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37 Common Characteristics of Dyslexia

                    © 1992 by Ronald D. Davis.
                    Reprinted with permission             Page 1of 2

Most dyslexics will exhibit about 10 of the following traits and behaviours. These characteristics can vary from day-to-day or minute-to-minute. The most consistent thing about dyslexics is their inconsistency.

General

  • Appears bright, highly intelligent, and articulate but unable to read, write, or spell at grade level.
     
  • Labelled lazy, dumb, careless, immature, "not trying hard enough," or "behaviour problem."
     
  • Isn't "behind enough" or "bad enough" to be helped in the school setting.
     
  • High in IQ, yet may not test well academically; tests well orally, but not written.
     
  • Feels dumb; has poor self-esteem; hides or covers up weaknesses with ingenious compensatory strategies; easily frustrated and emotional about school reading or testing.
     
  • Talented in art, drama, music, sports, mechanics, story-telling, sales, business, designing, building, or engineering.
     
  • Seems to "Zone out" or daydream often; gets lost easily or loses track of time.
     
  • Difficulty sustaining attention; seems "hyper" or "daydreamer."
     
  • Learns best through hands-on experience, demonstrations, experimentation, observation, and visual aids.

Writing and Motor Skills

  • Trouble with writing or copying; pencil grip is unusual; handwriting varies or is illegible.
     
  • Clumsy, uncoordinated, poor at ball or team sports; difficulties with fine and/or gross motor skills and tasks; prone to motion-sickness.
     
  • Can be ambidextrous, and often confuses left/right, over/under.

Math and Time Management

  • Has difficulty telling time, managing time, learning sequenced information or tasks, or being on time.
     
  • Computing math shows dependence on finger counting and other tricks; knows answers, but can't do it on paper.
     
  • Can count, but has difficulty counting objects and dealing with money.
     
  • Can do arithmetic, but fails word problems; cannot grasp algebra or higher math.

Memory and Cognition

  • Excellent long-term memory for experiences, locations, and faces.
     
  • Poor memory for sequences, facts and information that has not been experienced.
     
  • Thinks primarily with images and feeling, not sounds or words (little internal dialogue).

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Professional services described as Davis®, Davis Dyslexia Correction®,  Davis Symbol Mastery®, Davis Orientation Counselling®, Davis Math Strategies® and Davis Learning Strategies® may only be provided by persons who are employed by a licensed Davis Specialist, or who are trained and licensed as Davis Facilitators by Davis Dyslexia Association International.