Blue Ridge Dyslexia Notes

Dr. Sally Shaywitz and other researchers have documented the typical link between intelligence and reading ability does not fit individuals identified as dyslexic. This research is extremely important to help dyslexic individuals, their educators, family and friends understand that unexpected reading struggles do not reflect their abilities. Rather, just the opposite.

The following quote from David Boies is a personal testimony of the disparity between IQ & reading ability in dyslexic individuals.

David Boies, a well known lawyer, won many high profile cases over the years. As a child, he was unable to read until 3rd grade. Even today, he continues to be a slow reader. However, he feels this has helped him develop other strengths, "I'm not sure how much slower a reader I am than the normal person, but in the end, I will have learned a lot, and absorbed a lot more than they would."

Licensed Dyslexia Therapist

District Dyslexia Coordinator

Blue Ridge ISD

Email: leslie.patterson@brisd.net
Website: http://www.brisd.net/
Location: 318 W. School St., Blue Ridge, TX
Phone: 972-752-5554

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological 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.