About Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning difference that primarily affects reading and spelling. It is the most common learning difference affecting these skills. Students with dyslexia may have difficulty connecting the sounds of spoken language to the letters and letter patterns that represent them in print, blending sounds to read unfamiliar words, or developing automatic word recognition.

Dyslexia is neurobiological in origin, meaning it reflects differences in how the brain processes language rather than a lack of intelligence, effort, or motivation. It does not affect a student's ability to think, learn, or be creative. Many students with dyslexia are strong thinkers with excellent verbal skills, but they need explicit, structured instruction that matches the way they process language.

Students do not need a formal diagnosis to receive effective intervention. When reading or spelling skills are significantly behind, instruction can begin right away.

With the right instruction, students with dyslexia can build accurate, fluent reading skills and become confident readers and writers.

Common Characteristics of Dyslexia

  • Difficulty learning letter names and sounds

  • Trouble blending sounds together to read unfamiliar words

  • Slow or inaccurate reading that does not improve with practice

  • Inconsistent or unusual spelling that does not follow expected patterns

  • Difficulty developing automatic word recognition

  • Avoidance of reading and writing tasks

  • A gap between strong verbal ability and written performance

  • A family history of reading or spelling difficulties

Common Misconceptions About Dyslexia

  • Dyslexia is not seeing letters backward. Letter reversals are common among early writers and are not, by themselves, a reliable sign of dyslexia. Dyslexia involves difficulty connecting sounds to print, not a problem with visual perception.

  • Dyslexia is not a sign of low intelligence or low effort. Many students with dyslexia are strong thinkers and hard workers whose reading skills have not caught up with their abilities.

  • Dyslexia is not something a student simply outgrows. Like dysgraphia and dyscalculia, dyslexia responds to explicit, structured instruction that directly teaches the sound-to-print connection.

How We Support Students with Dyslexia

Our tutors use structured, linguistic literacy approaches grounded in the Science of Reading, with certifications and training across programs including EBLI, Reading Simplified, Sounds-Write, and That Reading Thing. Each tutor works within their area of training, and instruction follows a consistent, structured approach designed around the student's needs.

We provide explicit instruction in the skills that support reading and spelling, including phonemic awareness, sound-symbol connections, decoding, word recognition, and spelling patterns. The goal is not simply more reading practice, but targeted instruction that builds the underlying skills students with dyslexia need to become accurate, fluent readers.

We work with students across the full range of dyslexia profiles, from students who are just beginning to struggle to teenagers and adults who have tried multiple programs without enough progress. If your child has an IEP, 504 plan, or outside evaluation, sharing that information helps us understand their learning profile and get started efficiently.

We offer one-on-one instruction in Colorado Springs and online, and we are happy to coordinate with schools and educational therapists when that supports the student.

Resources

  • Close-up image of a dictionary page displaying words starting with 'dys-' including 'dysgenic,' 'dysgraphia,' 'dysgraphic,' 'dysharmonic,' 'dyskinesia,' and 'dyslexia,' along with their pronunciation and definitions.

    Dyslexia: First 100 Days

    Suspect dyslexia? Just diagnosed? Here is a great roadmap for learning about dyslexia

    check it out
  • A black and white illustration of a globe with the words 'Decoding Dyslexia' inside a circle.

    Find your people

    A network of parent-led grassroots movements who aim to raise dyslexia awareness and empower families.

    Connect
  • Diagram illustrating various challenges of dyslexia, including difficulties with reading, writing, spelling, listening, and motor control, caused by issues with memory, spatial/temporal perception, and co-ordination.

    Dyslexia support Facebook

    Dyslexia Support, is an international group for parents of Dyslexics.

    Join
  • A colorful informational poster about the alphabetic principle and phoneme manipulation, featuring a quote from Seidenberg, with a stylized DNA double helix graphic on the left side.

    S2P / SLL / Linguistic Phonics Exploration

    An Exploration of the Linguistic Phonics, or Speech to Print “approach” to teaching reading.

    Connect
Unlocking Literacy: Choosing the right approach
Signs of Dyslexia

A diagnosis is the beginning, not the limit.

Book a free consultation and we will talk about where your child is and what instruction can do.

Let's Talk