Misconceptions About Dyslexia: Fact or Fiction?

While dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities, affecting 1 in 5 people, there are countless misconceptions about dyslexia that still remain. Dyslexia remains largely misunderstood by most, including many stakeholders in education.

Because of this, it’s crucial we sort facts from fiction, with the goal of dispelling several big misconceptions about dyslexia. We will do this with a little game called Fact or Fiction, where we will analyze five statements about dyslexia.

1. Students with dyslexia cannot learn to read.

Fiction. With a researched-based, multi-sensory, structured literacy approach, students with dyslexia can learn to read.

The gold-standard for supporting students with dyslexia is Orton-Gillingham. The Orton-Gillingham approach explicitly breaks down reading and spelling into smaller skills in an intentional, sequential order.

2. Students with dyslexia are often just as intelligent and gifted as their peers without dyslexia.

Fact. Dyslexia is a neurological learning disability, not a cognitive disability. There is zero correlation between dyslexia and low intelligence. In fact, students with dyslexia learn to develop a number of advantages, such as increased creativity, increased problem-solving skills, and divergent thinking.

3. Dyslexia is something students naturally outgrow

Fiction. Dyslexia is not a phase students will outgrow, but with early identification and intervention, students can be successful in school and in life.

4. Dyslexia is caused by a lack of motivation or laziness.

Fiction. Students with dyslexia often must work harder and longer on a task than their non-dyslexic peers. This, paired with the misconception that the symptoms of dyslexia are symptoms of low intelligence, can wreak havoc on a student’s confidence.

5. Dyslexia is caused by parents not reading enough to their kids.

Fiction. Dyslexia isn’t caused by a lack of exposure to reading. Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects a student’s language processing ability.

Children benefit most from systemic, cumulative, and explicit instruction in order to learn how to read. Unfortunately, many teachers aren’t adequately trained in understanding and identifying the warning signs of dyslexia, as well as effective interventions to support students with dyslexia. This means countless students are not getting the support they need to be successful.

Every child can learn how to read with the right instruction. At Strive Learning Solutions, we have a team of highly trained dyslexia specialists that would love to support your child. Each dyslexia specialist is trained in Orton-Gillingham, has a masters degree, and at least five years of experience supporting students with dyslexia.

To get your child they support they need, inquire today or book your free consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can students with dyslexia learn to read?
Yes. With the right instruction, students with dyslexia can absolutely learn to read. Research shows that structured literacy methods, such as the Orton-Gillingham approach, help students build reading and spelling skills step by step through explicit, multisensory instruction.

Is dyslexia related to low intelligence?
No, dyslexia has no connection to intelligence. Students with dyslexia are just as bright as their peers and often develop unique strengths in creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The challenge lies in how the brain processes language, not in any intellectual challenges.

Do students ever outgrow dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a lifelong neurological difference, not something children simply outgrow. However, with early intervention and ongoing support, students with dyslexia can become confident, fluent readers who thrive in school and beyond.

Does Strive Learning Solutions offer dyslexia tutoring in Denver?
Yes. Strive Learning Solutions provides Orton-Gillingham–based dyslexia tutoring across the Denver Metro area — including Arvada, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, and Golden — as well as virtual sessions for families anywhere. Every dyslexia specialist on our team holds a master’s degree, Orton-Gillingham training, and extensive classroom experience.