Dyslexia

Only a test given by an expert can show if you are dyslexic. But there are signs to watch for. Do any of these statements describe you?

Reading:

• I see letters and words in reverse.
• I see letters and words bunched together.
• I see letters grow and shrink.
• I see letters move and disappear.
• I see words that aren't there.
• I have trouble sounding out letters.
• I make many mistakes when reading aloud.
• I often skip words or lines.
• I often lose my place on the page.
• I can read only one word at a time.
• I feel dizzy or get headaches while reading.
• I don't understand what I read.

Writing and Spelling:

• I reverse letters when writing.
• I bunch letters together.
• I mix up or leave out letters in words.
• I have very poor handwriting.
• I have a hard time copying words.
• I can't picture words in my mind.

Math:

• I have trouble with addition and subtraction.
• The numbers seem to ump around.
• I come up with a different answer than everyone else does when I do multipli cation or division.
• I don't see some of the problems on the page.
• I add when I should subtract.
• I divide when I should add two numbers.

Speaking and Listening:

• I can't remember words I want to say.
• I have a difficult time making some speech sounds.
• I don't hear or listen to what is said to me.
• I have a hard time remembering instructions.
• Sounds seem closer or farther away than they really are.

Other Signs:

• I often confuse left and right.
• I have trouble telling time and being on time for appointments.
• I am not well organized.
• I have trouble making decisions.
• My mind wanders easily.
• It's hard for me to sit still.
• I feel dumb.
• Other kids seem to learn and understand things much faster and read with much less difficulty.
• Someone in my family has dyslexia.

If you find yourself agreeing with many of these statements, especially in the reading, writing, and spelling categories, you may have dyslexia or another learning disability. Speak with your parents or with a teacher or counselor about being tested for dyslexia.