Updated February 2026
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.
Dyslexia is the most common learning difference, yet it remains widely misunderstood. Misconceptions about dyslexia often delay intervention, damage student confidence, and prevent families from seeking the right support.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
By the end of this article, you’ll have greater clarity about what dyslexia is, what it is not, and how research-based instruction can help students become confident, capable readers.
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.
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.
Fiction. Dyslexia is not a phase students will outgrow, but with early identification and intervention, students can be successful in school and in life.
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.
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!
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.
Brian Allender is the founder of Strive Learning Solutions, a specialized tutoring company focused on supporting neurodivergent students, including those with learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Strive Learning Solutions provides highly personalized, expert instruction to build both academic skills and confidence. With nearly a decade of experience working with neurodivergent students across all grade levels, Brian leads a team committed to empowering students to make meaningful, lasting progress.
