Home > Dyslexia What is Dyslexia? We subscribe to the definition accepted by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA): Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, its impact can change at different stages in a person’s life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment, and in its more severe forms, will qualify a student for special education, special accommodations. What dyslexia is not: • Dyslexia is not a consequence of low intelligence • It is not a lack of effort • It is not a vision problem • It is not a hearing problem • It is not a developmental disability • It is not a lack of educational opportunity