Some of the characteristics of dyslexia are:
- Appears bright, highly intelligent and articulate, however, unable to read, write or spell at grade level.
- High in IQ, yet doesn’t perform well in tests
- Feels stupid; has poor self-esteem
- Easily frustrated and emotional about school, reading or testing.
- Can be a class clown, troublemaker, or too quiet and keen to please.
- Seems to “zone out” or daydream; gets lost easily
- May omit, reverse or substitute words
- Has low reading comprehension
- Loses track of time; time has no real meaning
- Easily frustrated and emotional about school, reading or testing.
- Trouble with writing or copying.
- Handwriting varies or is illegible
- Talented in art, drama, music, sports, story-telling, building, engineering, architecture.
No two dyslexics are ever the same, and present with different characteristics.
- While some may be talented athletes
- others may have very poor coordination and be clumsy. (Dyspraxia)
- Others may have difficulty gathering their thoughts or forming words,
- while some have a talent for speaking on their feet.
- Some will find writing difficult or particular fonts challenging (Dysgraphia)
- Others will have excellent and legible writing – seeing it more as design, patterns and drawing – and love investigating different fonts.
- still others may have difficultly with concentration,
- hearing may be either acute or poor
- Gifts and talents can be in a range of areas: from the creative or a fascination with the natural world and all things scientific; to an affinity with all things
Adapted from the article at “37 Common Characteristics of Dyslexia” © 1992 by Ronald D. Davis.