Most Frequently Asked Questions About Dyslexia:

1. What is Dyslexia?
The following definition was adopted by the Research Committee of IDA, and the National Institute of Health in1994. Dyslexia is one of several distinct learning disabilities. It is a specific language-based disorder of constitutional origin characterized by difficulties in single word decoding, usually reflecting insufficient phonological processing abilities. These difficulties in single word decoding are often unexpected in relation to age and other cognitive and academic abilities. Dyslexia is manifest by variable difficulty with different forms of language, often including, in addition to problems reading, a conspicuous problem with acquiring proficiency in writing and spelling.

Studies show that individuals with dyslexia process information in a different area of the brain than do non-dyslexics.

2. Can dyslexic individuals learn to read and spell?
It is never too late for individuals with dyslexia to learn to read, process and express information more efficiently.

3. Is early identification of dyslexia important?
Yes, if children who are dyslexic get effective phonological training in Kindergarten and 1st grade, they will have significantly fewer problems learning to read at grade level than children who are not identified or helped until 3rd grade or later.

4. What is the best method of treating dyslexia and other written language disorders?
Research shows that programs utilizing a) multisensory structured language techniques, and b) phonologically based language techniques can help children and adults learn to read.

5. How did my child get dyslexia?
The causes for dyslexia are neurobiological and genetic. Research shows that individuals inherit the genetic links for dyslexia. Research also shows biological differences in the brains of dyslexic individuals.

6. Is there a cure for dyslexia?
Dyslexia is not a disease and thus there is no cure.
However, with proper diagnosis, appropriate intervention, hard work and support from family and teachers, individuals who are dyslexic can succeed in school and as working adults.

7. Is everyone who has trouble learning to read and spell dyslexic?
No. Many individuals, who have general language-learning difficulty, also have trouble learning to read and spell.

8. Is the treatment the same for individuals with general language learning difficulties and dyslexics the same?
Although some of the treatment principles are the same, there are some differences. To provide the most efficient treatment, it is helpful to differentiate dyslexia from language learning difficulty that also affects reading and spelling acquisition.

9. What is the best therapy for children who struggle to learn to read and spell?
A multisensory, phonologically based treatment plan from an experienced professional clinician.

10. How do I get the fastest results from treatment?
Children who practice reading and spelling assignments at home with parents learn the strategies for reading and spelling much faster than those who do not practice at home. Reading and spelling reinforce each other and must be practiced until “overlearned” so that the process of reading and spelling sounds in words becomes automatic, effortless, efficient.

11. What does treatment cost?
We charge $800 for the evaluation and then $60 per session for therapy.
Other evaluations available:
$1200.00 for Reading Evaluation and IQ testing
$100.00 for second opinion on Reading Evaluation (completed at other site)
$50.00 for follow up consultation post evaluation

For payment options, please click here.

12. How do I contact the University of Florida Speech and Hearing Clinic to request an evaluation and/or therapy?
Download a history form [click here], complete the history form and mail it to: University of Florida Speech and Hearing Clinic, 452 Dauer Hall, P.O. Box 117420, Gainesville, FL 32611-7420.