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BREADCRUMB

Understanding Dyslexia

Information About Dyslexia and Resources for Families 

Dyslexia* is a specific learning disorder that is neurological in origin and that is characterized by unexpected difficulties with accurate or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities that are not consistent with the person’s intelligence, motivation, and sensory capabilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological components of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge. 

*This definition of dyslexia is adopted by the 65th WA State Legislature, 2018 Regular Session. To view legislative document: E2SSB 6162 (PDF) 

In short, Dyslexia is: 

  • Neurological processing that impacts all things related to the sounds of spoken language (speech processing and production). 

  • It is NOT a visual problem or due to a lack of motivation, interest or exposure to literature 

  • It impacts each individual differently, with a spectrum of severity. 

  • It can impact a student’s ability in reading, spelling, writing, applying vocabulary and/or speech production. 

  • It is NOT a sign or lack of intelligence.  

To learn more about the Early Literacy & Dyslexia Screening process in Bellevue Schools, please visit our webpage at Early Literacy and Dyslexia Screening. Please also view the PowerPoint presentation from our Dyslexia Awareness Event.

Contact Us


Curriculum Developers - Amber Anderson, andersonam@bsd405.org 

Director of K-5 Language & Literacy, Dual & Bilingual Programs, MLL, LAP & Title 1 - Ema Shirk, shirke@bsd405.org  

Executive Director of Teaching and Learning -  Melisa Macias, maciasm@bsd405.org 

More Information About Dyslexia and Resources for Families

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) provides the following resources for schools and families:

About Dyslexia
Dyslexia Fact Sheet (PDF)
Dyslexia Resource Guide
Literacy Screening Information for Parents and Families (Scroll to For Parents and Families)
Family and Caregiver Discussion Guide with Educators and Schools (Scroll to For Parents and Caregivers)
Video: What is dyslexia? from TED-Ed (YouTube)
Video: Dyslexic Strengths (YouTube) from Made By Dyslexia