“Dyslexia” is used to define someone with reading difficulties. Researchers specializing in this domain say that they often read articles and hear conversations showing that dyslexia and the means to treat it are completely misunderstood. In relation with Dyslexia Empowerment Week, whose aim is to raise awareness and understanding of the disorder, experts highlight:

THE SEVEN MOST COMMON MYTHS ABOUT DYSLEXIA

Myth #1: I’m a bad speller because I’m dyslexic
In fact, reading and spelling are different skills.

Myth #2: I have trouble with (insert problem here), because I’m dyslexic
In fact, reading difficulties are about reading.

Myth #3: Dyslexia is the same for everyone
In fact, reading is a very complex process involving many sub-skills and processes.

Myth #4: There is one way to treat dyslexia
In fact, since dyslexia is not a single problem, there is also not a single solution.

Myth #5: Gymnastics can cure dyslexia
In fact, physical exercise, colored lenses or colored paper are not efficient. Those methods assume that there is only one kind of dyslexia, and have no relation with reading.

Myth #6: Phonics is a waste of time
In fact, phonics help children understand how to convert letters into sounds and then convert those sounds into words. Good methods for learning to read should always include phonics, especially during the early years.

Myth #7: Dyslexia runs in my family, so I just have to live with it
In fact, even if science has found that genetics can play a role in reading difficulties, the notion of “genetic cause” is sometimes mistaken for “there’s nothing anyone can do.”

Picture: Girl Reading, by Pierre-Auguste-Renoir (Google Art Project, Wikimedia Commons, w/Effects)

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