Knowledge & Awareness

Dyslexia Resources

Everything you need to understand dyslexia the facts, the signs, the strengths, and the extraordinary people who have it.

By the Numbers

Dyslexia: Quick Facts

Dyslexia is a learning difference that is inherited and affects a significant portion of the global population. Estimates for the worldwide prevalence of dyslexia symptoms range from approximately 20% of the population. Alarmingly, around 80% of the population are undiagnosed. This means that with a global population of around 8.39 billion, an estimated 1.68 billion people worldwide are dyslexic or have some degree of symptoms.

20%

of the population is affected by dyslexia

80%

remain undiagnosed

1.68B

people worldwide are dyslexic or have related symptoms

8.39B

people live on Earth 1 in 5 are dyslexic

Self-Awareness

Are You Dyslexic?

Common signs that may indicate dyslexia:

Have trouble reading, writing or spelling?
Have trouble expressing yourself?
Think it's hard to pay attention?
Get headaches when reading?
Think people see you as effortless or careless?
Often see pictures from different places at the same time?
Have trouble with math?
Have a tendency to daydream?
Often become disoriented?

Strengths

Is Dyslexia a Talent?

When properly trained and informed, a dyslexic can use their natural abilities to shift perceptions.
Many highly educated and talented people have dyslexia.
Dyslexia does not affect the intelligence level yet it does impair one's ability to learn, retain, and relay information.

The ability to see multidimensionally

A talent to think 3-dimensionally, in pictures, like computer graphics.

Unique perception

Optical illusions: You perceive things in a different, unique way. You see changes in the details around you.

Emotional depth

For some dyslexics, it can move you from a calm state of mind into confusion in seconds. This sensitivity also means a keen perception of others' thoughts and feelings.

Correctable & Manageable

Once trained, dyslexics can identify their confusions and correct their 'stumblers.' They learn to alternate being focused and unfocused, using dyslexia as a tool for learning rather than battling it.

Awareness

A Collection of Symptoms

Reading Challenges

Omissions of letters in words; omissions of words, or not 'seeing' a word
Additions of words, transpositions (switching) of letter order
Repetitions of words or sentences; reading and rereading
Reading worse under pressure; not remembering what you read
Reversals of word order; reversals of letters, reversals of words
Stumbling over words, sounding out a word and then not recognizing it in another sentence
Confusion over the author's meaning or purpose

Math Challenges (Dyscalculia)

Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing incorrectly with seemingly small errors
Transposing and reversing numbers
Forgetting to do something; coming up with other answers
Adding when you should be subtracting; multiplying when you should be adding
Not reading the directions and incorrectly working the entire page
Can work the sample problem but can't apply the process to a slightly different problem

Inconsistency in Subjects

May do well in math but struggle with reading, writing, and spelling or vice versa
Dyslexia can affect learning in all subject areas, or a few at a time
This can vary throughout your life
Often feel you have to work 7 times as hard as anyone else
Feeling of 'slipping through the cracks'

Strengths & Talents

Excellent in art, music, drama, sports, carpentry, mechanics, computers, designing, electronics, cooking, building, and troubleshooting
Excel in hands-on projects and activities
Creative and bright
Strong sense of justice
Keenly sensitive to others' thoughts and feelings
Ability to think in 3D and pictures

Learn More

External Resources

International Dyslexia Association

The leading organization for dyslexia research, education, and advocacy worldwide.

Are You Dyslexic? Self-Assessment

Take a self-assessment to identify potential signs of dyslexia.

Signs of Dyslexia

A comprehensive list of dyslexia signs across all age groups.

Dyslexia: Disability or Talent?

Explore the unique strengths and abilities that often accompany dyslexia.