What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia as defined by the Texas Education Code (TEC) 38.003
TEC §38.003 defines dyslexia and related disorders in the following way: “Dyslexia” means a disorder of constitutional origin manifested by a difficulty in learning to read, write, or spell, despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence, and sociocultural opportunity. “Related disorders” include disorders similar to or related to dyslexia, such as developmental auditory imperception, dysphasia, specific developmental dyslexia, developmental dysgraphia, and developmental spelling disability. (The Dyslexia Handbook, Update 2024, p.7).
Dyslexia as defined by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.
What are the characteristics of Dyslexia?
Primary characteristics include difficulties:
• Learning the sounds letters make
• Reading words in isolation or reading unknown words
• Reading smoothly with enough speed and accuracy to comprehend
• Spelling
Secondary characteristics may include difficulty:
• Expressing ideas or concepts in writing
• Understanding what is read
Students with dyslexia may also present with additional difficulties and/ or disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), speech and language disorders, and/or other academic needs.
Dyslexia Handbooks
The Texas Education Agency's (TEA) Dyslexia Handbook is the primary source of dyslexia school law in Texas. It provides guidelines for school districts, teachers, students, parents, and guardians on how to identify, evaluate, instruct, and accommodate students with dyslexia.
Dyslexia Handbook
Dyslexia Handbook (Spanish)
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