Five things you need to know about dyslexia

1. Many people have dyslexia.

One in five children has dyslexia. Four in ten children find reading hard. By third grade, only about one-third of U.S. children read well. These numbers show why it's so important to help early.

2. Look for these signs.

Reading and spelling problems are often the first signs of dyslexia. But there's more to watch for:

• Trouble remembering their address or birthday

• Mix-ups with days of the week

• Hard time with rhyming

• Using wrong words (like saying "specific" instead of "pacific")

• Trouble learning new languages

  Kids with dyslexia often speak better than they write. This isn't random - it's how their brains work with words.

3. Dyslexia Stays with You - And That's OK.

Kids with dyslexia can learn to read well. The dyslexia isn’t outgrown, but that's OK! Dyslexia isn't about being smart or not smart. It's just a different way of handling written words. If dyslexia is remediated, the tools and skills learned to read far outweigh the struggle.

4. Dyslexia comes with many strengths.

People with dyslexia are often:

• Good with feelings

• Creative

• Great problem solvers

• Quick to understand

• Curious

• Good at seeing the big picture

Did you know? Four out of ten business owners have dyslexia. These strengths aren't by accident - they're part of how dyslexic minds work.

5. There is a way to learn to read.

The Orton-Gillingham (OG) method helps people with dyslexia learn to read. Good teaching should:

• Use all senses (seeing, hearing, moving)

• Go step by step

• Happen twice a week

• Fit each person's needs

• Last about two years

Remember: It's never too early or too late to start!

6. What Now?

Keep learning. Stay strong. Don't give up. With help and the right tools, people with dyslexia can do great things. Their different way of thinking isn't just different - it's special.

Be Knowledgeable.  Be tenacious.  Don’t give up.  You can help.