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:

About the author

About the author

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Sheldon H. Horowitz, EdD is senior director of learning resources and research at the National Center for Learning Disabilities.

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