What is Dyslexia?
Can a child have dyslexia even if they’re smart or have a big vocabulary?
Yes. In fact, many children with dyslexia are highly verbal and intellectually gifted. Dyslexia is not about intelligence — it’s about how the brain processes written language. A child may speak like an adult but still struggle to decode or spell simple words. These children are often overlooked in early grades.
How is dyslexia different from other reading difficulties?
Dyslexia specifically impacts the ability to link speech sounds (phonemes) with letters and letter patterns (graphemes). It is not caused by low intelligence, poor vision, or lack of instruction. Unlike general reading delays, dyslexia persists without explicit, systematic, phonics-based instruction.
Can dyslexia co-occur with speech and language disorders?
Yes — dyslexia frequently co-occurs with speech sound disorders, expressive/receptive language delays, ADHD, and anxiety. Many children with dyslexia also have a history of late talking, articulation issues, or difficulty with narrative language.
My child passed the school reading screener. Could they still have dyslexia?
Absolutely. School screeners are not diagnostic tools. Many children — especially those with strong verbal skills or compensatory strategies — “pass” screening but still struggle with decoding, spelling, or fluency. A full diagnostic evaluation is needed to identify root causes.
We tried tutoring, but it didn’t work. What makes your approach different?
Many tutoring programs focus on content, not how the brain learns. VMA uses Structured Literacy based on the Science of Reading, paired with clinical insight into language, processing, and attention. VMA treats the cause, not just the symptoms.
Is dyslexia ever outgrown?
No — dyslexia is a lifelong neurological difference. However, with early, intensive, and explicit intervention, most students with dyslexia can become confident, capable readers and writers. The key is targeted instruction matched to their specific needs.
Could my child have dyslexia and ADHD or anxiety?
Yes — and this is very common. Many students with dyslexia also have co-occurring conditions such as:
ADHD (inattentive or combined type)
Generalized anxiety or school avoidance
Speech-language impairments or sensory issues
VMA recognizes the whole child and creates reports and support plans that reflect those overlapping challenges.
How is dyslexia different from a reading delay or “just needing more time”?
A reading delay might be resolved with general classroom support. Dyslexia requires structured, explicit, diagnostic instruction and specific accommodations. It doesn’t go away with more reading practice. Without the right help, these students often fall further behind and may lose confidence in themselves.
What kind of intervention works for dyslexia?
Students with dyslexia benefit from Structured Literacy — an evidence-based approach that is explicit, systematic, cumulative, and diagnostic. Intervention should target phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, and language comprehension. Programs aligned with the Science of Reading are essential..
Can dyslexia be diagnosed by a school?
Most schools screen for dyslexia risk, but few can formally diagnose it — especially not with the depth and documentation needed for medical or legal use. A private evaluation from a qualified professional, like a CCC-SLP with a dyslexia credential, provides the diagnostic clarity and advocacy strength most schools cannot offer.
