Six Myths of Dyslexia Debunked  

Although dyslexia affects up to 10% of Australians, it is often crowded with myths and misunderstandings.  

Broadly speaking, someone with dyslexia has trouble reading accurately and fluently. They may have difficulty in reading unusual words like yacht; misread slime as smile; take a long time to understand a sentence; or struggle to identify the different sounds in words. 

To break down the stigma and to better understand dyslexia, we’re debunking six common myths.  

Myth number 1:  Children with dyslexia see letters back to front

This is perhaps one of the most common misconceptions about dyslexia. Dyslexia is not a problem with vision. Letter reversals often happen as a normal part of development and are seen in many kids until first or second grade. 

Myth number 2: Children with dyslexia are sensitive to colour 

Some people will comment that the stark white page and black letters are difficult to read from, but this isn’t dyslexia – dyslexia is about the sounds in words and blending these to read. In very rare cases, a filter may be of assistance for an impaired visual system, but this is not regarded as an effective treatment for dyslexia. 

Myth number 3: Dyslexia is a Comprehension issue 

Dyslexia is about the mechanics of reading, knowing the individual sounds and blending these together to read words. People with dyslexia understand what they are reading and can be very good with oral comprehension, they just have trouble actually reading the words. 

Myth number 4: Dyslexia is a behavioural problem 

Dyslexia is not a behavioural problem. Children with dyslexia have to work so much harder than others to learn all of the words in sounds and this can cause exhaustion and frustration. Children who struggle to keep up in class may develop behaviours in order to cope, be accepted or to avoid the task at hand. 

Myth number 5: Children with dyslexia aren’t smart  

Dyslexia is most definitely not an issue with intelligence and this is perhaps one of the most damaging myths! There is no correlation whatsoever between Dyslexia and intelligence levels.  

Myth number 6: Children with Dyslexia will never learn to read properly 

Dyslexia is a lifelong learning difficulty, however with early screening, diagnosis, evidence-based reading intervention and appropriate accommodations, children with dyslexia can become highly successful students and adults. 

Learning Links can help

 If your child is dyslexic or you think your child might have dyslexia Learning Links can help. We have a range of specialised tutoring, speech pathology services and social skills programs. Get in touch or give us a call on 1300 003 900.