Introduction to 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 and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.

(Adopted by the IDA Board, November 2002 and by the National Institutes of Health, 2002 (www.idabc.com).)