What Is Dyslexia? A Parent-Friendly Guide
Graphic with the title “What Is Dyslexia?” and the subtitle “A Parent-Friendly Guide,” featuring an open book icon with a question mark on a teal background.
Is Someone You Love Struggling to Read? It Could Be Dyslexia.
If someone you care for is bright, curious, and full of ideas—but reading is a daily battle—you’re not alone. Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, affecting about 20% of the population (Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity). And while it can make reading, spelling, and writing more difficult, it’s not a reflection of intelligence.
In fact, many people with dyslexia are highly creative, empathetic, and have strong problem-solving skills. With the right kind of instruction, they can become confident and capable readers.
What Exactly Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a brain-based learning difference that makes it hard to recognize and work with the sounds of spoken language (phonemic awareness), and to connect those sounds with letters and words.
According to the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), dyslexia is characterized by "difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities," often stemming from a deficit in the phonological component of language.
Common signs include:
Trouble remembering letter sounds despite ample instruction
Difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words
Struggles with spelling, even common words
Reversing letters or numbers (like b/d or 6/9)
Slow, effortful reading
Avoiding reading altogether
Dyslexia is not caused by low intelligence or lack of effort. Most struggling readers are trying their hardest—they just need a different approach.
The Problem With “Wait and See”
Many families hear well-meaning advice like “they’ll grow out of it” or “just read more at home.” While that might be true for some, these delays in support can allow frustration and low self-esteem to take root, and they are completely unnecessary.
The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity warns that early intervention is key to long-term success and that delaying support can make things harder in the long run.
Why Diagnosis Isn’t Always Needed (But Support Is)
You don’t need a formal diagnosis of dyslexia to get help. If someone is showing signs and falling behind in reading, they deserve effective, targeted instruction now—not after years of waiting.
At Growing Oaks, our lessons focus on phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, and comprehension—the foundational skills everyone needs to become a fluent reader.
You’re Not Alone—And There’s Help
If someone you love is struggling with reading in the Tyler, Texas area (or even online from another state), Growing Oaks can help. Our one-on-one sessions use a multisensory, research-backed approach to unlock literacy success.
✅ Certified in EBLI (Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction)
✅ Specialized support for dyslexia and other reading challenges
✅ Online and in-person sessions available
Ready to Take the First Step?
Everyone can learn to read with confidence. Schedule a free consultation to see how we can help.
👉 Visit growingoaks.us/appointments