Understanding Dyslexia: Signs, Diagnosis, and Support

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological 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.

Common Signs of Dyslexia

Not all individuals exhibit the same symptoms, but common manifestations include:
  • Language & Speaking: Difficulty learning to speak or acquiring new vocabulary.
  • Phonological Processing: Trouble learning letters, their sounds, and discriminating sounds within words.
  • Academic Challenges: Struggles with spelling, writing, and organizing thoughts in written or spoken language.
  • Learning and Information Processing: Challenges with rote memorization (e.g., multiplication tables), foreign language acquisition, or following multi-step sequential instructions.

How is Dyslexia Diagnosed?

A formal evaluation is the only way to confirm a diagnosis. A comprehensive assessment at Thrive Counseling and Assessment typically evaluates:
  1. Intellectual Ability: Understanding overall cognitive strengths.
  2. Processing Skills: How the brain processes information (psycho-linguistic processing).
  3. Academic Skills: Comparing current reading and writing performance to expected age-level benchmarks.

Evidence-Based Treatment: Structured Literacy

Dyslexia is a life-long condition, but the brain can build new reading pathways through Structured Literacy. This method is:
  • Explicit: Concepts are taught directly.
  • Systematic & Cumulative: Lessons follow a logical order, building from simple to complex.
  • Multisensory: Using sight, sound, and touch (e.g., tracing letters in sand) to reinforce memory.

Academic Accommodations:
  • Assistive Technology: Text-to-speech (audiobooks) and speech-to-text tools.
  • Extended Time: Reducing stress and cognitive load on assessments.
  • Alternative Assessment: Allowing verbal responses or projects in place of standard essays.

Dyslexia Resource Library

We have curated a list of evidence-based resources to help you support your child at home and in the classroom.

Expert Organizations & Online Hubs
Tutoring & Support
Recommended Reading
  • Overcoming Dyslexia, Second Edition by Sally Shaywitz
  • The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan by Ben Foss
  • Dyslexia Advocate! by Kelli Sandman-Hurley

Ready to get answers?

If you believe your child or yourself may have dyslexia, a formal evaluation is the first step toward getting the right support in school and life. Learn more about our evaluations.