Skills that can be affected by dyslexia

Dyslexia doesn’t only affect reading. It can make a lot of things hard for kids and adults. Here are some of the other skills and behaviors dyslexia can affect — some of which may surprise you.

• Understand and follow directions

• Repeat something in the right order

• Remember words, phrases, names, and directions

• Find the right word to say

• Pronounce words the right way

• Tell the difference between words that sound similar

• Learn and use new words

• Spell and use grammar the right way

• Rhyme

• Stay on topic

• Understand jokes, puns, and sarcasm

• Speak or read out loud with confidence

• “Sound out” and pronounce words while reading

• Get and stay interested in stories and books

• Understand what’s read

• Understand word problems in math

• Write letters, numbers, and symbols in the right order

• Express ideas in an organized way

• Listen and take notes

• Interpret body language and other social cues

• Make and keep friends

• Express feelings appropriately

• Tell left from right

• Build self-esteem

Learn more about how dyslexia can affect social skills. And see how it all can play out for kids and adults:

• A day in the life of a child with dyslexia

• A day in the life of employee with dyslexia