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Understanding the Signs of Dyslexia

Oct 2, 2024
 
 

understanding the signs of dyslexia

 

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects reading and spelling. While children develop at their own pace, parents may notice when their child struggles with reading, especially compared to siblings or peers. Early identification and intervention are key to overcoming these challenges. By recognizing the signs of dyslexia early, parents can seek timely support that significantly boosts a child’s reading skills and confidence.

At Lindamood-Bell, we believe all individuals, including those diagnosed with dyslexia, can be taught to read and comprehend to their full potential. Our evidence-based, individualized instruction strengthens the sensory-cognitive processes essential for reading and comprehension success.

 

 

Our process begins with a comprehensive Learning Ability Evaluation to identify underlying learning challenges and gain a clear understanding of your child’s unique needs. Based on this evaluation, we create a personalized instruction plan designed to address the root causes of your child’s learning difficulties. Take the first step toward transforming your child’s future—schedule a Learning Ability Evaluation today.

 

Roan’s Story: A Journey to Reading Success for a Student with Dyslexia

Roan’s mother, Ruth, noticed early on that Roan struggled with reading. He would come home from school feeling frustrated and upset, often in tears. Shortly after, Roan was diagnosed with dyslexia and could not read even a single word.

Ruth turned to Lindamood-Bell for support, and after participating in our intensive online instruction, Roan was reading at grade level. His remarkable transformation highlights the impact of our approach.

Watch Roan’s story:  

 

Signs of Dyslexia

While reading avoidance and frustration are common signs of dyslexia, there are specific behaviors to look out for:

1. Sounding Out Words  

Students with dyslexia often struggle to decode words. They might skip or substitute sounds, leading to inaccurate reading. For example, a child may read “steam” instead of “stream.”

2. Sight Words  

Children with dyslexia may have difficulty remembering sight words such as “eye” and “thought.”

3. Reading Fluency  

Even when they can decode words, students with dyslexia may not read fluently. Their reading may sound choppy or disjointed, which can interfere with understanding the meaning of the text.

4. Spelling  

Spelling challenges often accompany dyslexia. Even if a student can spell phonetically, they may not remember the visual patterns of words (orthography).

 

One possible cause of these difficulties with reading and spelling is weak symbol imagery—the ability to visualize letters and words. A significant number of students—even those who have well-developed phonemic awareness—have difficulty rapidly perceiving sounds in words and are slow to self-correct their reading errors. Individuals of all ages can experience the symptoms of weak symbol imagery. 

This causes weakness in:

  • Memorizing sight words
  • Sounding out words
  • Orthographic awareness
  • Phonemic awareness
  • Contextual reading fluency
  • Orthographic spelling

Our instruction features the Seeing Stars program, which develops symbol imagery for reading and spelling. Long overlooked in reading research, symbol imagery is an important function that can now be assessed and developed.

 

How Reading Intervention Changes the Brains of Children with Dyslexia

Recent research titled “Rapid and widespread white matter plasticity during an intensive reading intervention” was published in the journal Nature. The study, from the Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences, University of Washington (UW), examined growth in reading skills and white matter in school-aged, struggling readers. Diffusion MRI data collected during eight weeks of Lindamood-Bell intensive instruction indicates that there were large-scale changes in white matter along with growth in reading skills. In addition, the study identifies white matter tracts that may predict the ease with which a child learns how to read.

signs of dyslexia in the brain

 

Dr. Jason Yeatman, one of the study’s researchers, says that although dyslexia is often thought of as permanent, the findings indicate that the targeted, intensive instruction leads to “substantial” improvements in reading skills and changes in the “underlying wiring of the brain’s reading circuitry.” Read more and access the full article here.

Find more independent research studies and references here. 

Symbol imagery—the ability to visualize letters and words— can be improved through targeted instruction. Improved symbol imagery changes how students read and spell, regardless of their ages or their struggles with literacy—including students with dyslexia. 

Numerous peer-reviewed articles based on studies examining the effectiveness of Lindamood-Bell instruction with dyslexic students have been published in scholarly journals – Summary of Behavioral & Neurological Research—Dyslexia.

 

Hope for Students with Dyslexia

At Lindamood-Bell, students receive individualized instruction using one or more of our evidence-based programs. The Seeing Stars program develops skills needed for phonological processing and orthographic processing in reading and spelling. Seeing Stars instruction can address the needs of students previously diagnosed with dyslexia. From 2008 to 2023, we worked with over 3,000 students who self-reported a dyslexia diagnosis. These students experienced large (statistically significant) improvements in reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension after receiving Seeing Stars instruction.

The following shows the reading performance, pre- and post-instruction, of all students who self-reported as having a diagnosis of dyslexia.

 

Lindamood-Bell® Learning Center Results—Students with Dyslexia

research results for students with dyslexia

Years: Jan. 2008 – Dec. 2023

Number of Students: 3,034

Average Age: 10.2

Average Hours of Instruction:  123.9

Lindamood-Bell Instruction Implemented: Seeing Stars

On average, students with a prior dyslexia diagnosis who received Seeing Stars instruction achieved significant improvements in reading. They made large (statistically significant) standard score changes on seven of eight measures. Vocabulary was not a targeted measure of instruction. The 20-point percentile increase in Word Recognition put these students well within the normal range (25th–75th percentile). The large average standard score change in Paragraph Reading Accuracy should also be noted.

Find additional Learning Center data, including growth made by students with ADHD, Specific Learning Disabilities, and Autism here.

 

Help for Dyslexia at Lindamood-Bell

instruction for students with signs of dyslexia

At Lindamood-Bell, we offer individualized, evidence-based instruction to help students with reading difficulties, including those diagnosed with dyslexia. Whether your child is newly diagnosed or has struggled for years, we believe dyslexia doesn’t have to be a lifelong challenge. For over 35 years, our sensory-cognitive approach has provided hope and lasting results, helping students overcome their reading challenges. We can help your child reach their full potential—learn more about our programs today. Call us at 800-233-1819 or request information.

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Is ADHD a learning disability? Not exactly—but it can make learning harder. Research shows that 30-50% of kids with ADHD also have a learning disability, and the overlap can complicate academic success. Learn how ADHD impacts learning and how targeted instruction at Lindamood-Bell helps students thrive. Read more on our blog! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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🎧 New Podcast Episode Alert! 🎧
Join Beth Nations, Lindamood-Bell’s Director of Learning Centers, and her teenage daughter, Abbie, as they share Abbie’s incredible journey with our comprehension instruction. 🌟 Hear how Abbie overcame learning challenges, built confidence, and developed the skills to succeed both in school and life. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

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Our evidence-based instruction is effective whether you attend in person or live online! Students everywhere, including those with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, can gain new skills and confidence—and have a successful school year. Get info for your student at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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The Lindamood-Bell Academy Virtual Open House is now available on demand! Discover the unique, dynamic school experience your child can thrive in this year:

✓ Evidence-based programs
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🌟 Special Offer: Enroll now and save 15% on one month’s tuition!

👉 Watch now at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Unlock your child’s potential with Lindamood-Bell Academy, our accredited California K-12 private school! 
✓ Evidence-based programs
✓ Personalized K-12 curriculum
✓ Engaging instruction—available in person or live online
🌟 Special Offer: Enroll now and save 15% on one month’s tuition!
👉 Watch our Virtual Open House to learn more. Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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October is Dyslexia Awareness Month! Explore how our Learning Center instruction helps individuals with dyslexia learn how to read to their potential.
 
Back-to-School offers:
Apply your evaluation fee to the cost of instruction
Save up to 15% on sessions through May 2025
Online students may qualify for 20% off their first week
 
Learn more and start today! Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
📚 New Blog Alert: Understanding the Signs of Dyslexia 📚
 
Dyslexia affects reading and spelling, making early identification crucial for success. In our latest article, we explore common signs of dyslexia, including difficulty sounding out words, remembering sight words, and reading fluently.
 
At Lindamood-Bell, we believe everyone can learn to read to their potential. Our evidence-based instruction targets the sensory-cognitive skills essential for reading and comprehension.
 
👉 Read the full article to learn more about the signs of dyslexia, our personalized instruction approach, and how we can support your child’s reading journey. Together, we can unlock your child’s full potential! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
📅 Join us on Thursday, October 3, for the Lindamood-Bell Academy Virtual Open House! Discover the unique, dynamic school experience your child can thrive in this year.
 
✓ Evidence-based programs
✓ Personalized K-12 curriculum
✓ Engaging instruction—available in person or live online

📍This Zoom event will also stream live on Facebook.
 
👉 Register today at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Lindamood-Bell helps students of all ages and abilities catch up or get ahead in reading, comprehension, and math. Contact your local learning center today for special Fall savings on both in-person and online instruction! Get started at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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Lindamood-Bell gives students the confidence and skills they need to succeed in school and beyond! ✨📚

Our personalized instruction in reading, comprehension, and math is effective for learners of all ages and abilities. 🌟 Start your child's learning journey today! 🚀

Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🌟"My seven-year-old with dyslexia is reading!" 🌟
 
Visit our website to hear Roan's inspiring journey. His mom, Ruth, shares how Lindamood-Bell transformed their lives:
“I have my son back now. He no longer struggles with behavioral issues at school. He’s no longer depressed.”
 
🎥 Watch their story at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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Our unique, sensory-cognitive approach helps students make years of progress in literacy and learning skills in a matter of weeks. Contact your local learning center today for special Fall savings on both in-person and online instruction!
🎧New Podcast Episode! 🎧
In this episode, pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. Oren Boxer shares his personal and professional journey with Lindamood-Bell. He discusses how our evidence-based instruction not only aligns with his professional expertise but also helped unlock his own child’s learning potential. ✨
Listen now and subscribe to Lindamood-Bell Radio at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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#LindamoodBell #podcast #testimonial
At Lindamood-Bell Academy, we tailor learning plans to each student’s needs, using unique sensory-cognitive instruction to unlock their full potential. 🌟Special Offer: Enroll now and save 15% on one month of tuition!
📅 Don’t miss our Virtual Open House on Thursday, October 3. Discover more and secure your spot through the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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