Online Dyslexia Handbook
The FCPS online dyslexia handbook provides information and resources to FCPS schools and parents alike as they support students with dyslexia.
Dyslexia Information
Information on Dyslexia and Online Training for Parents
Online Training for Parents
Dyslexia: Fundamentals, Strategies, and Supports for Parents (click each link below to view)
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin and distinguished from other learning disabilities due to weaknesses occurring at the phonological level. 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. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.
Interesting Facts:
- Estimated to affect 15 to 20% of population as whole have characteristics of dyslexia
- Often inherited-runs in families
- Occurs in every language
- Occurs equally in boys and girls, although more commonly diagnosed in boys
(Information from International Dyslexia Association)
Signs of Dyslexia:
Difficulty:
- Acquiring and using written language
- Learning to speak
- Learning letters and their sounds
- Memorizing facts
- Reading quickly enough to comprehend
- Spelling
- Learning a foreign language
- Math operations
**This list is not meant to be exhaustive. Not all students who have difficulties with these skills have dyslexia.
Based on research, instruction for students with dyslexia should be:
- Intensive
- Direct and Explicit
- Systematic and Cumulative
- Multisensory
- Diagnostic and Prescriptive
MRI brain images show that the brain learns by practicing. It can actually get “rewired”!
Clues to Dyslexia
Does your child struggle with reading and spelling? Concerned it might be dyslexia? Compare your child's strengths and difficulties to those we have listed by grade level on this resource: Clues to Dyslexia.
Specialized Reading Programs Chart
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Literacy Matrix: High Incidence Specialized Literacy Instruction
Research-based programs on decoding, fluency, reading comprehension, and writing.
The Parent Resource Center provides workshops for information about dyslexia.
Our Dyslexia Resources includes information such as Regional Points of Contact, Family Guides, Books, and Websites
