

Delay in learning to talk
Difficulty with rhyming
Difficulty pronouncing words
Poor auditory memory for nursery rhymes and chants
Difficulty adding new vocabulary words
Inability to recall the right word
Trouble learning and naming letters and numbers
Remembering the letters in their name
Aversion to print

Kindergarten and First Grade

Difficulty breaking words into smaller parts
Difficulty identifying and manipulating sounds in syllables
Difficulty remembering the names of letters and recalling their corresponding sounds
Difficulty in decoding single words
Difficulty spelling words the way they sound or remembering letter sequences in very common words

Second and Third Grade

Difficulty recognizing common sight words
Difficulty decoding single words
Difficulty recalling the correct sounds for letters and letter patterns in reading
Difficulty connecting speech sounds with appropriate letter or combinations
Omitting letters in words for spelling
Difficulty reading fluently
Difficulty in decoding unfamiliar words in sentences using knowledge of phonics
Reliance on picture clues, story theme or guessing at words
Difficulty in written expression

Fourth through Sixth Grade

Many of the previously described behaviors remain problematic along with the following:

Difficulty reading aloud
Avoidance of reading
Difficulty reading fluently
Difficulty decoding unfamiliar words in sentences using knowledge of phonics
Acquisition of less vocabulary due to reduced independent reading
Use of less complicated words in writing that are easier to spell than more appropriate words
Reliance on listening rather than reading for comprehension

Middle and High School

Many of the previously described behaviors remain problematic along with the following:

Difficulty with the volume of reading and written work
Frustration with the amount of time required and energy expended for reading
Difficulty reading fluently
Difficulty decoding unfamiliar words in sentences using knowledge of phonics
Difficulty with written assignments
Tendency to avoid reading
Difficulty learning a foreign language

Texas Dyslexia Handbook (2018)

State and District Dyslexia Handbooks

Dyslexia and Related Disorders -- Information for Parents

Links to Online Resources

Recommended Books about Dyslexia

All Kinds of Minds

by Melvin Levine

Students come to understand their mind's unique features, learn about getting help from others, helping themselves, and building on their strengths.

How to Reach & Teach Children & Teens with Dyslexia

by Cynthia Stowe

This comprehensive, practical resource gives educators at all levels essential information, techniques, and tools for understanding dyslexia and adapting teaching methods in all subject areas to meet the learning style, social, and emotional needs of students who have dyslexia. Special features include over 50 full-page activity sheets that can be photocopied for immediate use and interviews with students and adults who have had personal experience with dyslexia. Organized into twenty sections, information covers everything from ten principles of instruction to teaching reading, handwriting, spelling, writing, math, everyday skills, and even covers the adult with dyslexia.

Overcoming Dyslexia

by Sally Shaywitz

Drawing on recent scientific breakthroughs-many of them in her own laboratory, Dr. Shaywitz discusses early diagnosis in young children as well as the dyslexia in older children, young adults, and adults. Explaining the mechanisms underlying dyslexia and how research led to effective treatments for each age group, Dr. Shaywitz instructs parents in what they can do year-by-year, grade-by-grade, step-by-step for a dyslexic child. She lays out a home program for enhanced reading; guides parents in choosing the best school for their child and in working with teachers; and suggests ways of raising and preserving the child's self-esteem.

Parenting A Struggling Reader

by Louisa Moats and Susan Hall

The first completely comprehensive, practical guide for recognizing, diagnosing, and overcoming any childhood reading difficulty. According to the National Institute of Health, ten million of our nation’s children (approximately 17 percent) have trouble learning to read. While headlines warn about the nation’s reading crisis, Susan Hall (whose son was diagnosed with dyslexia) and Louisa Moats have become crusaders for action. The result of their years of research and personal experience, this book provides a revolutionary road map for any parent facing this challenging problem.

Straight Talk About Reading

by Louisa Moats and Susan Hall

Today's parents are increasingly concerned about the reading and spelling skills taught in schools and are taking charge of their children's education. Full of ideas and suggestions--from innovative preschool exercises to techniques that older children can use to increase reading speed and comprehension-this book will instantly help any parent lay a solid foundation for their child's formative educational years.

Taking Charge of ADHD

by Russell Barkley, PhD.

A step-by-step plan for behavior management that has helped thousands of children. Information on medications, including coverage of Strattera and extended-release stimulants. Strategies that help children succeed at school and in social situations. Advances in research on the causes of ADHD. Practical advice on managing stress and keeping peace in the family. Descriptions of books, organizations, and Internet resources that families can trust.

The Dyslexic Scholar

by Kathleen Nosek

Veteran educator Kathleen Nosek tells parents the secrets to successfully navigating today's school system and ensuring that dyslexic children receive the quality education they are entitled to by law. Includes a definition of dyslexia, how to identify it, how to get your child evaluated and more.

What is Dyslexia?

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