Dyslexia
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography. These difficulties occur along a continuum of severity and persist even with instruction that is effective for the individual's peers. The causes of dyslexia are complex and involve combinations of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental influences that interact throughout development. Underlying difficulties with phonological and morphological processing are common but not universal, and early oral language weaknesses often foreshadow literacy challenges.
The International Dyslexia Association
Dyslexia Common Risk Factors
Preschool-Third Grade:
- Failure to understand that words are made up of parts or individual sounds
- Difficulty learning the letter names and their corresponding sound
- Difficulty reading single words in isolation
- Choppy and labored reading
- Difficulty spelling phonetically
Fourth Grade-High School:
- History of reading and spelling difficulties
- Difficulty reading aloud
- Avoids reading for pleasure
- Difficulty learning a foreign language
Post-Secondary:
- Difficulty with spoken vocabulary
- Difficulty completing the reading demands for multiple course requirements
How is a student identified for Dyslexia Services?
Students enrolled in Texas public schools shall be assessed for dyslexia and related disorders at appropriate times (TEC §38.003 (a)). The appropriate time depends on multiple factors including the student's reading performance; reading difficulties; poor response to supplemental, scientifically based reading instruction; teacher's input; and input from the parents/guardians. Schools shall recommend assessment for dyslexia if the student demonstrates the following:
Poor performance in one or more areas of reading and spelling that is unexpected for the student's age/grade
Characteristics and risk factors of dyslexia
Trained dyslexia evaluators administer a battery of assessments. Data from these assessments are analyzed to determine whether the student demonstrates characteristics of dyslexia. The data is presented in a dyslexia evaluation report.
Once the evaluation is complete, the ARD committee will review the data to determine whether the student meets eligibility as a student with dyslexia. If the student is found eligible, the ARD committee will create an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to delineate appropriate services which may include dyslexia intervention classes, instructional accommodations, and/or testing accommodations.
Click here to view the Procedural Safeguards and the Parent’s Guide to ARD documents
in both English and Spanish on our Special Population Notices webpage.
Dyslexia Resource for Parents and Students
Dyslexia Handbook
Dixlexia – Hoja de datos para las familias
Texas Education Agency Dyslexia and Related Disorders
Overview of Special Education for Parents
Información general para los padres sobre la educación especial
House Bill (HB) 3928 Dyslexia Evaluation, Identification, and Instruction
Child Find Information
Talking Book Program English Flyer Folleto del programa del libro que habla
The Talking Book Program (TBP) offers students with reading disabilities - such as dyslexia - a variety of reading materials, from Pre-K to young adults. Digital audiobooks allow students to read the latest bestseller or a classic book needed for a classroom assignment.
Qualified students can apply to the free program.
For more information or questions, visitTexas Talking Books or call 1-800-252-9605 or 512-463-5458 in Austin.
BARD Mobile App
The Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) is a free web-based service that provides access to thousands of digital audiobooks, magazines and music scores.
The BARD Mobile app for Android, iOS, and Kindle may be downloaded through the App Store, Google Play Store and Amazon Appstore.
TBP patrons can ask questions about BARD Mobile by calling TBP toll-free at 1-800-252-9605 in Texas or 512-463-5458 in Austin. You can also visit TBP’s homepage for more information at Test Talking Books