Dyslexia is a brain-based difference where the parts of the brain that process sounds and symbols don't work together as smoothly or quickly as in a “typical” brain. This makes it harder for people with dyslexia to connect sounds and letters while reading. It’s important to know that dyslexia is not a vision problem—it’s about how the brain processes language.

Dyslexia has a strong genetic component, often running in families. If a parent has dyslexia, their child is more likely to have it too. It is NOT related to how much a child is read to at home.

While we don’t know the exact percentage, it is estimated that between 15-20% of the general population is on the dyslexia spectrum.

Children can be screened for dyslexia as early as preschool (ages 3-5), before they begin formal reading instruction. Early screening focuses on key predictors like difficulty with rhyming, letter recognition, phonemic awareness, and rapid naming. Early identification allows for timely intervention, improving reading outcomes. We do NOT want to wait until a child is failing before identifying dyslexia.

Dyslexia is not a reflection of intelligence—many dyslexic individuals are highly creative, analytical, and excel in problem-solving. With the right instruction and support, they can learn to read and thrive in school, careers, and life. Some of the world's most successful thinkers, entrepreneurs, and artists have dyslexia!