Dyslexia is a basket term for having a specific learning disability
that affects reading and is thought to be language based. Getting this
type of diagnosis really doesn't help you with anything. It is much
better to be tested for learning disabilities by a psychologist. You
school district will do it if your child is doing poorly at school.
A learning disability is a neurological disorder. The person's brain is
wired differently and though he or she may be as smart as anyone else,
they have trouble with reading, writing, organizing and remembering.
Some of the recognized learning disabilities that affect reading (and
other things) are deficits in the following:
Auditory Sequencing - Confusion with number sequences, lists or lists of directions. Hearing ninety-four instead of forty-nine.
Auditory Memory - Difficulty remembering what was heard, difficulty remembering important items from a lecture. Spells poorly.
Visual Sequencing - Problems in using a separate answer sheet. Loses
place easily. Problems with reading. Reversing or misreading numbers of
letters. Reading words incorrectly. Difficulty with equations.
Visual Memory - Difficulty remembering what was seen. Reading
comprehension. Difficulty with math equations. Poor recall of
information.
Dysgraphia - Inability to form letters correctly. students cannot read their own writing.
Visual Motor Integration - Mechanical problems in test taking.
Difficulty copying from board or book. Spaces poorly. Poor written
work. Unorganized.