Clinical Definition

Dyslexia is a neurologically based learning disorder, which impairs comprehension and processing of written language. Dyslexia usually is characterized by difficulty with spelling, phonological processing and fluent and accurate recognition of words. Although intelligence level is usually normal, the ability to read is impaired.

In Our Own Words

Dyslexia is a common learning disorder, which causes difficulty reading. Dyslexia is not related to intelligence level, and a person with dyslexia may have a rich vocabulary and no problems understanding oral communication. Older children with dyslexia may have trouble reading, writing and spelling words; kindergarteners may be slow to recognize the letters and learning to read. The extent of difficulty a person has with dyslexia and learning to read varies. The cause of dyslexia has not been identified, but the condition is sometimes inherited.